Kanagawa: Shopping & Temple Visit Tour in Enoshima Island

Enoshima Island, located in the Kanagawa prefecture, offers a captivating blend of cultural and natural wonders. The Kanagawa: Shopping & Temple Visit Tour invites visitors to explore this enchanting destination, immersing them in the sacred Eshima Shrine, the mystical Enoshima Iwaya cave, and the charming local shops and eateries. With knowledgeable guides and a convenient itinerary, this 2.5-hour tour promises an unforgettable adventure, seamlessly connecting the island’s rich history, spiritual significance, and culinary delights. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this journey?

Key Points

• Guided tour of Enoshima Island, including visits to Eshima Shrine and Enoshima Iwaya cave, with opportunities for shopping and local food tasting.
• 2.5-hour tour with an English-speaking guide, priced from $79.35 per person for a maximum of 4 guests.
• Highlights include a 30-minute guided tour of Eshima Shrine, 45-minute exploration of Enoshima Iwaya cave, and a 10-minute scenic ride on the Enoshima Escalator.
• Tour features cultural activities and experiences, such as candlelit cave walks and learning about dragon legends and imagery prevalent on the island.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a stress-free planning experience for participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Kanagawa: Shopping & Temple Visit Tour in Enoshima Island is a 2.5-hour guided experience that takes participants on a scenic and cultural exploration of this popular Japanese destination.

Priced from $79.35 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 4 guests and is offered in English.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without immediate payment.

The itinerary highlights key sites like Eshima Shrine and Enoshima Iwaya cave, providing opportunities to immerse in the island’s folklore and gourmet offerings.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at Katase-Enoshima Station, where participants meet their English-speaking guide. Together, they embark on a journey to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Enoshima Island. The key sites on the itinerary include the Eshima Shrine, dedicated to the god of marriage, entertainment, music, and wisdom, and the Enoshima Iwaya, a 6,000-year-old cave. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views and unique experiences, such as candlelit cave walks. Throughout the tour, there are opportunities to savor Enoshima’s gourmet food and engage in local shopping.

Site	Activity	Duration
Eshima Shrine	Guided tour	30 minutes
Enoshima Iwaya	Cave exploration	45 minutes
Enoshima Escalator	Scenic ride	10 minutes
Local Shops	Free time for shopping	30 minutes
Enoshima Gourmet	Tasting and exploration	15 minutes

Cultural Significance

Enoshima is a popular tourist destination in Japan, often featured in movies and media. The island is rich in folklore, including dragon legends, with dragon imagery present throughout.

Visitors can engage in unique experiences like candlelit cave walks within the 6,000-year-old Enoshima Iwaya cave.

The island’s cultural significance extends to its spiritual sites, such as Eshima Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of marriage, entertainment, music, and wisdom.

Through these cultural activities and natural wonders, travelers can enjoy Enoshima’s captivating blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty.

Inclusions

This guided tour includes a knowledgeable tour guide who’ll lead participants through the key sights and experiences.

Admission to the Enoshima Iwaya cave is provided, allowing visitors to explore this 6,000-year-old geological wonder.

Plus, tickets for the Enoshima escalator, which transports guests up the steep hillside, are included.

While the tour guide handles logistics, guests are free to explore the island’s shops and sample the local Enoshima gourmet food at their own expense.

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Booking Information

When checking availability for this tour, guests can select from the various starting times offered.

The meeting point is conveniently located at the Katase-Enoshima Station and is easily accessible on Google Maps.

Guests have the flexibility to book their spot without any immediate payment, allowing them to reserve their place in advance.

Plus, the tour offers a free cancellation policy, enabling guests to cancel up to 24 hours prior to the start time and receive a full refund.

This booking flexibility ensures a stress-free planning experience for tour participants.

• Various starting times available
• Meeting point located at Katase-Enoshima Station
• Bookable without immediate payment
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Convenient Google Maps location

Exploring Eshima Shrine

One of the first stops on the tour is the Eshima Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of marriage, entertainment, music, and wisdom.

Visitors can explore the shrine’s grounds and admire its traditional architecture. The shrine’s significance lies in its association with the god of marriage, making it a popular destination for couples seeking divine blessings.

Plus, the shrine’s connection to the realms of entertainment, music, and wisdom adds to its culturally rich atmosphere. Guests can take in the serene ambiance and capture memorable photographs during this part of the Enoshima Island excursion.

Discovering Enoshima Iwaya

After exploring the Eshima Shrine, the tour continues to the renowned Enoshima Iwaya, a 6,000-year-old cave that’s steeped in history and Japanese folklore.

Visitors are guided through the dimly lit cavern, marveling at the natural rock formations and taking in the serene atmosphere.

The tour highlights the cultural significance of this ancient site, including:

• Legends of a dragon deity that once resided in the cave
• The cave’s use as a place of religious worship and meditation
• Opportunities for unique experiences like candlelit walks
• Impressive geological features, such as stalagmites and stalactites
• The cave’s role in shaping the island’s history and identity.

Savoring Enoshima Gourmet

Following the tour of the Enoshima Iwaya cave, the group then explores the gourmet offerings of Enoshima. Amidst the charming shops and stalls, the scent of freshly grilled squid and octopus fills the air.

Visitors can savor Enoshima’s famous shrimp tempura, sip on refreshing adzuki bean ice cream, and indulge in the island’s unique take on taiyaki – filled with sweet red bean paste.

The gourmet experience culminates in a visit to a local sweets shop, where guests can observe the intricate process of making traditional Japanese confections.

This culinary journey showcases Enoshima’s rich cultural heritage and captivates the senses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Wheelchair Users?

The tour may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users. While the main sites have some accessibility features, the uneven terrain and steps throughout the tour could present challenges. Visitors with mobility needs should check with the tour operator for more details.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, there may be opportunities to sample local Enoshima gourmet offerings during the experience. The tour focuses on sightseeing and cultural activities rather than dining.

Are the Temple Visits Optional or Mandatory?

The temple visits on this tour are optional. Guests can choose to explore the temples and shrines or focus more on the shopping and sightseeing aspects of the experience. The tour allows flexibility to customize the itinerary based on individual interests.

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

For this tour, comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Visitors should dress modestly, as the temple visits are an important part of the experience. Bringing sun protection and a camera can also enhance the enjoyment of the tour.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration can be extended, but this would need to be arranged directly with the tour provider. They may be able to accommodate a longer tour for an additional fee, subject to availability. It’s best to check with them in advance.

The Sum Up

The Kanagawa: Shopping & Temple Visit Tour on Enoshima Island offers a captivating blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and local cuisine. From the sacred Eshima Shrine to the fascinating Enoshima Iwaya cave, this guided adventure immerses visitors in the island’s rich heritage. The scenic Enoshima Escalator and opportunities for shopping and gourmet tasting complete this well-rounded experience, making it a must-do for those seeking to discover the enchanting Kanagawa region.

You can check if your dates are available here: