Enoshima is the Hot Spot Right Now! A Complete Local's Guide to March 2026: From Hidden Gems & the Latest Gourmet Spot "GARB" to the "New Enoshima Aquarium"

It's suddenly starting to feel like spring, and when the weather gets like this, you just get that urge to see the sea, right? If you ask me, someone from Shonan, March in Enoshima is like the "quiet golden hour" before the summer tourist rush. The thing is, the big winter event, "Shonan no Houseki (Shonan's Jewel)," just ended on February 28th last week. The massive crowds around the Enoshima Sea Candle have finally died down, and it feels like the town is getting back to its local pace. But the great thing about this place is that the best time to visit is actually right after the big events finish.

A Toast at "GARB" After Arriving at the Fascinating Gateway "Katase-Enoshima"

First up, access. When you get off at the Odakyu Line's Katase-Enoshima Station, you're immediately in an area where the sea breeze feels amazing. As you walk towards Enoshima from here, the hot spot everyone's talking about is the Italian restaurant "GARB Enoshima." It's located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of The Beach House. It's literally right in front of the station, just a 2-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station, which is a real treat.

What's so incredible about this place? The location offers an ocean view from every seat. The contrast of Enoshima and the sea, especially from the 3rd-floor terrace, truly feels like the heart of Shonan. Their wood-fired Pizza Margherita is a standout dish with the freshness of the tomato sauce, and it pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of sparkling wine this time of year. I'd recommend going around 4:00 to 5:00 PM. If you time it with sunset, you can enjoy the moment the sky and sea slowly change colours, almost as if you have the place to yourself, so definitely try for that.

• GARB Enoshima Highlights
• Super convenient station-side location (2-min walk from Katase-Enoshima Station)
• Blissful moments feeling the sea breeze on the rooftop terrace & with rooftop BBQ
• Kids' space available during lunchtime, making it family-friendly

Experiences You Can Only Have at the Evolved Classic, the "New Enoshima Aquarium"

After grabbing a bite, head over to the neighbouring New Enoshima Aquarium (Enosui). The great thing about this place is that no matter how many years you visit, you never get tired of it. This month, especially, it's packed with events, offering ways to enjoy it that are unique to "today."

In fact, today, March 7th (Saturday), is shaping up to be a special day. First, there's the limited-time "Special Touch Pool Event." Kids are sure to get excited because they can actually touch the tide pool creatures of Enoshima, which you don't usually get to. Also, something you can only see right now is the 4th installment of the "Enosui Sagami Bay Academic Tour." It's a premium tour where you enter a bit before opening time and get lectures from Director Sakiyama and research fellows about the creatures of Sagami Bay and behind-the-scenes stories of the aquarium. After taking this tour, the way you see the main tank completely changes, so it's seriously recommended.

And this month is the 5th-anniversary month for Enosui's official character, "Awatan." There's an "Awatan Photo Session" happening today too, giving you a chance to snap a photo of that cute character. Awatan is super popular locally, and their merchandise sells really well.

A Secret Way to Enjoy the Ride on the Enoden Line

Now, after enjoying Enoshima to the fullest, the way to get around is, of course, the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden). Enoden isn't just a means of transport. Riding in those retro cars, weaving through gaps in the residential areas, that feeling itself is an attraction.

Enoshima Station is particularly unmissable. The waiting room on the platform is like a small railway museum, with the actual front part of a retired 300-series train proudly on display. Even if you're not a train buff, taking a photo here makes a great travel memory. Oh, and you know those handmade little bird decorations on the fence in front of the station? Local grandmothers change their handmade outfits with the seasons. Right now, in March, it's the time they're switching from the Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) version to a spring style. Being able to feel that kind of casual "local warmth" is what I love about this town.

The World of "Junko Enoshima": Known to Those in the Know

Speaking of which, have you ever heard young people say things like, "If you're going to Enoshima, you gotta pay your respects to 'Junko'"? They're talking about the character Junko Enoshima from the game 'Danganronpa: The Academy of Hope and Despair'. Because her surname is "Enoshima," quite a few fans come here almost as a form of pilgrimage.

Actually, the places that inspired the series are in Kamakura and along the Enoden line, so it's fun to take the Enoden and head towards Yuigahama or Gokurakuji. It's fascinating how walking through the town feeling like you've stepped into the world of the anime or game can lead to different discoveries.

A Sophisticated Shonan: Starting at Winter's End

Now that "Shonan no Houseki" is over, the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Candle are perfect for relaxing slowly in the gentle daytime sun. On days without events, you can even enter the paid areas for free sometimes, so just taking a stroll is refreshing. Circling through Enoshima Shrine, from Hetsumiya to Nakatsumiya and then Okutsumiya, and soaking in the view from 100m above sea level – that's a luxury you can enjoy precisely during this season.

For a little weekend getaway, or to feel the arrival of spring. Enoshima, which shows you a new face every time you visit, is now entering its most peaceful and enjoyable period. Speaking as a local, right now, when there are fewer people, the air is clear, and you can leisurely enjoy both the gourmet food and the aquarium, is truly the "best season" to visit.