Beneath the Lighthouse
"From Enoshima to Kamakura"
Craving a break from Tokyo's bustling streets, I set off on a journey to explore the island of Enoshima.
A short journey that felt like a world away. The local train from Shimbashi carried me to Ofuna Station, where I hopped on the monorail that floated above the city like something out of the future. The ride itself was an adventure, gliding through the air until I reached Enoshima Station.
I made my way toward the beach, where for the first time, I laid eyes on the vast Pacific Ocean. There, sitting quietly by the water, I met an elderly gentleman who invited me to sit beside him. We shared a short but meaningful conversation, reflecting on the cultural contrasts between Japan and the world beyond.
Enoshima is a perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle. Here you can wander through narrow streets lined with cool shops, grab some fresh seafood, and take in views of the ocean that seem to go on forever. There’s a bit of everything—beaches, shrines, and even a lighthouse with amazing panoramic views. It’s a place where you can just kick back, watch the waves, and feel like you're in a whole different world, even though it’s not far from the city.
The scent of salt air mingles with the scent of flowers blooming from the cliffs, while the sound of gulls calls out over the sparkling waters. Beneath the warm sun, Enoshima feels like a dream you can touch, a timeless escape where nature and spirit entwine.
At the beginning of Enoshima's main street, a towering torii gate welcomes me, as the lively hum of the bustling crowd guides my steps through the island’s cozy, sun-kissed lanes.
A small statue of a monk sits serenely, his sensu resting gently in his hand, as if caught in a moment of quiet contemplation.
Leaning over the rail at Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station, I aim my camera down the train tracks, capturing the bustling road ahead with the city unfolding softly in the background.
I capture the iconic shot of the old train gliding past Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station, a place immortalized in the frames of Slam Dunk, where nostalgia and movement collide.
I stand behind a stranger, a girl poised beside the passing train, her figure framed by the fleeting blur of motion; with a snap, I capture the moment, and it’s flawless.
I snap another shot of the passing train, its steady rhythm beside a little girl standing still, gazing in quiet wonder as it rolls by.
I capture a moment of pedestrians passing by, a woman standing out in her orange sweater and white overcoat, carrying a handbag as she walks beside her partner, their quiet connection framed by the steady rhythm of the crowd.
At the shrine, three women approach, their steps gentle, as an elderly woman stands patiently, waiting her turn to honor the sacred space before her.
As the lights flickered to life and the evening air grew still, I found myself quietly retracing the day—its unexpected moments, the people I met, and the calm presence of the sea.
Enoshima gave me more than just beautiful views and winding streets; it offered a pause, a connection, a memory that now feels like a soft echo from a dream.
I left with a full heart and the feeling that sometimes, the simplest days become the ones you never forget.