The Perfect Tokyo Day Trip – Enoshima Travel Guide 2025 🇯🇵

The Perfect Tokyo Day Trip – Enoshima Travel Guide 2025 🇯🇵

hey guys welcome back to the channel we are back in Japan and today we’re bringing you somewhere a little underrated but honestly one of the coolest day trips in Japan we’re going to Inoshima this tiny little island just off the coast of Kamakura it’s got this laid-back beach town vibe mixed with ancient shrines cliffside trails ocean views and even a freaking candle lit cave like how does this all fit in one island it’s crazy and I promise if you’re planning a trip to Japan and you’re only sticking to Tokyo and big cities you are so missing out this is the kind of place that surprises you so in this video we’re going to walk you through exactly what to do where to go and what to eat we’re going to keep it chill casual and super real as always let’s go hello guys it’s us again and today we are doing a day trip to Inoshima
yes we’re here in Prefecture so please watch us in Oshima is just a short scenic train ride from Tokyo close enough for a day trip but it feels like a whole different world it instantly puts you in vacation mode even though you’re like an hour away from Tokyo you enter this street called Benzai Nakamise and it’s pure chaos but in the best way tiny shops people eating weird snacks and that smell of grilled seafood that instantly fills the air it kind of feels like a summer festival that never ended you got your sandbay stands and little shrine stuck between buildings you could honestly spend a full hour just slowly walking the street next let’s check out the island’s main sites so once you pass the main street the energy shifts it’s still lively but in a different way more nature more charm you’re surrounded by trees stone paths and stairs so many stairs but they’re worth it in Oshima is home to three main shrines and they’re all dedicated to the sea of goddess named Benzai 10 each shrine feels a little different one is hidden under a giant tree another has a classic old school look and there’s this one that has this intense red coloring that pops against the green forest even if you’re not spiritual or into shrines the vibe is enough all right real talk we didn’t expect this next part to be cool it’s literally an escalator but it’s called the Inoshima Escar and it’s a total hidden gem basically instead of hiking straight up a million stairs you can pay a few hundred yen and ride these outdoor escalators to the top of the island and each sections has these lead walls that make you feel like you’re going underwater it’s like an aquarium meets an art exhibit but you’re standing on a moving staircase it’s wild
so we bought a ticket to go up up to the tower so it was 700 yen per person uh and we have to go down the stairs walking
because Yeah it’s only one way ticket
just bought one one way so it’s beautiful is it touristy yeah depending on the day and the season but it saves your knees and adds a fun surprise on the way up once you get to the top you’re in Samuel’s Garden hotel
it’s this peaceful garden full of seasonal flowers walking paths and little benches where you can just chill [Music] and right in the middle is the sea candle a lighthouse with one of the best views we’ve had in Japan this is the famous sea candle here in Inoshima and we are going to climb up there [Music] [Applause] so to go to the tower you need your ticket so don’t lose your ticket you can take an elevator or climb up the spiral staircase but once you’re up there wow you see the coastline the cliffs an endless ocean and on a clear day you can see Mount Fuji just casually chilling in the background you spend a couple of minutes just standing there enjoying the view but here’s a tip a lot of people miss after you’ve been up in the sea candle take a minute to explore the large open area just below the tower there’s a short staircase that leads to this wide open airspace with a really peaceful vibe it almost feels like a little rooftop plaza where you can just chill out there’s even a cafe up there you can grab a coffee or a snack find a seat and just hang out it’s a perfect spot okay so this is where the day starts feeling like a real little adventure most people go off the lighthouse snap a few picss and then head straight back down but if you keep walking past it there’s a trail that takes you to the back side of the island and honestly it’s like a hidden adventure keep walking and you’ll find all these lookout points with beautiful ocean views there are tiny shops selling handmade stuff like tote bags and cat t-shirts and even a few cafes it’s super chill and really cute there are also a couple restaurants literally hanging over the cliffs if you can grab one of the tables by the edge you’ll have this insane view while you eat and then partway through the trail you’ll hit this little shrine area it’s quiet super peaceful and talked off to the side is a small cave with a dragon statue on top you can stop say a quick prayer and just soak in the vibe if you keep going the trail leads you all the way to the end of the island right to the entrance of the UA cave so yeah definitely don’t skip this part all right let’s talk about the cave at the far end of the island you’ll follow some chill trails head down this rocky staircase and that’s where you’ll find the entrance to the caves there’s even a little spot where you can head down closer to the water and just chill for a bit before going into the caves the breeze the sound the waves it’s super relaxing there’s usually a little line to get in but don’t worry it moves pretty quick and honestly even just standing there feels pretty cool cuz you’ve got this awesome ocean view right in front of you it costs 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for kids and they’re open from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m the caves are actually the birthplace of Inoshima Shrine and inside you’ll find little displays and statues that show the island’s history and spiritual side so yeah it’s not just a cave it has stories behind it and get this they hand you a real candle at the entrance like you’re actually walking in holding a little flickering candle it makes the whole thing feel like an adventure right away then in the second cave it gets even cooler there’s this huge dragon statue and when you get close you can clap your hands to pray and the thing really roars [Music] it surprised us the first time but also just really cool the whole walk through the cave isn’t super long but the vibe is cool [Music] next let’s talk about food one of the mustry things here is a taco sambe this giant crispy octopus cracker and I mean giant it’s literally bigger than your face they take a whole baby octopus press it in between these hot iron plates and it comes out super thin salty and crunchy it looks kind of wild but honestly weirdly delicious and super addictive now if you’re looking to slow down and have a proper sit-down meal we went a little nice and treated ourselves at this spot called Ilcanti Restaurant it’s this Japanese Italian fusion place right off the cliff side with a killer ocean view we actually booked ahead because it gets really fully booked pretty often it has a relaxing vibe and just a great midday break from all the walking and if fusion isn’t your thing no worries there are tons of local restaurants around the island serving traditional Japanese food with a sea view you’ve got options before we wrap up we’ve got a few quick tips come early inoshima gets packed in the afternoon especially on weekends arrive before 10:00 a.m if you can wear comfy shoes there are a lot of stairs and uneven paths bring some cash some places take cards but small stalls usually don’t and if you’re visiting a summer bring a hat and water so was Inosima worth the trip absolutely it’s one of those places that packs so much into such a small space you get nature culture food and views all in one island if you’re spending time in Tokyo or Kamakura and you want the day that feels like a mini adventure Inoshima is the move thanks for hanging out with us on this little island escape if you’ve enjoyed this video give it a like and drop a comment let us know what part of Inoshima you’d want to explore first and hey don’t forget to subscribe if you’re new here we’ve got more Japan adventures coming up including a magical stop to ride to falls near Mount Fuji catch you in the next one [Music]

