Why Enoshima is the Place to Be Right Now: A Local's Ultimate Guide to March 2026, from Hidden Gems and the Hottest Eatery 'GARB' to the New Enoshima Aquarium

It's suddenly starting to feel like spring, and at this time of year, you just can't beat a day by the sea. Trust me, as a local lad from Shonan, March in Enoshima is what I'd call the 'quiet golden time' before the summer tourist crowds hit. Why? Well, that massive winter tradition, 'Shonan's Jewel', only just wrapped up on February 28th. The crazy crowds around the Enoshima Sea Candle have finally died down, and it feels like the town has got its local rhythm back. But the best thing about this place? The real magic often happens just after the main event is over.

Start at the Gateway 'Katase-Enoshima' and Toast at 'GARB'

First up, getting there. Step off the Odakyu Line at Katase-Enoshima Station, and you're instantly hit with that lovely sea breeze. As you walk towards Enoshima from here, the hot spot on everyone's lips is the Italian restaurant, GARB Enoshima. It's on the 2nd and 3rd floors of The Beach House building, and the fact it's just a 2-minute walk from the station is a massive bonus.

The real clincher here? Every single table has an ocean view. The contrast of Enoshima against the sea from the 3rd-floor terrace, especially, is the absolute essence of Shonan. Their wood-fired Margherita pizza is a standout, with a tomato sauce so fresh it sings, and it pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of fizz this time of year. My top tip? Aim for around 4 or 5 pm. Time it with sunset, and you can watch the sky and sea slowly shift through the colours, often feeling like you've got the place almost to yourself.

• GARB Enoshima Highlights
• Unbeatable location right by the station (2 mins from Katase-Enoshima Station)
• Pure bliss on the rooftop terrace & rooftop BBQ, feeling the sea breeze
• Kids' space available at lunchtime, making it super family-friendly

Experiences You Can Only Have at the 'New Enoshima Aquarium'

Once you've filled your belly, head next door to the New Enoshima Aquarium (Enosui). The brilliant thing about this place is that you never get bored, no matter how many times you visit. And this month, it's packed with special events that make a trip feel unique to 'today'.

Today, Saturday 7th March, is shaping up to be something special. First, there's the limited-time 'Special Touch Pool Event'. Kids will be absolutely buzzing because they get to actually touch the tide pool creatures from Enoshima's own shores – something you don't get to do every day. Then, there's a real treat you can only catch now: the fourth instalment of the 'Enosui Sagami Bay Academic Tour'. It's a premium tour where you get into the aquarium a little early, and the director, Dr. Sakiyama, along with research fellows, gives you a fascinating lecture about the creatures of Sagami Bay and behind-the-scenes stories from the aquarium. Honestly, seeing the main tank after this totally changes your perspective – highly recommended.

And to top it all off, this month marks the 5th anniversary of Enosui's official mascot, 'Awatan'. There's an 'Awatan Photo Session' on today too, giving you the perfect chance to snap a pic of that adorable character. Awatan is a proper local celebrity around here, and their merchandise flies off the shelves.

A Local's Secret: Hopping on the Enoden

Right, after you've soaked up Enoshima, the only way to travel is, of course, the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden). But the Enoden is so much more than just a train. Riding those vintage carriages as they weave through gaps in the residential streets is an attraction in itself.

Don't miss Enoshima Station in particular. The waiting room on the platform is like a mini railway museum, with the actual front end of a retired 300-series train on proud display. Even if you're not a train buff, it makes for a great travel photo. And have you spotted the handmade little bird ornaments on the fence in front of the station? Local grandmothers lovingly dress them up in handmade outfits for each season. Being March, they're just changing over from the Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) outfits to their spring gear. It's little touches of unassuming local warmth like this that make me love this town.

For Those in the Know: The World of 'Junko Enoshima'

Speaking of which, have you ever overheard younger visitors saying, "You can't go to Enoshima without paying your respects to 'Junko'"? They're talking about Junko Enoshima, a character from the game 'Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc'. Because her surname is 'Enoshima', quite a few fans make the trip here as a form of pilgrimage.

In fact, parts of Kamakura and the Enoden line are said to have inspired the game's settings. So, it's a fun idea to hop on the Enoden and head towards Yuigahama or Gokurakuji. It's amazing how walking through the town feeling like you've stepped into an anime or game world can lead to a whole different kind of discovery.

Shonan for Grown-Ups: What Begins After Winter Ends

Now that 'Shonan's Jewel' has finished, places like the Samuel Cocking Garden and the Sea Candle are perfect for a slow, relaxing time in the gentle daylight. On days without events, the paid areas are sometimes free to enter, so even just popping in for a stroll can be really refreshing. Doing a full circuit of Enoshima Shrine – from Hetsu-no-miya to Nakatsu-no-miya to Okutsu-no-miya – and soaking in the views from 100 metres above sea level all to yourself? That's a luxury reserved exactly for this quiet time of year.

Whether it's for a bit of a weekend breather or to welcome the arrival of spring, Enoshima – a place that shows you a new face every time you visit – is now entering its most peaceful and enjoyable season. Speaking as a local, right now, when the crowds are thinner, the air is clearer, and you can properly savour both the food and the aquarium... this, right here, is what I'd call the absolute best time to visit.