Enoshima Is the Place to Be Right Now! A Local’s Guide to Hidden Gems and the Hottest New Eats in March 2026 – From 'GARB' to The New Enoshima Aquarium

It’s suddenly starting to feel like spring around here, and when the weather turns, nothing beats the call of the ocean. As a local from Shonan, let me tell you – March in Enoshima is what I call our 'quiet golden hour,' the calm before the summer crowds roll in. We just saw the end of our huge winter spectacle, 'Shonan no Houseki (Shonan’s Jewel),' which wrapped up on February 28th. The massive crowds around the Enoshima Sea Candle have finally thinned out, and our local pace of life is back. But the best part about this town? Some of the best experiences are waiting for you right after the big events finish.

From 'Kata-en' Station to Cheers at 'GARB' – The Gateway to Enoshima is a Destination Itself

First up, getting here. Step out of the Odakyu Line's Katase-Enoshima Station, and you’re instantly hit with that fresh sea breeze. On your walk towards Enoshima island, the hottest spot right now is the Italian restaurant GARB Enoshima. It's perched on the 2nd and 3rd floors of The Beach House building, and get this – it's only a 2-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station. You can't beat that convenience.

What makes it so special? Every single table has an ocean view. The contrast of Enoshima island against the sea from the 3rd-floor terrace is the quintessential Shonan experience. Their wood-fired Margherita pizza is a standout, with a tomato sauce so fresh it shines, and it pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of sparkling wine this time of year. My top tip is to aim for a booking around 4:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon. If you time it for sunset, you might just feel like you have the place to yourselves as the sky and sea slowly melt into colour.

• Why GARB Enoshima is a Must-Visit
• Incredibly convenient location (just 2 mins from Katase-Enoshima Station)
• Blissful moments on the rooftop terrace with a BBQ, feeling the ocean breeze
• Kid-friendly during lunch with a dedicated play area, great for families

Unique Experiences You Can Only Have at the Evolving Classic: 'New Enoshima Aquarium'

Once you've filled up, head next door to the New Enoshima Aquarium, or 'Enosui' as we call it. The best thing about this place is that no matter how many years you visit, it never gets old. This month, especially, is packed with events that make a visit on any given day feel truly special.

Take today, Saturday, March 7th – it’s shaping up to be a pretty unique day. First, there's the limited-time Special Hands-On Touch Tank Event. Kids absolutely love getting the chance to directly touch the tide pool creatures from the Enoshima coast, things you don't normally get to handle. Then, there's a can't-miss opportunity: the 4th installment of the 'Enosui Sagami Bay Academic Tour'. This is a premium tour where you get into the aquarium a little early, before it opens to the public. You get a lecture from Director Sakiyama and the research fellows about the creatures of Sagami Bay and behind-the-scenes stories from the aquarium. Honestly, seeing the main tank after this tour completely changes your perspective – it's that good.

And all month long, Enosui is celebrating the 5th anniversary of their official character, 'Awatan.' Today, there's even an 'Awatan Photo Session' – your chance to snap a pic with that cute little character. Awatan has become a massive local celebrity, and you'll see her merchandise selling out everywhere.

Riding the Enoden to Secret, Local-Favourite Spots

After you've soaked up Enoshima, the only way to travel is on the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden). But the Enoden is way more than just a train. Hopping on one of those retro carriages and feeling it thread its way between houses is an attraction in itself.

Don't miss the Enoshima Station itself. The waiting room on the platform is like a little railway museum, featuring the actual front end of a retired 300-series train on display. Even if you're not a train buff, it's a fantastic photo op for your travel memories. And have you noticed the handmade little bird ornaments on the fence in front of the station? Local grandmas lovingly dress them up in handmade outfits for the seasons. Right now, in March, they're transitioning from their Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) outfits to their spring looks. It's that understated 'local warmth' that really makes me love this town.

The World of 'Junko Enoshima' – A Cult Favourite

Speaking of which, have you ever overheard younger visitors saying, "If you're going to Enoshima, you have to pay your respects to 'Junko'"? It's a reference to the character Junko Enoshima from the game 'Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc'. Her surname being 'Enoshima' draws a fair few fans here on a sort of pilgrimage.

In fact, since Kamakura and the Enoden line are said to be inspirations for the game's settings, it's pretty fun to hop on the Enoden and head towards Yuigahama or Gokurakuji. It's amazing how walking through the town feeling like you're in the world of an anime or game gives you a whole new perspective.

The End of Winter Marks the Beginning of a Grown-Up Shonan

Now that 'Shonan no Houseki' is over, Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden and the Sea Candle are perfect for just relaxing under the gentle daytime sun. On days without events, you can even enter the paid areas for free, so even a casual stroll is refreshing. Doing the full circuit of Enoshima Shrine – from Hetsumiya to Nakatsumiya and Okutsumiya – and soaking in the views from 100 metres above sea level is a luxury you can really only appreciate at this time of year.

Whether it's for a quick weekend breather or to welcome the arrival of spring, Enoshima always shows you a new face. And right now, it's entering its most peaceful and enjoyable period. Take it from a local: with fewer people, crisp, clear air, and the time to slowly savour the food scene and the aquarium, this is hands down the best time to visit.