Enoshima Shrine
江島神社
A trio of shrines on Enoshima island, collectively known as Enoshima Shrine. It enshrines Myōon Benzaiten, one of Japan's three great Benzaiten, and is a renowned shrine for praying for artistic talent and good fortune.
Enoshima Shrine consists of three shrines, Hetsu-miya, Nakatsu-miya and Okutsu-miya, arranged along the stone steps of the island. They enshrine the three Munakata goddesses. In the age of syncretism between Shinto and Buddhism it was known as “Enoshima Benzaiten,” and together with Itsukushima (Miyajima) in Aki and Chikubushima in Ōmi, it is counted among Japan's three great Benzaiten shrines. The Hōan-den beside Hetsu-miya enshrines Myōon Benzaiten holding a biwa, popularly called the “Naked Benzaiten” (admission about ¥200), and is revered by musicians and performing artists. The vermilion halls of Nakatsu-miya are magnificent, and the ceiling of Okutsu-miya features a painting of the “turtle that glares in all eight directions.” Worship is free. The climb from the bronze torii up the stone steps takes about 10 minutes. If that sounds tiring, you can ride the paid outdoor escalator, the “Enoshima Escar.”
Opening hours
Shrine office 8:30 am–5:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Enoshima Sea Candle & Samuel Cocking Garden
- Enoshima
- Enoshima Iwaya Caves & Chigogafuchi
- Katase Beach
- New Enoshima Aquarium
- Kamakurakokomae Station & Enoden
- Shichirigahama Beach
- Inamuragasaki Park