Enoshima Iwaya Caves & Chigogafuchi
江の島岩屋・稚児ヶ淵
Two sea caves carved by waves at the western tip of Enoshima, explored by candlelight. Outside, the rock platform of Chigogafuchi is a fine spot to watch the sunset.
The Iwaya are the deepest sea caves on Enoshima. The First Iwaya is about 152 meters deep and the Second Iwaya about 56 meters. Legend holds that they are the birthplace of Enoshima Shrine, and both Kūkai and Nichiren are said to have trained here. Candles are provided at the entrance. Inside the dim caves you can see stone Buddhas and dragon deity statues, which create a mysterious atmosphere. Outside lies Chigogafuchi, a broad rock platform planed smooth by the waves. At low tide you can walk down to explore the tide pools, and at dusk the sunset and the silhouette of Mount Fuji are beautiful. Admission to the caves is about ¥500. From the island entrance it is about a 30-minute walk, mostly on stone steps. For the return trip, you can take the small boat “Benten-maru” from Chigogafuchi back to the island entrance (about 10 minutes). The caves close during typhoons or high waves.
Opening hours
9:00 am–5:00 pm (Nov–Feb until 4:00 pm)
Nearby sights
- Enoshima Sea Candle & Samuel Cocking Garden
- Enoshima Shrine
- Enoshima
- New Enoshima Aquarium
- Katase Beach
- Kamakurakokomae Station & Enoden
- Shichirigahama Beach
- Inamuragasaki Park