3workerholiday3 海と信仰が交差する場所・江ノ島神社を歩く
湘南観光といえば海、そして忘れちゃいけないのが江ノ島神社。
今回は、江ノ島観光の中心ともいえるこの神社について、歴史や見どころ、江ノ島駅からのアクセス方法、周辺スポットもあわせて紹介していきます。
江ノ島神社ってどんな神社？
江ノ島神社は、神奈川県藤沢市の江ノ島全体を境内とする、かなりスケールの大きな神社。
創建はなんと**欽明天皇13年（552年）**とされ、約1500年の歴史があります。
祀られているのは三姉妹の女神「江島三神」。
- 田寸津比賣命（たぎつひめのみこと）
- 市寸島比賣命（いちきしまひめのみこと）
- 多紀理比賣命（たぎりひめのみこと）
この三神は、
✔ 縁結び
✔ 金運
✔ 芸能・芸術
✔ 商売繁盛
と、かなり守備範囲が広め。観光客だけでなく、地元の人にも長く信仰されています。
三つの宮をめぐるのが基本ルート
江ノ島神社は一か所じゃなく、島内に三つのお宮があります。
① 辺津宮（へつみや）
江ノ島に入ってすぐの場所。朱色が映える社殿で、一番参拝者が多い印象。
エスカー（有料エスカレーター）もここから利用できます。
② 中津宮（なかつみや）
少し登った先にあり、展望も良好。
境内は開けていて、晴れた日は空と海の青が気持ちいい。
③ 奥津宮（おくつみや）
島の最奥部。落ち着いた雰囲気で、個人的には一番「神域感」が強い場所。
近くには亀石や力石など、ちょっとしたパワースポットもあります。
江ノ島岩屋は外せない
奥津宮のさらに先にあるのが江ノ島岩屋。
波に削られてできた海食洞で、修験者が修行した場所としても有名です。
中はひんやりしていて、ロウソク片手に進む演出もあり、ちょっとした探検気分。
天気が良ければ、洞窟の奥から見える海もかなりきれいです。
参拝後は周辺グルメ＆散策タイム
江ノ島神社の楽しさは、参拝だけじゃ終わりません。
- 名物・しらす丼（生しらすがあればラッキー）
- 参道のたこせんべい（並ぶけど楽しい）
- 海沿いのカフェでのんびり
今回は朝早めに参拝に行ったこともあり、生しらす丼も食べることができ、とても満足な旅でした！
江ノ島駅から江ノ島神社への行き方
江ノ島神社へは、最寄り駅が複数あるのも特徴。どの駅からでも歩いて行けますが、初めてなら以下を参考にすると迷いにくいです。
小田急線「片瀬江ノ島駅」から（徒歩約15分）
観光客に一番人気なのがこのルート。
- 片瀬江ノ島駅を出たら、正面の商店街へ
- お土産屋や飲食店を眺めながらまっすぐ進む
- 江ノ島弁天橋を渡る
- 橋を渡り切ったら左手に江ノ島入口
- 青銅の鳥居をくぐり、参道の階段を上ると辺津宮に到着
道中は完全に観光ムードなので、歩くだけでも楽しいです。
江ノ電「江ノ島駅」から（徒歩約20分）
レトロな江ノ電を楽しみたい人向け。
- 江ノ島駅を出て、海方面へ
- 腰越海岸沿いを進み、弁天橋方面へ
- 江ノ島入口から参道へ
少し歩きますが、海を見ながら行けるのが魅力。天気がいい日は特におすすめ。
湘南モノレール「湘南江の島駅」から（徒歩約20分）
高架を走るモノレールはちょっとしたアトラクション感あり。
- 改札を出たら案内表示に従って弁天橋方面へ
- 途中で江ノ電江ノ島駅付近と合流
- そのまま橋を渡って江ノ島へ
階段がきつい人は「江ノ島エスカー」を活用
江ノ島神社はとにかく階段が多いことで有名。
体力に不安がある場合や、暑い日は**江ノ島エスカー（有料エスカレーター）**がおすすめです。
- 辺津宮〜中津宮〜サムエル・コッキング苑付近まで連続利用可
- ベビーカー・大きな荷物がある人にも便利
For foreign country traveler
【Enoshima Shrine】
Walking Through Enoshima Shrine: Where the Sea Meets Faith
When people think of sightseeing in Shonan, the ocean usually comes to mind—but one place you definitely shouldn’t miss is Enoshima Shrine.
