Enoshima Lanterns: Projection Mapping at Enoshima Island in Summer 2024

Enoshima Island's 2025 Summer Light-up: Sparkling Lanterns and a Fantastical Light Installation at Enoshima Shrine

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 (江の島灯籠) is a summer light-up with sparkling lanterns and a fantastical light installation held around the famous Enoshima Shrine from July 19 to August 31, 2025.

Enoshima Lanterns 2025

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. This enchanting illumination will unfold in two phases: the first phase starting from July 19, coinciding with the opening of Enoshima Lanterns 2025, and the second phase starting from July 27. Visitors can experience the sparkling installations in two stages, offering a captivating journey across Enoshima Island.

Copyright © 湘南藤沢活性化コンソーシアム

The first period, which began on 19th July, will feature light cutout motifs centered around Zuishinmon Gate, with the addition of sounds that bring about a sense of coolness. This year, a new motif will be added, the “summer evening moon”, which has always illuminated Enoshima, making it even more gorgeous.

Copyright © 湘南藤沢活性化コンソーシアム

The second period, which will begin on 27th July, will take you to Hetsumiya Shrine, which can be reached by climbing up the stone steps that represent the “guidance of light” with sparkles from Zuishinmon Gate. Under the reed mats that hang over the path to the main hall, shell-crafted wind chimes will play a refreshing sound, while ukiyo-e works set in Enoshima will be projected onto a fluttering cloth that resembles a feather robe. You can experience a fantastic space that expresses the charm of Enoshima, which has nurtured the culture of this area since ancient times.

Copyright © 湘南藤沢活性化コンソーシアム

This year, the light production area has been expanded to include the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, a park facility located at the top of Enoshima. A new production will be introduced, depicting a large, fantastically shining lantern as the rich nature is lit up with colorful lights. You can enjoy it throughout the season from the first period, so why not take a walk to the foot of the Sea Candle to enjoy the cool evening air?

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 2025 (江の島灯籠 2025)

Event Period: July 19 (Sat) – August 31, 2025 (Sun)

  • Phase 1: July 19 (Sat), Phase 2: July 27 (Sun)

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/

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 Enoshima, check this article below!
▶︎Top Things to Do in Enoshima

Are you also looking for things to do in Kanagawa Prefecture?
▶︎Top Things to Do in Kanagawa

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!

Written by

From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover. 

I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and dramas, 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.