Enoshima Sea Candle

The Enoshima Sea Candle stands as the iconic landmark of Enoshima Island in Fujisawa, Kanagawa. This observation lighthouse, officially known as the Shonan Observatory Lighthouse, rises 59.8 meters from ground level and reaches 119.6 meters above sea level. Built in 2003 to commemorate the centennial of the Enoshima Electric Railway, it replaced Japan's first privately established lighthouse from 1951, which was originally constructed from a repurposed parachute training tower and known as the "Peace Tower." The tower earned its current name through a public vote in 2010, chosen for its distinctive candle-like silhouette.

The structure functions as both a working lighthouse and tourist attraction, with one of the most powerful beacons among private lighthouses in Japan, visible from 46 kilometers away. In 2004, it received a Good Design Award for Architecture and Environment Design. The Sea Candle stands as the largest privately owned lighthouse in Japan and has been recognized as one of the country's top three night-view lighthouses.

Visitors can access two observation levels: an enclosed glass observation deck at 101.56 meters above sea level and an outdoor observation deck above it, accessible only via spiral staircase. The enclosed floor can be reached by elevator or spiral staircase. From these vantage points, guests enjoy 360-degree panoramic views encompassing Mount Fuji, the Tanzawa mountains, the Izu Peninsula, the Boso Peninsula, Sagami Bay, and on exceptionally clear days, even Tokyo Skytree. The outdoor deck offers an unfiltered experience with sea breezes and unobstructed sightlines, though it closes during inclement weather.

At the tower's base, THE SUNSET TERRACE provides sofa seating with direct ocean views, ideal for witnessing the "Diamond Fuji" phenomenon when the sun aligns perfectly with Mount Fuji's peak at sunset. The Sea Candle sits within the Samuel Cocking Garden, a historic botanical garden named after the British merchant who established it during the Meiji Period, featuring a blend of Japanese and European landscaping with seasonal flowers year-round.

The tower transforms at night with illumination that changes seasonally—green for spring, blue for summer, orange and yellow for autumn, and purple for winter. The annual "Jewels of Shonan" (Shonan no Hoseki) illumination event runs from mid-November through February, creating one of the Kanto region's most celebrated winter light displays. During this period, the entire island glows with elaborate light installations.

Entry to the Sea Candle costs ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children. The Samuel Cocking Garden is free during daytime hours but charges ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children after 5:00 PM during evening events. A combination Sea Candle Set Ticket includes admission to the tower, garden, and the Enoshima Escar escalator system for ¥1,100 for adults and ¥550 for children. The one-day eno=pass (¥1,000 adults, ¥500 children) provides unlimited access to the escalator, garden, Sea Candle, and Iwaya Caves, plus discounts at island restaurants and shops.

From Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line, the Sea Candle is approximately 25 minutes on foot or 15 minutes including the escalator ride. From Enoshima Station on the Enoden line, expect a 20-minute walk. From Shonan-Enoshima Station on the Shonan Monorail, it's a 20-minute walk. From Tokyo, take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima (express trains: 65-75 minutes, ¥650; Romance Car limited express: 60 minutes, ¥1,400 on weekends). Alternatively, take JR trains from Tokyo or Shinjuku to Fujisawa Station, then transfer to local lines reaching Enoshima. The Enoshima Escar, Japan's first outdoor escalator system installed in 1959, provides convenient uphill transport, covering a 46-meter elevation difference in approximately 5 minutes.