Looking for a unique and easy day trip from Tokyo? Enoshima Island might be just what you’re after. Tucked off the coast of Kamakura, this small but magical island has it all—ancient shrines, incredible ocean views, peaceful walking trails, cliffside cafés, fun street food, and even a candlelit cave walk. It’s seriously one of the most surprising places we’ve explored in Japan.

In this travel guide, we show you everything you need to know to make the most of your Enoshima adventure. Whether you’re here for a relaxing day, great food, or a bit of spiritual history, there’s something here for everyone.

🌟 What’s waiting for you on Enoshima?

🚶‍♀️ A super charming shopping street with street food, souvenirs, and a lively vibe
⛩️ Gorgeous shrines surrounded by nature — each one with its own personality
🎨 A colorful escalator ride (yes, a real thing!) to take you to the top in style
🌺 Samuel Cocking Garden & the Sea Candle 🕯️ — epic views + flower vibes
🌊 A back trail with cliffside cafés, secret spots, and peaceful lookout points
🐉 A surprise dragon cave where you can stop and make a little wish
🔦 Iwaya Caves — walk through ancient tunnels with a real candle in hand
🍴 Food time! Giant octopus crackers (so fun!), soft serve, and ocean-view meals
😋 We had a lovely sit-down meal at Il Chianti Café — perfect for a chill break

💡 Why Enoshima is worth visiting:

If you’re only planning to visit Tokyo and Kyoto, Enoshima gives you something completely different. It’s a calm, beautiful escape with a mix of nature, culture, and coastal charm—just about an hour from Tokyo. And the best part? It’s super walkable and easy to explore in a day.

🥾 Quick tips for your trip:

• Visit on a weekday if possible to avoid crowds
• Spring and fall are the best seasons—cool, clear, and great for views
• Wear comfortable shoes—there are lots of stairs and hills
• Bring some cash—most stalls and small shops prefer it
• Try the local street food—especially the giant octopus cracker!
• Book restaurants like Il Chianti Café ahead if you want a window seat

📍 Getting There:

From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido Line or the Odakyu Line to Enoshima Station. From there, it’s a scenic 15-minute walk to the island.

💬 Let’s chat!

Have you been to Enoshima? Thinking of adding it to your Japan itinerary? Drop us a comment and let us know what you’re most excited to see—or ask us anything about the trip! And if you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to join us on more adventures.

📌 Next up: We’re heading to Mt. Fuji’s Shiraito Waterfalls—so stay tuned!

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