Before coming to Japan, I thought of the sea as something you go to for holidays or Instagram photos. But here, it’s more than just a beach—it’s a way of life. The seafood, the scenery, the traditions—it’s everywhere. So when I found out there was an actual holiday called “Sea Day” (Umi no Hi), I knew I had to do something extra sea-themed to celebrate.
That’s how I ended up on a one-day trip to Enoshima, a small island just off the coast near Tokyo. I’d heard it was popular with young people (and cats, apparently), but I didn’t know much else. Turns out, it was the perfect getaway.
The island itself is super cosy—not too big, not too crowded—and there’s this nice sea breeze that makes walking around in the summer heat way more bearable. You’ll find cute shops, cafés, local seafood stands… and cats just casually lounging around like they own the place (which, let’s be honest, they probably do).
The highlight of the trip was definitely the Sea Candle—which sounds like a giant wax sculpture, but is actually a modern lighthouse and observation tower. I had no idea it even existed until I got there, but now I’d totally recommend it to anyone. You get this amazing 360-degree view that includes Mt. Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, and even the Yokohama Landmark Tower on a clear day. I went a little wild with my camera up there—totally worth it.
Another popular spot is the Iwaya Bridge area, where people gather early in the morning (like actual sunrise early) to take stunning photos of Mt. Fuji over the water. I didn’t make it that early (not a morning person), but I can confirm the views are still amazing later in the day.
Just a few tips if you go:
- Bring mosquito repellent. Seriously. They come out in the evening like they’ve been training for it.
- There are a lot of stairs, so if you’re not feeling up for a mini hike, you can pay to use the island’s escalators (yes, escalators on an island—it’s great).
All in all, Enoshima was the kind of trip that made me feel like I was getting a taste of Japan’s nature, history, and chilled-out island life all in one day. If you’re anywhere near Tokyo during the summer, go check it out.
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