1. What is the best way to get to Enoshima Island from the surrounding areas?
There are several ways to get to Enoshima Island, depending on your starting point. Here are some of the most common methods:
1. Train: The most convenient way to get to Enoshima Island is by taking the train. From Tokyo, you can take the JR Tokaido line or the Shonan-Shinjuku line to Fujisawa Station, where you can transfer to the Odakyu Enoshima Line for Katase-Enoshima Station. From there, it is a short walk to the island.
2. Bus: There are also buses that run directly from Tokyo and other surrounding areas to Enoshima Island.
3. Car: If you prefer driving, you can also rent a car or take a taxi from nearby cities like Tokyo, Yokohama or Kamakura.
4. Ferry: Another option is to take a ferry from nearby ports such as Kamakura or Chigasaki.
5. Walk/Cycle: For those who enjoy scenic walks or bike rides, you can also access Enoshima Island by walking across the causeway or cycling along the coast.
Overall, taking the train is usually the most efficient and cost-effective way to get to Enoshima Island from the surrounding areas.
2. Are there any must-try local dishes on Enoshima Island?
Some must-try local dishes on Enoshima Island include shirasu-don (rice bowl topped with tiny white fish), tako senbei (mini octopus crackers), and Enoshima soft serve ice cream (made with fresh dairy milk from the island). There are also a variety of seafood dishes, such as grilled squid and sashimi, that can be enjoyed while on the island. Additionally, there are several street vendors and food stalls that offer unique snacks and treats, so be sure to explore and try some new flavors during your visit.
3. Are there any vegetarian or vegan dining options on the island?
Yes, there are a few vegetarian and vegan dining options on the island. Some popular options include: – The Gourmet Greenhouse: This restaurant serves mainly vegetarian and vegan dishes using local, organic ingredients. They also have gluten-free options.
– Ocean Echo: This beachfront restaurant offers a separate vegetarian/vegan menu with various plant-based meals.
– The Art Cafe: This cozy cafe offers a range of vegan and vegetarian options, including salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
– Seven Stars Resort & Spa: This luxury resort has a couple of restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan dishes upon request.
4. What are some popular restaurants or cafes on Enoshima Island?
Some popular restaurants and cafes on Enoshima Island include:1. Cafe de Enoshima: This cafe offers a prime oceanfront location and serves delicious burgers, pasta, desserts, and coffee.
2. Enoshima Seafood Market: As the name suggests, this market-style restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes like sashimi, grilled fish, and sushi.
3. Enoten: This cozy cafe offers a variety of pancakes, sandwiches, and specialty coffee drinks.
4. Uota Isshin: One of the most popular seafood restaurants on the island, this establishment has been serving up fresh catches for over 40 years.
5. Waffle Cafe Spoooon! : This cute waffle shop serves sweet and savory waffles with unique toppings like strawberries and cream cheese or chicken curry.
6. Shonan Burger Yellow House: For those craving a good burger, this joint has got you covered with their gourmet burger creations made with local ingredients.
7.Cafe Little Lighthouse: Located atop the iconic lighthouse on Enoshima Island, this cafe offers breathtaking views and a variety of light meals and snacks.
8. Shokudou Nakamura: This traditional Japanese restaurant serves up classic dishes like udon noodles and tempura in a cozy atmosphere.
9. Italiani Kaze No Noa: Enjoy wood-fired pizzas with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji at this Italian restaurant located near the southern coast of Enoshima Island.
10. Yururi Cafe / Yamabuki Coffee Shop: These two cafes offer delicious baked goods alongside their selection of hot drinks, making for the perfect spot to relax after exploring the island.
5. Is it possible to eat fresh seafood caught in the surrounding waters of Enoshima Island?
Yes, it is possible to eat fresh seafood caught in the surrounding waters of Enoshima Island. The island is known for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes that are prepared using locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding waters. Some popular seafood options include grilled fish, sashimi, and tempura made with freshly caught fish. Visitors can enjoy these dishes at local restaurants and seafood markets on the island.
