Illuminate your coastal adventure at the Enoshima Sea Candle (江の島シーキャンドル), the iconic lighthouse and observation tower that serves as the crown jewel of Enoshima Island. Standing tall within the lush Samuel Cocking Garden, this striking architectural landmark offers one of the most spectacular 360-degree panoramas in Japan, featuring sweeping views of Sagami Bay, the distant Izu Peninsula, and a breathtaking silhouette of Mt. Fuji. Whether you plan to visit during the day to catch the blue horizon or during the “Jewel of Shonan” winter illumination, the Sea Candle is a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers alike.
About Enoshima Sea Candle
Enoshima Sea Candle is a tower that can be seen even before you cross the Enoshima Benten Bridge. To celebrate Enoshima Electric Railway’s (江ノ島電鉄) 100th anniversary, Japan’s first privately owned lighthouse was renovated and opened to the general public in 2003 as an observation tower.
Enoshima Sea Candle, situated at the highest point of Enoshima, is on the grounds of Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden (江の島サムエル・コッキング苑), a botanical garden named after a British Merchant. Renovated to promote local tourism, solar-powered HID floodlights are installed at the base of the tower for nighttime lighting shows.
So if you aren’t under a time constraint, wait for sunset and enjoy the fantastic show with a theme that matches the current season!
On a sunny day, from the observation floor at an altitude of 101.5 meters, you will get a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, Hakone, and even the Bōsō Peninsula (房総半島). If the sky isn’t clouded, you might be able to see as far as Tokyo Sky Tree!
Tip: If you eat eggs, you can enjoy some delicious, sweet French toast at LONCAFE, close to Enoshima Sea Candle.
Illumination Events at Enoshima Sea Candle
- Enoshima Lantern (江ノ島灯籠): A traditional lantern light-up event held from mid-July to August.
- Shōnan Candle (湘南キャンドル): Around 10,000 candles are placed on the ground in Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden from mid-October to early November.
- From late November to mid-February, the illumination event, Shōnan no Hōseki (湘南の宝石), is one of the three best illumination events in the Kantō region.
Tip: If you are interested in the illumination events, visit on a weekday to avoid waiting up to an hour for the elevator to the observation floor.
Why Was the Lighthouse Named Enoshima Sea Candle?
Well, because the lighthouse standing at the top of the hill looks like a candle on the sea. When the tower is lit up, it truly becomes one huge candle.
Enoshima Historical Exhibition
If you are interested in what Enoshima looked like in the past and the transformation of the old Enoshima lighthouse, the exhibition space filled with photos and old items on the first floor of the lighthouse is a great place to stop by.
Enoshima Sea Candle’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Enoshima Sea Candle and Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden are open from 9 am to 8 pm.
- The last admission is at 7:30 pm.
- The admission fee for Enoshima Sea Candle is
- 800 yen for adults
- 400 yen for children
- The admission fee for Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden when a nighttime event is on is
- 500 yen for adults
- 250 yen for children
- Enoshima Escar + Enoshima Sea Candle + Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden Set Ticket is priced at
- 1,100 yen for adults
- 550 yen for children
- Note that 450 yen extra is payable if a nighttime event is held at Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden.
Tip: From 8:50 am to 7:05 pm, if you don’t want to climb hundreds of stairs, you can use Enoshima Escar, which will get you to the Enoshima Candle in about 5 minutes.
What Else to Do on Enoshima Island?
Escape to Enoshima, a breathtaking offshore island in Kanagawa Prefecture that serves as the ultimate coastal retreat just a short trip from Tokyo. Famed for its dramatic Pacific views and sacred shrines dedicated to the goddess of music and fortune, this “Island of the Gods” is a sanctuary where spirituality meets seaside adventure. There are a lot more things you can experience on the sacred island near Tokyo!
So, refer to our article on Enoshima for more information, including cafes with stunning views!
