What other travelers are saying about Enoshima Sea Candle
I was there on a week day, please consider this when planning the visit. I assume there is significantly more demand during weekends.
This tower is an absolute highlight of my Enoshima visit. I like high places, but this tower is more special. The elevator offers a good view already when bringing you up. At the top an excellent view and sitting possibilities await. One can also see the birds of prey flying around the island and follow them visually.
The walk down was also a joy, but note that it is actually closed, so one needs to use the elevator to come down. In my case the door was open and since I can't read Japanese I went down the stairs only to discover a locked door at the bottom.
The Enoshima Sea Candle is a distinctive lighthouse and observation tower located on Enoshima Island in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Standing at 59.8 meters tall (with an observation deck at 41.75 meters), it's one of the island's most iconic landmarks. The tower was originally built in 2003 to replace an older lighthouse and serves both as a functional lighthouse and a popular tourist attraction offering panoramic views of Sagami Bay, Mount Fuji (on clear days), and the surrounding coastline.
The tower earned its nickname "Sea Candle" due to its candle-like silhouette and the beautiful illuminations that light it up after dark. The observation tower is elegantly designed to resemble a candle flame, and when illuminated at night, it glows warmly against the sea and sky, creating a romantic atmosphere. The lighting displays change seasonally, making it a popular spot for evening visits and special occasions.
From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding area. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji to the west, the Izu Peninsula, the Boso Peninsula, and even Tokyo's skyline in the distance. The deck offers stunning views of Sagami Bay, the beaches of Shonan, and the picturesque Enoshima Island itself. Sunset views are particularly popular, as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.
To reach the Sea Candle, visitors first need to get to Enoshima Island via the bridge connecting it to the mainland. From Enoshima Station (accessible via the Odakyu, Enoden, or Shonan Monorail lines), it's about a 15-20 minute walk across the bridge and through the island's charming streets. The tower is located in the Samuel Cocking Garden, a botanical garden near the island's summit. Visitors can either climb the stairs or take escalators partway up the island to reach the garden entrance.
Yes, there is an admission fee to enter both the Samuel Cocking Garden and ascend the Sea Candle observation tower. Combination tickets are available that include access to both the garden and the tower. The operating hours vary by season but generally run from around 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (last admission is typically 20 minutes before closing). The tower may stay open later during special events or illumination periods. It's advisable to check the official website for current admission prices and hours before visiting.
I can only recommend one thing for sure: BUY the escalator package. Thats totally bargain and definitely worth it since you dont miss out anything while coming down from the top. If you are going to see the caves, it is must.
Rather cloudy when we went but nice views of nearby buildings and beautiful sunset. Saw a tiny glimpse of Mount Fuji haha. There is a floor that has glass windows and the floor above which has an outdoor area with some seating.
Beautiful view of the ocean and Mt. Fuji on clear days. The area is well maintained with a nice atmosphere. No long wait to enter, you go up by elevator and can walk down the stairs if you like. Definitely worth a visit.