Seasons of Light and Color in Fujisawa City and Enoshima

Enoshima is an island of natural beauty and light. Celebrations of light in the winter, summer, and autumn tie together local culture and natural scenery with beautiful displays of light that have drawn countless visitors each season. From wintry jewels to warm candlelight and colorful lanterns, there are a variety of events being held in Enoshima and the Fujisawa City area that shouldn’t be missed.

Shonan no Hoseki 

Step into a glimmering world of light and color at the Shonan no Hoseki winter illumination event. Illuminations sparkle like jewels around Fujisawa City and Enoshima, blending with Shonan’s natural landscape to create an unforgettable wintertime view. Centered around Enoshima’s well-known Enoshima Sea Candle and Samuel Cocking Garden, these illuminations imbue the island with a festive atmosphere that shows its landmarks in a new, colorful light. 

The name of this event translates to “The Jewel of Shonan,” a perfect reflection of the event itself. After the sun has set over Sagami Bay, captivating jewel-toned lights flicker on, casting new colors onto the sea and surrounding nature. The event connects natural and manmade lights from the land, sea, and sky, creating a unique view. In fact, the extraordinary nature of this event has earned recognition as one of the Kanto Region’s Three Great Illuminations and one of Japan’s Three Great Illuminations. It was also awarded at the International Illumination Awards, inspiring visitors worldwide.

This one-of-a-kind spectacle is not a singular event, indeed offering a wide array of highlights that immerse visitors with new discoveries behind every corner. The first area is the Jewel of Shona Entrance, an otherworldly setup that makes you feel like you are being surrounded by fireflies and starlight. On the ground are lights that are designed to create a rippling water effect, another small detail that helps to create the magical atmosphere.

Next is the Shonan Chandelier area, which features a tunnel of high-density LED lights that immediately transports visitors to a world of vivid colors, the perfect segue from the entrance to the rest of the festivities. The highlight of this area is the Shonan Chandelier, a captivating display of light that is sure to entrance viewers.

At the end of the tunnel is the Houseki FOREST, quite the contrast from the dramatic tunnel and chandelier. Here, low-level LED lights illuminate a forested path in a warm glow that is both stunning and calming. And when the sea breeze stirs the tree branches and bushes, the lights and shadows change, creating even more nuances in the scenery. 

This atmospheric path leads to the Grand Illumination Space and what could be considered the pinnacle of the evening: the Enoshima Sea Candle, which stands tall against the night sky, encircled by a fantastical display of lights. Here, visitors can enjoy the illuminations up close and take plenty of photos of this well-loved spot.

Admission Fees
Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden (after 5pm)	Adults 500 yen / Children 250 yen
Enoshima Sea Candle Observatory	Adults 800 yen / Children 400 yen
Enoshima Iwaya Cave	Adults 500 yen / Children 200 yen

Digital Ticket Information: The Sea Candle Set Ticket + Night is a convenient digital pass that includes access to the Enoshima Escar, Sea Candle, and Samuel Cocking Garden. Purchase via smartphone for a smooth, queue-free entry.

Enoshima Lantern Festival

The Enoshima Lantern Festival is yet another beloved celebration of light and color that is held in Fujisawa City and Enoshima. This summertime festival brings new aspects of illuminations and art to life, covering the area in around 1,000 lanterns of varying shapes and sizes. The diverse array of displays and locations creates an exciting and memorable event that should be added to any itinerary of those traveling to Enoshima this coming summer.

There are several venues that showcase lanterns during the festival, allowing visitors to see and experience them in a new light. Among the venues are Enoshima Shrine, Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, Enoshima Sea Candle, Oiwaya-michi Street, and Enoshima Iwaya Cave. The displays created for the 2025 festival centered around an installation called the Picture Scroll of Light, which was set along the approach to Hetsu-gu Shrine, part of Enoshima Shrine. Vast constellations of lights dancing across the stone steps made for an unforgettable scene that immersed visitors in the magical scenery as soon as they arrived. There were a number of special events as well, from the Heavenly Maiden’s Garden illumination at the Samuel Cocking Garden to captivating shadow puppet shows on weekends. The harmonious blend of lanterns, light, and historic spots offered by the Enoshima Lantern Festival create new spaces that are both beautiful and thought-provoking, a fantastic place to be on a summer evening. 

The season and festive atmosphere make the Enoshima Lantern Festival a popular place for strolling in yukata and taking photos.

Shonan Candle

The change in the seasons brings a change to Enoshima’s event schedule, as the island gears up for another captivating illumination event. This time, visitors will be arriving for the Shonan Candle event, a truly spectacular display of approximately 10,000 candles lit inside the Samuel Cocking Garden with the Enoshima Sea Candle towering above in its illuminated glory. 

Shonan Candle offers a spectacle after sundown that can’t be experienced elsewhere. Visitors arriving before sunset will be able to enjoy majestic views of the Pacific Ocean as the sun goes down, from ground level or the 2nd floor of Enoshima Sea Candle, THE SUNSET TERRACE, a free space with wonderful views over the sea. Drinks and light snacks are also available. As dusk falls, visitors can turn their focus to the candle-lighting that takes place at 5pm. 

This event is immersive not only in its atmosphere but also with the numerous workshops being offered. Visitors may choose to draw pictures or write wishes on candle cups that will be displayed at the venue, or create their own candles using wax recycled from past events. What’s more, there are different areas on Enoshima where the event can be experienced.

Viewing the illuminations from Chigogafuchi is a dynamic experience, as the lights change with the tides. Beyond this area is the Second Iwaya Cave, a more adventurous route through a cave transformed by candles for an amazing illumination experience. The otherworldly atmosphere of the cave shouldn’t be missed! From the Main Street area, visitors can capture stunning photos of the Sea Candle rising above a sea of warm light, with the autumnal landscape and Sagami Bay in the background. 

All around the island are, of course, candles. And with them are moments of calm as the candles glow and flicker gently. This soothing experience is certainly different from the spectacle of LED lights but is no less captivating, offering the perfect conclusion to an autumn evening. 

Sponsored by Fujisawa City.