Mystical Enoshima: Island of Dragons and Shrines
On this guided driving and walking tour, we’ll explore ancient shrines dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, know about Enoshima’s legendary dragon, and visit hidden spots known mostly to locals.
More than a sightseeing tour, this is an opportunity to connect with the spirit of Enoshima and experience the island at a slower, more meaningful pace.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kamakura station (East exit)
- I’ll be waiting in front of the map board directly outside the ticket gates at JR Kamakura Station(East exit).
Arrived at Enoshima!
From Kamakura Station, we’ll head to Enoshima along Route 134, one of Japan’s most beautiful coastal roads.
To your left is the expansive Pacific Ocean and Shichirigahama, a legendary surf beach loved by local surfers for its excellent waves.
To your right, you may spot the charming Enoden train, a beloved local railway that has been connecting Kamakura and Enoshima for over a century.
Most visitors travel between Kamakura and Enoshima by the Enoden train, as there is no direct bus service connecting the two. Driving this coastal route gives you a special opportunity to enjoy panoramic ocean views and experience the area from a different perspective—something many visitors miss.
Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street
Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street is the lively shopping street leading up to the shrine. It is lined with local souvenir shops, traditional snacks, seafood restaurants, and specialty stores, offering a taste of Enoshima’s unique culture and atmosphere.
Enoshima Shrine
Enoshima Shrine is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and the arts, making it a popular place for musicians and artists to pray for inspiration and success.
The shrine has a history of more than 1,400 years and consists of three separate shrine buildings located around Enoshima Island.
Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden
Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden is a beautiful botanical garden established on the site of a former garden created by Samuel Cocking, a British merchant who lived in Japan during the Meiji era. Today, visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, ocean views, and a relaxing atmosphere in the heart of Enoshima.
From the garden, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji, the coastline, and Sagami Bay on a clear day.
Enoshima Iwaya Caves
The Enoshima Iwaya Caves are the island’s oldest sacred site. Carved by the power of the ocean over thousands of years, these caves have long been a place of worship and are connected to the legend of the dragon and Benzaiten, the guardian deity of Enoshima.
Many people believe that Enoshima’s history began here, making these caves one of the island’s most important spiritual sites.
LUNCH
Rather than taking you to tourist-oriented restaurants, I would like to introduce you to local favorites that are loved by residents of the area.
I am happy to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options. Please let me know your requirements when booking, and I will make a reservation accordingly.
Available cuisine options include:
Japanese Cuisine
* Soba (buckwheat noodles)
* Sushi
* Udon noodles
Western & International Cuisine
* Italian
* Retro-style Japanese cafés (Kissaten)
* French
* Gourmet hot dogs
* Hamburgers
* Tacos
Other Options
* Ramen
* Chinese cuisine
* Thai cuisine
* Indian and other curry dishes
* Various ethnic cuisines
Every meal is carefully selected to give you a taste of the local culture, not just the typical tourist experience.
One gift destination only for you
Kamakura offers temples and shrines, beautiful beaches, scenic hills, charming shopping streets, and many other fascinating places to explore.
Over lunch, I’d love to get to know you better and hear about your interests. Together, we can decide where to spend the afternoon based on what appeals to you most.
My hope is to create a Kamakura experience that feels personal, memorable, and perfectly suited to you—making your time here truly the best it can be.
Ending Point
Kamakura station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation fee
- Type of car (HONDA Freed)
- Toll fee
- Gasoline fee
- Parking fee
• Entrance fees (about $7)
• Lunch ($15~50)
• Personal expenses (such as souvenirs)
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Important message from the supplier
The best time is from early morning to late afternoon, but I’m happy to be flexible and adjust according to your needs.
As some of my tours are weather-dependent, they may need to be canceled in case of unfavorable weather conditions.
In such cases, I will be happy to offer you the option to reschedule or provide a full refund.
I truly appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Yuka M.
Surrounded by both the sea and the mountains, beautiful Shonan is a place where you can experience incredible food, culture, history, spirituality, art, and outdoor adventures.
Many of its hidden gems are located away from train stations and are difficult—or even impossible—to reach by public transportation.
As someone who was born and raised in Shonan, I’d love to take you beyond the typical tourist spots and introduce you to the area’s hidden treasures that only locals know.
Traveling by car, we’ll explore authentic local routes that most visitors never get to see. Every tour is designed around the season, the weather, and your interests, making each experience unique.
This isn’t just a sightseeing tour—it’s your chance to discover the real Shonan through the eyes of a local.
$278/ per group
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