Enoshima Island's 2024 Summer Light-up: Sparkling Lanterns and a Fantastical Light Installation at Enoshima Shrine
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If this is not your first year in Japan, you know that Summer in Tokyo brings hot and humid weather, often reaching over 30 degrees Celsius. Despite the heat, Tokyoites embrace the season with enthusiasm. From cooling off with shaved ice treats (Kakigori) and cold noodles to enjoying festivals like Tanabata, traditional Awaodori and Obon dance, and fireworks displays along the river. Tokyo’s parks offer green spaces to relax, and many also in air-conditioned malls, museums, and trendy cafes.
Located off Fujisawa City in Kanagawa Prefecture, Enoshima (江の島) is a small island renowned for its scenic beauty and rich cultural history. Enoshima is a popular destination known for its ancient shrines, beautiful gardens like Samuel Cocking Garden, and stunning views of Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay.
Visitors can enjoy delicious local cuisine with fresh seafood, explore local shops, and attend vibrant festivals, making Enoshima one of the favorite getaways for Tokyo residents throughout the year. But especially in summer, Enoshima comes alive with music festivals on the beach and, more recently, they host an annual projection mapping event! Enoshima Lanterns is a Summer Light-up with sparkling lanterns and a fantastical light installation held around the famous Enoshima Shrine from July 20 to August 31, 2024.
This Summer don’t let the heat stop you from enjoying Japan!
Enoshima Lanterns 2024
Enoshima’s winter Illumination, the Jewel of Shonan, is one of the most popular winter illuminations in the Kanto area. Now in summer, Enoshima continues to captivate with its annual event, Enoshima Lanterns, illuminating the island with a magical display of lights. This summer tradition sees over 1,000 lanterns lighting up key spots like Enoshima Shrine, Samuel Cocking Garden, and Enoshima Sea Candle.
Of particular interest is the Emakimono of Light, a fantastical light installation unfolding from the Zuishinmon Gate at Enoshima Shrine to the Benten Pavilion. Created under the theme of “designing the air,” VELVETA DESIGN has been responsible for this creation, upgrading its content annually since its debut in 2021.
Enoshima Island’s Emakimono of Light is inspired by the romantic tale of its origins, Enoshima Engi. In the summer of 2024, this enchanting illumination will unfold in two phases: the first phase starting from July 20, coinciding with the opening of Enoshima Lanterns 2024, and the second phase starting from July 30. Visitors can experience the sparkling installations in two stages, offering a captivating journey across Enoshima Island.
During the first phase of the event, Enoshima will showcase an installation at Zuishinmon Gate inspired by the floral patterns of traditional shellwork, beloved on the island for generations. This Emakimono of Light transforms these motifs into a radiant cutout display, evoking the beauty of flowers in a new light. Also debuting is Shadow Lanterns, a captivating addition featuring striking contrasts of light and shadow that promises to be a highlight worth experiencing.
In the second phase of the event, the light cutouts inspired by intricate shellwork designs will return to Enoshima. Positioned at Benten Pavilion, beyond the stone steps lit by the Guiding Light from Zuishinmon Gate, visitors can enjoy a peaceful view.
Also new are the Hagoromo Lanterns, with fabrics gently swaying in the wind. Enjoy the serene atmosphere with the soothing sounds of shellwork wind chimes, experiencing the magical play of light dancing through these celestial-inspired fabrics.
This event showcases enchanting nighttime illuminations across various locations on Enoshima Island, offering visitors a magical experience against the backdrop of its scenic beauty!
Enoshima Lanterns 2024, Certified as Japan Night View Heritage
Event Period: July 20, 2024 (Sat) – August 31, 2024 (Sat)
- Phase 1: July 20 (Sat), Phase 2: July 30 (Tue)
Location: Enoshima Island, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hc27e3Chn95Tm4dK7
Operating Hours:
- Enoshima Shrine, Iwaya Cave Street, Kamegaoka Square: 18:00 – 20:30
- Samuel Cocking Garden, Enoshima Sea Candle: Weekdays 18:00 – 20:30 (Last entry 20:00) / Weekends and holidays, August 10 (Sat) – August 18 (Sun): 18:00 – 21:00 (Last entry 20:30)
- Enoshima Iwaya: 9:00 – 18:00 (Last entry)
Official Website (Japanese only): https://enoshima-seacandle.com/event/enoshimatourou/
Nighttime illuminations map:
How to Get to Enoshima from Tokyo
To travel from Tokyo to Enoshima, you can take the following route:
1. By Train:
- Take the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station to Fujisawa Station. The journey takes about 50-60 minutes depending on the train.
- At Fujisawa Station, transfer to the Odakyu Enoshima Line (also known as the Enoden Line).
- Take the Enoden Line from Fujisawa Station to Enoshima Station. The Enoden Line ride is approximately 20 minutes.
- From Enoshima Station, it’s a short walk or tram ride to the bridge that connects to Enoshima Island.
2. By Odakyu Romancecar:
- Alternatively, you can take the Odakyu Romancecar limited express train from Shinjuku Station to Katase-Enoshima Station. This is a direct route and takes about 65-70 minutes.
- From Katase-Enoshima Station, it’s a 10-15 minute walk or a short tram ride to Enoshima Island.
Both routes offer scenic views along the way and are convenient for a day trip or longer visit to Enoshima from Tokyo.
If you are wondering what to do in Kanagawa, check this article below!
▶︎Top Things to Do in Kanagawa
Are you also looking for things to do in the areas near Yokohama?
▶︎Best Things to Do in Hakone
Enoshima is really close to Kamakura, another popular spot for one day trips from Tokyo, with several Japanese old shrines and temples, shopping street, delicious foos and more! Usually visitors go first to Kamakura in the morning, then they visit Enoshima. For more information about the Kamakura area, please check out these articles, too!🙂
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Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.
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