In this article, I’ll introduce this iconic shrine, often considered the heart of Enoshima sightseeing, along with its history, highlights, access from Enoshima Station, and nearby spots worth visiting.
What Kind of Shrine Is Enoshima Shrine?
Enoshima Shrine is a large-scale Shinto shrine whose grounds extend across the entire island of Enoshima in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
It is said to have been founded in 552 (the 13th year of Emperor Kinmei’s reign), giving it a history of nearly 1,500 years.
The shrine enshrines three sister goddesses known collectively as the Enoshima Three Deities:
- Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto
- Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto
- Tagirihime-no-Mikoto
These three deities are believed to grant blessings for:
✔ Love and relationships
✔ Financial fortune
✔ Performing arts and creativity
✔ Business prosperity
Thanks to this wide range of blessings, the shrine has long been worshipped not only by visitors but also by local residents.
Visiting the Three Shrines Is the Classic Route
Enoshima Shrine isn’t just one shrine—it consists of three separate shrines located around the island.
1. Hetsumiya Shrine
Located near the entrance of Enoshima, this shrine features a vivid vermilion hall and attracts the largest number of worshippers.
The Enoshima Escar (paid escalator) also starts here.
2. Nakatsumiya Shrine
Situated a bit higher up, this shrine offers great views.
The open grounds feel especially refreshing on a clear day, with beautiful blue skies and ocean scenery.
3. Okutsumiya Shrine
Located at the far end of the island, this shrine has a calm, sacred atmosphere. Personally, it feels like the most “spiritual” spot on Enoshima.
Nearby, you’ll also find small power spots such as Turtle Rock and Power Stone.
Enoshima Iwaya Caves Are a Must-See
Beyond Okutsumiya lies Enoshima Iwaya, sea caves formed by wave erosion. They are also known as places where ascetic monks once trained.
The caves are cool inside, and the candle-lit walkway adds a sense of adventure.
On a clear day, the view of the ocean from deep inside the cave is especially beautiful.
Food and Strolling After Your Visit
The fun of Enoshima Shrine doesn’t end with worship.
- Local specialty shirasu rice bowls (fresh raw shirasu if you’re lucky!)
- Octopus rice crackers along the approach (the lines are long, but it’s part of the fun)
- Relaxing at seaside cafés
I visited early in the morning this time, which allowed me to enjoy a fresh shirasu rice bowl—making it a very satisfying trip overall!
How to Get to Enoshima Shrine from Enoshima Station
One great thing about Enoshima Shrine is that there are several nearby stations. You can walk from any of them, but if it’s your first time, the following routes are easy to follow.
From Katase-Enoshima Station (Odakyu Line) – about 15 minutes on foot
This is the most popular route among tourists.
- Exit the station and head toward the shopping street in front
- Walk straight while browsing souvenir shops and restaurants
- Cross Enoshima Benten Bridge
- After crossing the bridge, you’ll see the entrance to Enoshima on the left
- Pass through the bronze torii gate and climb the approach stairs to reach Hetsumiya Shrine
The entire walk has a lively tourist atmosphere, making it enjoyable just to stroll.
From Enoshima Station (Enoden Line) – about 20 minutes on foot
Perfect for those who want to enjoy the retro Enoden train.
- Exit the station and head toward the ocean
- Walk along Koshigoe Coast toward Benten Bridge
- Enter Enoshima and follow the shrine approach
It’s a slightly longer walk, but enjoying the sea along the way makes it worthwhile—especially on a sunny day.
From Shonan-Enoshima Station (Shonan Monorail) – about 20 minutes on foot
The elevated monorail ride itself feels like a mini attraction.
- Exit the ticket gate and follow signs toward Benten Bridge
- Merge with the area near Enoden Enoshima Station
- Cross the bridge and head onto Enoshima
Use the Enoshima Escar If Stairs Are Tough
Enoshima Shrine is famous for having lots of stairs.
If you’re concerned about stamina or visiting on a hot day, the Enoshima Escar (paid escalator) is highly recommended.
- Runs continuously from Hetsumiya to Nakatsumiya and near Samuel Cocking Garden
- Convenient for strollers or visitors with large luggage
