Hot Spot Alert: Enoshima in March 2026! An Insider’s Guide to Hidden Gems, the Latest Eats at "GARB," and a Complete Look at the "New Enoshima Aquarium"
It's suddenly starting to feel like spring, and as always, this time of year just makes you want to see the ocean, right? Take it from a guy who grew up in Shonan: March in Enoshima is what you'd call the 'quiet golden hour' before the summer tourist crowds hit. After all, the big winter event, 'Shonan no Houseki (Jewel of Shonan),' just wrapped up on February 28th. The crazy crowds around the Enoshima Sea Candle have died down, and things are finally getting back to a local pace. But the great thing about this area is that the period right after a big event is actually the best time to visit.
Raising a Toast at "GARB" Right by the Gateway: Katase-Enoshima Station
First up, getting here. When you step out of the Odakyu Line's Katase-Enoshima Station, you're instantly hit with that nice sea breeze. On your walk from here towards Enoshima island, the hot spot right now is the Italian restaurant, "GARB Enoshima." It's located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of The Beach House. Just a 2-minute walk from the station – talk about convenience.
What's so amazing about this place? Every single table has an ocean view. The contrast of Enoshima island against the sea from the 3rd-floor terrace, especially, just screams 'Shonan.' Their wood-fired Margherita pizza is a standout, with super fresh tomato sauce, and it pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of sparkling wine this time of year. My tip? Aim for the 4 to 5 pm slot. If you time it for sunset, you can watch the sky and sea slowly change colors, often feeling like you have the whole place to yourself. Definitely give it a shot.
- GARB Enoshima Highlights
- Incredibly convenient location (2 mins from Katase-Enoshima Station)
- Pure bliss on the rooftop terrace & rooftop BBQ, feeling the sea breeze
- Kids' space available during lunch, so it's family-friendly too
Experiences You Can Only Have at the Classic, Evolved "New Enoshima Aquarium"
After filling your stomach, head over to the neighboring New Enoshima Aquarium (Enosui). The best part about this place? You never get tired of it, no matter how many years you visit. 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 one. First up is the limited-time "Special Touch Tank Event." You get to actually touch the tide pool creatures from Enoshima that you don't usually get to handle – guaranteed to get the kids super excited. And then there's the 4th installment of the "Enosui Sagami Bay Academic Tour," which you can only catch now. You get in a little early before the aquarium opens, and the director, Sakiyama, along with research fellows, gives you a premium tour with behind-the-scenes stories about the creatures of Sagami Bay and the aquarium itself. After joining this, the way you see the main tank totally changes – highly recommended.
Plus, this month marks the 5th anniversary of Enosui's official character, 'Awatan.' There's also an "Awatan Photo Session" happening today, giving you a chance to snap a pic of that cute character. Awatan is a real local celebrity now, and their merchandise sells like hotcakes.
A Hidden-Gem Way to Explore, Riding the Enoden
Now, after you've soaked in Enoshima island, the way to get around is, of course, the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden). But the Enoden isn't just a means of transport. Riding in that retro train, weaving through the gaps between residential areas – that experience itself is an attraction.
Enoshima Station is especially worth a look. The waiting room on the platform is like a mini railway museum, with the actual front section of a retired 300-series train on display. Even if you're not a train buff, it makes for a great travel photo op. And have you noticed the handmade little bird ornaments on the fence in front of the station? The grandmothers in the neighborhood dress them up in handmade outfits for each season. Since it's March now, they're just changing from the Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) outfits to their spring ones. It's that kind of unassuming 'local warmth' that makes me love this town.
The World of "Junko Enoshima," Known to Those in the Know
Speaking of which, have you ever overheard younger folks saying, "If you're going to Enoshima, you gotta pay respects to 'Junko'"? They're talking about Junko Enoshima, a character from the game 'Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc.' Her last name being 'Enoshima' draws a fair number of fans here for a kind of pilgrimage to a sacred site.
In fact, since Kamakura and areas along the Enoden line are said to be models for locations in the game, it's fun to hop on the Enoden and head towards Yuigahama or Gokurakuji. It's interesting how walking through the town feeling like you've stepped into the world of an anime or game can lead to totally different discoveries.
Grown-Up Shonan: From the End of Winter
Now that "Shonan no Houseki" is over, places like the Samuel Cocking Garden and the Sea Candle are perfect for relaxing in the gentle daytime sun. On days with no events, you can even enter the paid areas for free, so just strolling around is refreshing. Making a full circuit of Enoshima Shrine – from Hetsumiya to Nakatsumiya to Okutsumiya – and soaking in the view from 100 meters above sea level is a luxury you can only really appreciate during this quiet season.
Whether it's for a quick 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. As a local, I can tell you that right now – with fewer crowds, crisp air, and the time to really savor the food and the aquarium – is absolutely the 'best season' to be here.