Best places to visit in Shōnan

Shōnan's Unmissable Coastal Gems

This collection highlights the coastal landscape of Fujisawa and Kamakura, centered on the offshore island of Enoshima. It features the Iwaya sea caves, the 19th-century Samuel Cocking botanical garden, and the landmark Sea Candle lighthouse. Spiritual sites include the ancient Ejima Shrine and Manpukuji, where samurai history was written. The area is connected by the scenic Enoshima Electric Railway and includes Katase Higashihama, a shallow sandy beach recognized among Japan’s top bathing spots.

Shōnan's Unmissable Coastal Gems — Map

DXR / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Enoshima Observation Lighthouse Sea Candle

The Enoshima Sea Candle, also known as the Shonan Observatory Lighthouse, is an observation tower and lighthouse located in the Samuel…

Nesnad / CC BY 3.0

B

Enoshima Island

This small offshore island connected by a bridge with the mainland offers a decent variety of attractions, including a park, shrine,…

Aimaimyi / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Ejima Shrine

Enoshima Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the worship of the kami Benten.

kamakura / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Ryūkō-ji (Fujisawa)

Ryūkō-ji is a temple of the Nichiren Shū in the city of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Miyuki Meinaka / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Katase Higashihama beach

A 560-meter shallow sandy beach designated as one of Japan's top 88 bathing areas. It offers views of Enoshima and the Miura Peninsula.

F

Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden

Botanical garden established in 1882 by a British merchant. It combines Japanese and Western styles, featuring seasonal flowers and the ruins of a historic greenhouse.

G

1st Cave

A 152-meter natural sea cave formed by coastal erosion. Historically used as a site for Buddhist training, it houses various stone statues.

H

2nd Cave

A 56-meter sea cave dedicated to the legend of the five-headed dragon. It features atmospheric lighting and views of the rocky coastline.

姫神 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

I

Enoshima

Enoshima Station is a commuter railway station on the Enoshima Electric Railway located in the city of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture,…

J

Katase-Enoshima

Terminal station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line featuring a distinctive Ryūgū-jō (Dragon Palace) architectural style, rebuilt in 2020.

Zenderafan / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Kodama Shrine

Shinto shrine dedicated to General Kodama Gentaro. The structures are built from Taiwanese cypress and stone, reflecting the general's historical ties to Taiwan.

小池隆 / CC BY 3.0

L

MANPUKUJI SHRINE

Shingon Buddhist temple famous as the site where Minamoto no Yoshitsune drafted the Koshigoe Letter in 1185. It contains artifacts related to the Genpei War.

Twkz0731 / CC BY-SA 4.0

M

本成寺

Nichiren Buddhist temple in Koshigoe. It serves as one of the eight guardian temples traditionally responsible for the maintenance of nearby Ryūkō-ji.