Enoshima Shrine 江島神社
Fujisawa, Kanagawa · Open in Google Maps
Enoshima Shrine occupies the small island of Enoshima, connected to the coast by a bridge. Its three halls enshrine the three Munakata sea goddesses, and since medieval times the island has been a center of Benzaiten worship.
What to look for
- The shrine is spread across the island in three separate sanctuaries, so visiting means climbing up and over the island.
- Benzaiten, goddess of music, the arts and fortune, made the island a popular pilgrimage spot in the Edo period.
- On clear days Mt. Fuji is visible across the bay.
Enshrined kami
- Tagitsuhime 田寸津比賣命
- Ichikishima-hime 市寸島比賣命
- Tagirihime 多紀理比賣命
What people pray for here
Fortune, the arts and performance, and safety at sea.
Etiquette
Wear comfortable shoes: there are a lot of steps. It is easy to combine with Kamakura in one day.
New to shrines? Read our short guide to shrine etiquette: purifying your hands, bowing and clapping, offerings, omamori and goshuin.