6. Are there any outdoor dining spots with a view of the beach or Mt. Fuji?
Yes, there are a few outdoor dining spots with a view of the beach or Mt. Fuji:1. On the Beach at Enoshima: This popular restaurant offers stunning views of both the beach and Mt. Fuji from its outdoor terrace seating area.
2. Bella Vista Italian Restaurant: Located in Kamakura, this Italian restaurant features a spacious outdoor dining area with a panoramic view of the coast and Mt. Fuji.
3. Kila Kila Garden: This charming cafe in Hakone boasts an outdoor seating area with a picturesque view of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji.
4. Surfrider Cafe: This casual cafe in Chiba offers outdoor seating overlooking the beach, perfect for enjoying a meal while taking in the ocean view.
5. Restaurant Plat Resort Kamogawa: Situated on the coast of Chiba, this restaurant has a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy local cuisine while gazing at the sea and possibly catching a glimpse of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
6. The Blueberry Cafe: This cafe in Shizuoka prefecture boasts an outdoor terrace with unbeatable views of both Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay.
7. What kind of cuisine can be found at Enoshima Seafood Village, and is it worth a visit?
Enoshima Seafood Village is where you can find many different types of delicious seafood dishes, including sashimi, sushi, grilled fish, tempura, and more. The village is known for its fresh and high-quality seafood that comes straight from the local fishermen’s boats. With a variety of options to choose from and a beautiful seaside location, it is definitely worth a visit for seafood lovers. Many visitors also enjoy the lively atmosphere and charming charm of the village as they dine on delicious seafood dishes.
8. Is there a market or food stalls where locals sell their homemade snacks or goods on the island?
Yes, the island does have a market or food stalls where locals can sell their homemade snacks or goods. It is called the Farmers Market and it is located in downtown Avalon. In addition to homemade snacks, local farmers also sell produce, flowers, and other handmade items at this market. The market is usually open every Saturday morning from 9am-1pm during the summer months.
9. How is dining etiquette and customs observed in restaurants on Enoshima Island?
1. Making a Reservation: It is recommended to make a reservation at least a day in advance, especially if you are planning to dine at a popular restaurant.
2. Greeting and Seating: When entering the restaurant, guests are usually greeted by the staff with a friendly “irasshaimase” (welcome) and directed to their table.
3. Ordering Food and Drinks: In most restaurants on Enoshima Island, patrons will need to place their order at the counter or with a server. You can look through the menu or ask for recommendations from the staff.
4. Table Manners: In Japan, it is customary to say “itadakimasu” before starting your meal, which means “I humbly receive.” And after finishing your meal, say “gochisousama deshita” which shows gratitude for the meal you have just enjoyed.
5. Sharing Dishes: It is common for diners to share dishes in Japanese cuisine. If so, use serving chopsticks provided or ask for them.
6. Eating Sushi: When eating sushi, it is polite to dip only the fish part into soy sauce instead of dipping the entire piece and avoid adding wasabi directly onto your sushi as it may be considered rude.
7. Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan and may even cause confusion or offense. The bill presented often includes a service charge already so check your receipt before tipping extra.
8. Etiquette while Waiting and Paying: It is customary to leave your shoes at the entrance of traditional Japanese restaurants and sit on tatami mats rather than chairs. Take off any hats or sunglasses when entering and wait until everyone has arrived before sitting down.
9. Settling the Bill: Unlike other countries where customers pay at their table, some Japanese restaurants have a cashier near the exit where you can settle your bill when leaving.
10. Can visitors find international cuisines on the island, such as Italian or Korean food?
Yes, visitors can find international cuisines on the island, such as Italian or Korean food. There are various restaurants and food establishments that offer a variety of international dishes to cater to tourists with different tastes and preferences. Some popular options include authentic Italian pizza and pasta, Korean barbecue, and sushi from Japanese restaurants.
