Enoshima is one of the most popular island getaways for Tokyoites. It’s easily accessible for a day trip, plus the island offers a good mix of seafood, temples, fresh greenery and sea views. From end-July through August 2024, you might want to stay on a little longer after sunset, as Enoshima is hosting a free projection mapping event inspired by the little island’s folktale Enoshima Engi.
Called the Enoshima Lanterns, this annual digital light show starts at the island’s Zuishinmon Gate, where it depicts a scene from Enoshima Engi, illustrating a mythical love story between an evil five-headed dragon and a beautiful goddess. Make sure to watch the entire scene until the end as it includes digital fireworks.
The staircase leading up to Enoshima Shrine, which is dedicated to the aforementioned goddess, is lit up with blue and yellow lights.
At the shrine grounds, the project mapping show here goes deeper into the legendary love story. Furthermore, the shrine grounds as well as the upper area surrounding the Samuel Cocking Garden and the Enoshima Sea Candle lighthouse are decked out with 1,000 traditional lanterns depicting scenes from Enoshima Engi.
This year, in addition to these regular features, Enoshima Hetsunomiya is introducing a new element inspired by the refreshing ocean breeze. The shrine will be bathed in a blue light, and you can catch this from July 30 onwards.
The projection mapping attractions around Enoshima Shrine are free, but you’ll have to buy a ticket to enter the Samuel Cocking Garden, which is home to the Enoshima Sea Candle.
Entry is free during the day, but it'll set you back ¥500 (primary school students ¥250) after 5pm. Plus, there’s an extra ¥500 (¥250) if you want to go up the Sea Candle for the observation deck. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the venue. Do note that online tickets are bundled with the escalator ride.
Enoshima Lanterns happens daily between 6pm and 8.30pm from July 20 to August 31 (until 9pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from August 12 to August 16 for the Samuel Cocking Garden). Visit the website for more information.
The article was published on August 1 2022 and updated on July 8 2024.
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