0194 Popular Tourist Attraction: The Hardcore Power Spot 'Enoshima' (Kanagawa Prefecture)
(Title image provided by: Kanagawa Prefectural Tourism Association)
Blessings of Enoshima
Matchmaking, romantic luck, financial luck, improvement in performing arts, singing and dancing, warding off evil, academic success, maritime safety, and safe navigation
360-degree view of Enoshima (Enoshima Shrine Hetsumiya)
About Enoshima
The Iwaya (caves) formed by wave erosion are the hardcore original power spots and the most important locations on Enoshima. Enoshima worship and Dragon God worship flourished from here. The Iwaya were used for ascetic training by famous monks such as Kukai and Nichiren, and Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed here for victory in battle.
It has been depicted in many ukiyo-e prints and celebrated in songs. Today, many couples visit hoping to strengthen their bonds. It is also very popular for sightseeing due to its blessings, such as matchmaking, romantic fulfillment, and increased financial luck.
Yoritomo dedicated Benzaiten and a torii gate to Enoshima Shrine. As Benzaiten is the guardian deity of music, performing arts, and the sea, she is highly revered for safe navigation, singing, dancing, and artistic mastery, attracting many kabuki actors and musicians.
The left cave of the first Iwaya (152m deep) is where Nichiren practiced asceticism, the right cave contains a statue of Kobo Daishi, and the back houses the birthplace of Enoshima Shrine. After leaving the Iwaya and crossing the bridge, you will find the second Iwaya (56m deep), where the Dragon God is enshrined.
You can watch a video of the inside of the caves (approx. 18 minutes)
The deities of Enoshima Shrine are the Munakata Sanjoshin, each enshrined in one of the three shrines. They are noble sister goddesses born from the 'ukei' (divine pledge) between Amaterasu Omikami and Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
Enoshima Shrine Hetsumiya is located at the entrance of the island and is the central presence among the three shrines. When arriving from the Enoshima Ohashi Bridge, this is the starting point rather than the Iwaya. It was founded 800 years ago by Minamoto no Sanetomo. The enshrined deity is Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto.
Enoshima Shrine Nakatsumiya is geographically located in the center of the island and was founded 1150 years ago by Jikaku Daishi. The vibrant vermilion worship hall is beautiful. The enshrined deity is Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, a goddess syncretized with Benzaiten. ↓ This is the worship hall of Nakatsumiya (it is labeled 'Hetsumiya', but Nakatsumiya is the correct name).
Enoshima Shrine Okutsumiya is located at the western end of the island, closest to the Iwaya. The enshrined deity is Tagirihime-no-Mikoto, a goddess who peacefully protects the sea.
Located right next to Okutsumiya, '|Wadatsumi no Miya (Dragon Palace)|' is situated directly above the Iwaya Main Shrine inside the cave and is famous as a power spot for attracting good fortune.
If you cross the Enoshima Ohashi Bridge as your route to tour Enoshima, you can only reach the Iwaya caves at the far end of the island on foot. Since the Iwaya cave is a dead end, you will have to walk back toward Chigogafuchi.
If you are walking back from Iwaya or Chigogafuchi toward Enoshima Shrine, it is a significant uphill climb, so unless you came to Enoshima by car, it is easy to take the excursion boat departing from the Iwaya boarding area, which will take you straight back to the mainland beyond Enoshima Ohashi Bridge.
Praying for the right weather conditions, I hope you get to see it this beautifully.
There are still many spots here that I haven't been able to introduce.
please enjoy sightseeing in Fujisawa as well.
(Link to the 'Chikyu no Arukikata' Shonan/Enoshima PDF is also included)
It opened as the sixth railway in Japan and has a history of over 120 years. The retro feel is wonderful.
Access (Google Maps)
Official Websites / Reference Sites, etc.
▼ Easy to read in about 3 minutes. Over 20 images focusing on Enoshima Shrine ▼
▼ Introducing not only Enoshima Shrine and Iwaya, but also other spots on the island ▼
▼ An overwhelming volume article with over 100 images showing the approach to the cave and the interior from the entrance. There are also 5 article links for the shrine grounds. Plenty of images ▼
▼ 3 Official Websites (Fujisawa City Tourism, Chikyu no Arukikata, Enoshima Shrine) ▼
① Fujisawa City Official Tourism Information Site
② Chikyu no Arukikata Shonan/Enoshima, Published October 1, 2024 (13 pages)
https://www.fujisawa-kanko.jp/global-data/20240930185715651.pdf
③ Enoshima Shrine Official Website