Enoshima Island and Katase Beach
- Mieko Horikoshi
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Enoshima Island and Katase Beach hold a special spot in my heart.
I grew up nearby. One Sunday morning when I was seven, I had just learned how to ride a bicycle. I woke up early, quietly slipped out of the house, and rode straight to the beach. The ocean breeze greeted me, brushing against my slightly sweaty hairline. The sense of accomplishment filled me with pure joy, and I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear.
Since then, every time I visit Katase Beach and look out toward Enoshima Island, I feel uplifted. It’s not only happiness—it’s a deep sense of connection and groundedness, as if I am exactly where I am meant to be.
Where are Enoshima Island and Katase Beach?
Shonan is a coastal region in Kanagawa Prefecture, stretching along Sagami Bay to the southwest of Tokyo. Famous for Enoshima Island and Katase Beach, as well as its breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, Shonan has long been both a popular getaway and a cherished retreat.
Enoshima Island and Katase Beach are located in the city of Fujisawa. One of Enoshima’s greatest charms is the approach itself—you cross a scenic bridge over the water to reach the island. At certain times of year and during the right tide, a natural sandbar called a tombolo appears, allowing visitors to walk across the sea to Enoshima. This rare phenomenon adds to the island’s unique allure.
A little History of Enoshima Island and Katase Beach
According to old manuscripts, the earliest record of Enoshima dates back to the year 552, when the island was said to have suddenly risen from the sea. Emperor Kinmei then ordered the construction of a shrine, and ever since, Enoshima has been revered as a sacred site and a place for spiritual training. Even Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu traveled from Edo (present-day Tokyo) to pray for the prosperity and success of his family.
Poet Yosano Akiko (1878–1942) left behind this beautiful verse about Enoshima’s cave:
An off-shore sea breeze sweeps in, the candle flame quivers, scattering tiny sparks deep inside Enoshima's cave
And many renowned works took shape, inspired by this beautiful Shonan setting. Natsume Sōseki, Dazai Osamu, and Kawabata Yasunari, among many other literary giants, adored this region—much like a seaside salon of ideas and creativity.
Enoshima Island and Katase Beach Today
Today, Katase Beach is lined with parks and a popular aquarium, and Enoshima itself has even become a beloved setting in anime. Locals treasure these places, and visitors come not only from across Japan but from all over the world.
For me, Enoshima and Katase are also where I love to capture portraits for my clients. The fresh morning air, the glow of sunset over the water, and the timeless backdrop of this coastal retreat all make it a truly special stage for lasting memories.
Access from Tokyo
There are several convenient ways to get there.
From Shinjuku Station
Take the Odakyu Line directly to Katase-Enoshima Station (about 1.5 hours). Alternatively, you can take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Fujisawa Station. From there, transfer to the Odakyu Line for Katase-Enoshima Station, or ride the charming Enoden Line to Enoshima Station. Keep in mind that getting off at Enoden’s Enoshima Station will add a longer walk to the beach.
From Tokyo Station
From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido Line or the Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Fujisawa Station (about 1 hour). Then transfer to either the Enoden Line for Enoshima Station, or the Odakyu Line for Katase-Enoshima Station.
By Monorail
If you’d like a unique experience, take the JR Tokaido Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Ofuna Station (one stop before Fujisawa). From there, hop on the Shonan Monorail to Shonan-Enoshima Station (about 14 minutes) and enjoy the feeling of “floating travel” as the monorail glides above the streets.
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