Enoshima Iwaya Cave

The Enoshima Iwaya Caves have been created by coastal erosion for eons of time. It consists of two caves: Daiichi-iwaya (first cave) of 152 meters and Daini-iwaya (second cave) of 56 meters in length. The caves had been closed for years but reopened in 1993 after the renovations of the facilities around the caves. Having been worshiped since ancient times the legends goes that Kukai (Kobo-Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism) and Minamoto no Yoritomo who founded the Kamakura shogunate visited. The insides of these caves with illuminations and sound effects, stone statues and various exhibits tell us the history and culture of Enoshima Island. You can borrow candles inside the Daiichi cave (may not be available when the cave is too crowded) . From open space, stretching 128 meters in length, you can enjoy the vista of Mount Fuji stretching from Sagami Bay, Hakone and the Izu Peninsula. It is a 30-minute walk from ”Katase Enoshima” Station of the Odakyu Enoshima Line. #enoshima #kamakura #japan #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic

Do you know Enoshima Island in Japan? This tiny island located in the center of Kanagawa, southwest of Tokyo and Yokohama, also in the west of famous historical city Kamakura. Around the island and Kamakura is one of the popular tourist destination in Japan since very old days by beautiful seascape with Mount Fuji, fantastic sunset, historical sites of samurai, pilgrimage to sanctuary and fresh seafoods. In recent years, it becomes a featured place again as a fantastic illumination event, a rare scenes of a traditional festival involving local trains, a good shore of the nearest marine sports from Tokyo, and a filming location of drama, movies and anime works.

Iwaya Caves is in the west end of Enoshima Island and where the beginning place of a legend as a religious training spot. Since En on Ozunu trained in Nara era, lot of famous Buddhist monks are trained in the cave and it has been worshiped as the holy land by occasional statesman. Walking along the way between the rocks, there is a bridge followed to Enoshima Iwaya Caves [岩屋]. It takes more than 40-minutes walk from train stations in Katase town. This Iwaya Caves was made by erosion by waves and it become ancient religious training place. Then, it was renovate for tourism and has been open to the public from 1993. Reef around the cave is known for locals as fishing spot and magnificent viewing spot of Mt.Fuji. Where to go & What to do? See fantastic panoramic ocean-view with Mt.Fuji from Chigogafuchi. See beautiful sunset Visit Iwaya Caves Especially recommended for... Families / Friends / Couples / Photographers *Open everyday *In case of stormy weather or high waves, it may be closed or closed earlier than usual. *It is require to see whole the cave approximately 15 to 20 minutes. [Admission] 500Yen for Adults / 200Yen for Children How far? (to entrance of Iwaya Caves, by walk) 42 minutes (2.2km) from Katase-Enoshima Station 46 minutes (2.5km) from Enoshima Station 48 minutes (2.6km) from Shonan-Enoshima Station 7 minutes (350m) from Okutsunomiya Jinja Shrine

#japantrip This was an interesting find that I didn’t know about. It’s a really unique experience that I enjoyed. Some parts are dark so they let you borrow a light. Also be aware that some parts are low so you might have to squat down. There’s all sorts of artifacts to see inside so check it out if you’re in the area.Very fascinating experience, it makes planning a trip to Enoshima Island definitely recommended as it is the highlight of the island for sure. The cliffside infront of the cave alone is worth coming here. There are two caves, lined with history exhibitions, the mandatory shrines inside, one of which is a dragon that growls when you clap. In one cave you get a cute handheld lantern and in the other are beautiful lanterns. The path between the caves had a part with cute chimes.

It's a small cave but still worth to pay a visit. I enjoy the walkway with candles on the sides. There's a booth where you can rent a candle but i dont think it's needed. It's not really too dark inside. In the 2nd cave, you'll see a dragon with sound effects. I wasnt impressed by that but the folktale about it is cool so that can be interesting for some people. I advise you visit the cave and be the judge. But overall, it was okay. In 2024 I wish to visit this place again. #2024wish