Written by Aarohi Narain
Samurai legends, seaside traditions, and good ol’ festival fun — Enoshima isn’t just a summer destination. Catch the Shonan Enoshima Spring Festival this March.
What happens?
Enoshima is one of our favorite day-trip destinations from Tokyo for its wholesome mix of Japanese shrines, intriguing caves, and picture-perfect beaches. And the Shonan Enoshima Spring Festival is a great way to experience it all — plus some seriously impressive horseback archery.
One of the festival’s biggest draws is the Samurai Warrior Procession through Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street, portraying Minamoto no Yoritomo. This reenactment honors the legendary general’s pilgrimage to Enoshima Shrine and offers a chance to see warriors clad in traditional armor.
Over on Katase Higashihama Beach, the action intensifies with the aforementioned yabusame. Riders, dressed in traditional hunting attire, gallop at full speed while expertly firing arrows at targets.
For something more introspective, witness the Shell Memorial Service at Enoshima Shrine. Rooted in Shinto traditions, this ceremony expresses appreciation for the sea’s bounty and the role shellfish play in sustaining life. Participants offer prayers before releasing young shellfish into the sea.
Meanwhile, at Samuel Cocking Garden, catch performances by popular comedians, try your hand at ninja training or ukiyo-e printing, or test out traditional Japanese spinning tops. Iwaya Cave’s postcard station allows visitors to send a message and drop it in a designated mailbox within the cave, with postcards mailed out at a later date.
Local food trucks line the waterfront, serving up fresh-caught seafood — for which the Shōnan region is famed — and seasonal treats.
Schedule 2025
The Shonan Enoshima Spring Festival takes place on March 8 and 9.
On March 8, the Samurai Warrior Procession takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Nakamise Street, followed by yabusame at noon on Katase Higashihama Beach.
On March 9, the Children’s Procession & Shell Memorial Ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. at Enoshima Shrine, while the Comedy Stage at Samuel Cocking Garden has performances at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
On both days, the ninja and ukiyo-e printing experiences are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, while the postcard-writing activity goes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to get there
Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Fujisawa Station, then transfer to the Odakyu Enoshima Line and get off at Katase-Enoshima Station. The festival venues are about a 10-minute walk from there.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Add to Calendar
