Planning a visit to Enoshima Island? One must-see attraction is the mysterious Enoshima Iwaya Cave (Iwaya Grotto). Carved by the waves over centuries, these historic sea caves are steeped in legend, including tales of dragons and Buddhist pilgrims. Discover why the Enoshima Iwaya Cave is a top destination on the Shonan Coast and how to best explore this unique part of Japan’s history.
The History of Enoshima Iwaya Caves (江の島岩屋)
After you have your fill at Dragon’s Love Bell, head back to Okutsumiya. From there, this time, follow the steep staircases down to Enoshima Iwaya Cave and Chigogafuchi Abyss.
Remember the cave where Hōjō Tokimasa (北条時政) prayed for his family’s prosperity? The cave is located around a 10-minute walk away from Okutsumiya.
The Enoshima Iwaya Cave consists of two stone chambers and is said to be the origin of the Enoshima Shrine. The cave became a spiritual spot after Ennogyōsha (役の行者), the founder of Shugendō and Mt. Yoshino in Nara, meditated in the cave in 700.
After Ennogyōsha, many revered monks and famous Japanese leaders also prayed and/or meditated here. Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師), who founded Kōyasan (高野山), one of the Three Holiest Mountains in Japan, and Taichō (泰澄), who founded Mt. Haku (白山) near Kanazawa, are two good examples of the revered monks who were once trained in the cave.
In fact, the Kinkizan Yogan-ji Temple, from which Enoshima Shrine was separated, was established by Kōbō Daishi in 814 after he meditated in the cave!
The Formation of Enoshima Iwaya Cave
It was determined that the caves were formed due to tidal erosion. Repeated earthquakes uplifted the caves, forming the Enoshima Iwaya Caves that we can explore today.
Enoshima Iwaya Cave’s Opening Hours and Admission Fee
- Enshima Iwaya Cave is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
- The admission fee is
- 500 yen for junior high school students and above
- 200 yen for elementary school students
How to Get to Enoshima Iwaya Caves
There are three ways that you can get to Enoshima Iwaya Caves.
- On foot. From the entrance of Enoshima, it will take around 30 to 40 minutes.
- Take the boat, Benten-maru (べんてん丸), from the foot of Bentenbashi Bridge. The cost is
- 400 yen for junior high school students and above
- 200 yen for children from the age of 6
- By taking the escalator and walking down the stairs
Entering Enoshima Iwaya Caves
Iwaya Bridge (岩屋橋), with its red guard rails, is the only way to get to the caves’ entrance. The magnificent ocean view from the bridge will most likely slow down your steps.
If you visit Enoshima in summer, you will soon stop sweating as soon as you enter the caves. Because of the low temperature, some might even need a light jacket.
In Cave 1, the staff will give you a free candle to make the exploration more adventurous.
Walking inside the Enoshima Kawaya Caves is similar to exploring a limestone cave. As you proceed further, the height of the cave will decrease, and the width will narrow.
Inside the caves, Ukiyo-e Enoshima paintings and items related to the island’s dragon legend are exhibited throughout.
Cave 1 is further divided into two sides. At the far back of the right side is the birthplace of Enoshima Shrine, which was the reason Emperor Kinmei (欽明天皇) ordered Enoshima Shrine to be built.
Following through the left passageway, you will get to the entrance that is said to be connected with the Narusawa Ice Cave (鳴沢氷穴), close to the Saiko Lake in Mt. Fuji!
As Cave 1 and Cave 2 aren’t connected, you will need to come out of Cave 1 to get to Cave 2. The bridge to Cave 2 is built along with the Chigogafuchi Abyss.
Following the staircases down the cave, a roaring sound seems to be coming from the end of the cave. Although you don’t get a candle in Cave 2, a dragon lighting show will be on during your visit!
Chigogafuchi Abyss (稚児ヶ淵)
From the entrance/exit of Cave 2, there is a path down to Chigogafuchi Abyss. On a sunny day, you can see Mt. Fuji on the other side of the sea!
At the end of the abyss is where you can board the pleasure boat, Benten-maru, to get back to the entrance of the island, so you don’t need to hike all the way back up.
Chigogafuchi Abyss was created by the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake (関東大震災). It is now a popular fishing spot on Enoshima. At sunset, many photographers gather for some breathtaking photos.
Why is the Abyss Named Chigogafuchi?
Once upon a time, a monk from Kenchō-ji Temple (建長寺) was on a pilgrimage trip to Enoshima. On the way back, he encountered and fell in love with a teenager from Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū (鶴岡八幡宮) who was trained to take part in the shrine’s festive procession. The monk tracked down the teenager and expressed his feelings. This has made the teenager worried and stressed.
In the end, the teenager jumped off the cliff, and the monk followed, jumping off as well.
Why did the confession end in such a tragedy? It is probably because they were both males…
What Else to Do on Enoshima Island?
Enoshima isn’t just about Enoshima Iwaya Caves. There are a couple more attractions for you to stop by during your day trip.
Please refer to our article on Enoshima for more information, including cafes with stunning views!
