Enoshima is a tourist destination visible from the coastline of Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture! It's a popular tourist spot that's also quite close to Kamakura, one of Kanagawa's leading tourist destinations, and attracts many tourists every year. While it's a popular destination for girls' trips, solo trips, and couples, did you know that Enoshima has another nickname: "Cat Island"? It's said that over 200 to 600 cats live there, welcoming visitors! It's truly a paradise for cat lovers.
For cat lovers all over the world, we'll introduce some cat spots in Enoshima, instead of the usual tourist spots! You'll encounter friendly cats that are used to people, as well as cats that will be startled and hiss. This is especially recommended for those who want to meet these free-spirited creatures!
The Closest Cat Island from Tokyo!
As mentioned above, Enoshima is known as a cat paradise, and at least 200 or more cats of various breeds live freely. While there are many islands called "cat islands," Enoshima is also known as the "closest cat island to Tokyo." If you take a stroll through the streets of Enoshima, you might encounter a cat yawning by the roadside, one looking sleepy, or another stretching in the sunlight. There are even cats that seem to be waiting for food (laughs).
Enoshima is a famous tourist spot not only within the prefecture but also nationwide. When you look closer, it's no exaggeration to say that it's dominated by cats.
The reason why there are so many cats on Enoshima is that the islanders started protecting the cats on the island as community cats and began coexisting with them. However, after that, the number of stray cats increased dramatically as people started dumping cats there. While it's not a good thing, it led to the birth of the current "cat paradise."
What are the recommended cat spots in Enoshima?
You can naturally encounter cats while walking around Enoshima, but wouldn't it be nice to combine your walk with sightseeing?
There are cat spots in various places on the island, but here are some particularly recommended spots. While taking a walk around Enoshima, a famous tourist spot, let's see how many cats you can encounter!
Things to be careful of at cat spots!
Even though the cats on Enoshima may seem like they're waiting for food and approach you, please do not feed them. As community cats, they are under the protection of the islanders, who provide them with food. Feeding them can sometimes be a burden for the cats, so unfortunately, please refrain from doing so.
In recent years, since the island became known as a cat island, there have been cases of catnapping and people taking away cats they like. If this continues, the number of cats will gradually decrease, and they may disappear from the island. The cats of Enoshima live peacefully and happily in a carefree manner, so let's avoid doing anything that might disrupt this.
Head to the Enoshima Shrine First!
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Enoshima Shrine is a classic tourist route directly connected to Benten Bridge, the entrance to Enoshima Island. Even just walking along this path, you're likely to encounter plenty of cats lounging around! Be careful not to disturb any sleeping cats, but feel free to take photos of them relaxing. While the cats are certainly a highlight, the area around Enoshima Shrine is also beautifully green and serene. After taking in the views of Sagami Bay, the change of scenery to a mountainous path and the palpable sacred atmosphere will make a deep impression.
You may find cats in unexpected places within the shrine grounds and on the approach. As this is a popular tourist spot, many of the island's cats are used to people. While some might hiss or growl if you get too close, please take this in stride and avoid disturbing them.
Seitenjima Park - A Hidden Gem Cat Spot for a Break
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Let's also take a trip to Seitenjima Park, a hidden gem for cat lovers, located near the yacht harbor and a bit off the beaten path from Enoshima Shrine and its approach. To get there, simply follow the main road from the entrance of Enoshima Island and you'll find the park on your left. Seitenjima was originally an island before it was reclaimed, and the surrounding area has many restaurants, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat on Enoshima.
As it's a bit farther from the crowded approach to the shrine, the park has a more relaxed atmosphere. If you're not a fan of crowds, this is the perfect spot for you.
While you might be lucky enough to encounter cats in the park itself, the small side streets in this area are real cat hotspots! You'll find some cats lounging by the roadside, while others might be friendly enough to approach you and even join you for a little walk.
How to get to Enoshima
Finally, let's talk about how to get to Enoshima.
You can reach Enoshima by both train and car. For trains, the two most popular stations are on the Odakyu Line and the Enoden Line. If you take the Odakyu Line, board a train from Shinjuku Station heading towards Fujisawa. From Fujisawa, simply ride to the final stop, Katase-Enoshima Station. The Enoden Line, which is also popular for sightseeing in Kamakura, connects Fujisawa Station and Kamakura Station. As the train slowly makes its way along the coast between Kamakura and Enoshima, you can fully enjoy the Shonan seaside scenery. Many people choose to go to Enoshima on the Enoden for this reason. Additionally, the Shonan Monorail runs from Ofuna Station, and its final stop is also Enoshima Station.
From Katase-Enoshima Station, simply walk straight towards the sea after exiting the station. From Enoshima Station on the Enoden Line, walk straight towards the sea along "Subana Street" to reach the entrance to Enoshima.
If you are traveling by car, aim for National Route 134, which runs east-west along the Kanagawa coastline. The entrance to Enoshima is located along this route.
Summary
We've introduced you to some of the cat spots on Enoshima, the closest "cat island" to Tokyo. Enoshima's cats can be found even in places with many people. How about visiting on a holiday and being greeted by casually lounging cats?
Of course, Enoshima is a popular tourist destination. Aside from the cats, there are plenty of other attractions such as the scenery and local Enoshima cuisine. Enjoy your trip to the fullest!