11. Are there any local food festivals held on Enoshima Island throughout the year?
Yes, there are a few local food festivals held on Enoshima Island throughout the year. Some of the popular ones include:
– Shonan Plum Festival: Held in February and March, this festival celebrates the iconic plum blossoms that bloom across Enoshima Island during this time. Local food stalls serving dishes made with plums are set up around the island.
– Summer Fireworks Festival: This annual festival is held on Enoshima Beach in July or August and features a variety of food stalls selling traditional Japanese snacks, as well as grilled seafood dishes.
– Enoshima Tenjin Festival: Held in mid to late September, this festival celebrates the enshrined deity at the island’s main shrine – Enoshima Benzaiten. Along with traditional performances and ceremonies, visitors can also enjoy a range of local food and drinks at the many stalls set up around the shrine grounds.
– Shonan Agri-Food Fair: This event takes place in October and highlights locally grown produce from Shonan region including Enoshima Island. Visitors can taste and purchase a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other products directly from local farmers.
12.Are there any traditional Japanese tea houses that serve matcha and sweets on the island?
Unfortunately, I am not aware of any traditional Japanese tea houses on the island that serve matcha and sweets. However, there are some Japanese restaurants that may offer matcha and Japanese-style desserts on their menu. You can also check with local hotels or resorts as they may have a tea room or lounge that serves matcha.
13. Can visitors try famous Shonan craft beer at any restaurants or bars on Enoshima Island?
Yes, there are several restaurants and bars on Enoshima that serve Shonan craft beer, such as Island Beer Cafe, Sakanaka Brewery, and Enoshi Beer House. Visitors can also purchase Shonan craft beer at some convenience stores and souvenir shops on the island.
14. How crowded are dining establishments during peak seasons, and is it recommended to make reservations in advance?
Dining establishments during peak seasons can be extremely crowded, especially in popular tourist destinations. It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to ensure a table at your preferred time and location. This applies to both casual and upscale dining establishments. Some restaurants may even require reservations for popular times, such as evenings or weekends. Reservations can typically be made online or by calling the restaurant directly.
15.Can tourists hire bicycles to explore different food options around Enoshima Island?
Yes, there are many bicycle rental shops located around Enoshima Island that tourists can use to explore the different food options. Some of these shops also offer guided bike tours specifically focused on local restaurants and food stalls.
16.What types of souvenirs can be purchased at shops around Enoshima Island for food lovers?
There are a variety of souvenirs that can be purchased at shops around Enoshima Island for food lovers, such as:1. Shonan beer – locally brewed craft beer made with water from Enoshima Island.
2. Locally grown fruits and vegetables – including Enoshima’s famous white strawberries, melons, and tomatoes.
3. Traditional Japanese snacks – like senbei (rice crackers), mochi (rice cakes), and manju (sweet buns) in unique flavors.
4. Sweets and confections – including Enoshima Kamaboko (fish cake) and yokan (jellied dessert).
5. Seafood products – such as dried squid, seaweed snacks, and canned fish.
6. Local sake – made with rice grown on the island.
7. Souvenir kits for making traditional Japanese dishes at home, like tofu or soba noodles.
8. Pickles and sauces – made with local ingredients and available in a variety of flavors.
9. Tasting sets – featuring a combination of different local foods to try out.
10. Green tea products – including powdered matcha tea, cookies, chocolates, and more.
17.Are there any must-visit dessert spots serving Japanese sweets like mochi, dango or taiyaki?
Yes, there are several must-visit dessert spots serving Japanese sweets like mochi, dango, and taiyaki. Some popular ones include:
1. Tsujiri Tea House
Located in both Japan and overseas, Tsujiri is known for their delicious matcha desserts, including matcha soft serve and warabi mochi.
2. Dominique Ansel Bakery
This bakery in Tokyo serves a unique take on traditional Japanese sweets, such as their cronut stuffed with matcha cream and topped with kinako (roasted soybean) sugar.
3. Mochi Cream
Known for their mochi filled with various flavored creams, Mochi Cream has locations throughout Japan and even offers ice cream-filled mochi.
4. Namikoshiken
Famous for their Mitarashi Dango (grilled skewered rice dumplings coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze), Namikoshiken has been around since 1917.
5. Kurikoan Ginza
This dessert shop specializes in warabi mochi, a jelly-like dessert made from bracken starch, and offers a variety of flavors such as kinako (roasted soybean powder) and strawberry.
6. Kagurazaka Hanten
Known for their taiyaki shaped like popular cartoon characters, this shop also serves traditional taiyaki filled with red bean paste.
7. Yelo Shibuya Hikarie
A must-try at this ice cream shop is the fish-shaped Taiyaki Softcream Cone which features soft serve ice cream inside a crispy taiyaki cone.
8. Kameya Yoshinaga
For a taste of Kyoto-style dango (rice dumplings), head to Kameya Yoshinaga where they offer unique flavors like green tea and kinako truffle.
9. Saito Inari Dango Honpo
Located in Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto, this shop serves various types of dango (mochi dumplings) made with soybean flour and local ingredients.
10. Ichiran
While not technically a dessert spot, Ichiran is famous for their flavorful ramen noodles and also offers a unique dessert option – matcha ramen topped with vanilla ice cream.
18.Is it common for restaurants to offer multi-course meals (kaiseki) using locally sourced ingredients?
Yes, it is common for restaurants in Japan to offer multi-course meals using locally sourced ingredients, also known as kaiseki. This type of dining experience is highly valued in Japanese culture and can be found in various types of restaurants, from traditional ryokans to modern fine dining establishments. The use of fresh and seasonal ingredients from the local area is considered a symbol of quality and authenticity in Japanese cuisine.
19.Do most restaurants accept credit cards, or should visitors have cash on hand when dining out on Enoshima Island?
Most restaurants on Enoshima Island do accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case. Some smaller or more traditional restaurants may only accept cash, so having cash on hand will ensure you can pay for your meal no matter where you choose to eat.
20.What are some lesser-known, hidden gems for dining on Enoshima Island that tourists may not know about?
1. Enoshima Nagisa Café: This cozy café offers stunning views of the ocean and serves up delicious homemade dishes made with local ingredients.
2. Owada Soba: Located in a traditional wooden house, this soba restaurant serves handmade buckwheat noodles in a variety of dishes such as tempura and hot pots.
3. Enoshima Island Castle’s Garden × Kitchen: This unique restaurant is located inside the Enoshima Island Spa and offers a fusion of Western and Japanese cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients.
4. Enospa Curry at Samuel Cocking Garden: Enjoy delicious Japanese curry while admiring the beautiful flower gardens at this hidden gem located within the Samuel Cocking Garden.
5. Onigiri Stand Seishun no Oka: This tiny stand near Enoshima Shrine offers different types of onigiri (rice balls) wrapped in seaweed, perfect for a quick snack while exploring the island.
6. Fujine Ikejime Kyokai: For seafood lovers, this seafood restaurant provides stunning views of Mt. Fuji while serving up fresh caught fish prepared using the traditional “ikejime” method.
7. Satokyuu Ramen: This small ramen shop tucked away in a residential neighborhood serves up some of the best ramen on the island, with long lines forming during lunchtime.
8. Pizzeria Ju-en: Using an authentic wood-fired oven, this pizzeria offers delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas with a variety of toppings to choose from.
9. Shichirin Yakiniku Motoyama: Cook your own meat over charcoal grills at this cozy yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant near Enoshima Shrine.
10. Blue Moon Café Terrace Bar: For a relaxing evening drink, head to this terrace bar located right on the beachfront offering an extensive cocktail menu and gorgeous sunset views.