Is Enoshima the Next Big Thing? Your March 2026 Guide: Insider Spots, "GARB" Italian, and the Enoshima Aquarium

Spring's been creeping in fast lately, and when the weather shifts like this, you just can't help but crave a view of the ocean. As someone who grew up in Shonan, I can tell you that March in Enoshima is what I'd call the "quiet golden hour" before the summer crowds roll in. The big winter event, Shonan no Houseki (Jewels of Shonan), just wrapped up on February 28th. The insane crowds around the Enoshima Sea Candle have finally thinned out, and it feels like we've got our town back. But that's the beauty of this place—the real magic often starts after the main event is over.

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

First up, getting here. Step out of the Odakyu Line's Katase-Enoshima Station, and you're immediately hit with that refreshing sea breeze. As you start walking towards Enoshima island, the hottest new spot is the Italian restaurant GARB Enoshima. It's on the 2nd and 3rd floors of The Beach House, and the location is unbeatable—literally a 2-minute walk from the station.

The real kicker here is the view. Every single table has an ocean view. The contrast of Enoshima and the sea from the 3rd-floor terrace feels like you're right in the heart of Shonan. Their wood-fired Margherita pizza is a standout, with tomato sauce so fresh it practically sings, and it pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of sparkling wine this time of year. My tip? Aim for a reservation around 4 or 5 PM. Time it with sunset, and you can watch the sky and sea slowly melt into color, often feeling like you have the place almost to yourselves.

• GARB Enoshima Highlights
• Unbeatable location (2-min walk from Katase-Enoshima Station)
• Blissful moments on the rooftop terrace & rooftop BBQ with the sea breeze
• Kid-friendly during lunch with a dedicated play area

Experiences You Can Only Have at the Reinvented Classic "Enoshima Aquarium"

Once you've filled up, head next door to the New Enoshima Aquarium, or "Enosui" as we call it. What's great about this place is that it never gets old, no matter how many times you visit. And this month, it's packed with special events that make a visit on a specific day totally unique.

Take today, Saturday, March 7th—it's shaping up to be a special one. First, there's the limited-time "Special Touch Pool Experience." Kids absolutely love it because they get to directly touch the tide pool creatures from Enoshima's own shores—things you don't usually get to handle. And what's really a one-time thing is the 4th installment 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, or one of the research fellows, gives you a private lecture on the creatures of Sagami Bay and behind-the-scenes stories. After you've been on this tour, looking at the big tank feels like a completely different experience—highly recommended.

Plus, this whole month is the 5th-anniversary celebration for the aquarium's official mascot, "Awatan." Today there's also an "Awatan Photo Session," so you have a chance to snap a pic with that adorable character. Awatan is a real local celebrity around here, and their merchandise flies off the shelves.

Riding the Enoden: Secret Spots for the In-the-Know

After you've soaked up Enoshima, the only way to travel is, of course, the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden). But the Enoden isn't just transport. Hopping on those retro trains and weaving through the gaps between houses feels like an attraction in itself.

The Enoshima Station stop is particularly unmissable. The waiting room on the platform is like a miniature railway museum, with the actual front end of a retired 300-series train on display. Even if you're not a train buff, grabbing a photo here makes for a great travel keepsake. And have you noticed the handmade little bird decorations on the fence in front of the station? Local grandmas dress them up in handmade outfits for each season. Since it's March, they're just transitioning from the Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) outfits to their spring ones. It's little touches of "local warmth" like this that make me love this town.

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

Oh, and speaking of things you might hear, ever caught younger visitors saying, "If you're going to Enoshima, you gotta pay respects to 'Junko'"? They're talking about the character Enoshima Junko from the game 'Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc'. Because her family name is "Enoshima," quite a few fans come here as a sort of pilgrimage to a real-world location connected to the series.

In fact, parts of Kamakura and the Enoden line are said to be models for scenes in the game, so it's fun to hop on the Enoden and head towards Yuigahama or Gokurakuji. Walking through the town feeling like you've stepped into the world of an anime or game can lead to unexpected discoveries.

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

Now that Shonan no Houseki is over, places like the Samuel Cocking Garden and the Sea Candle are perfect for just relaxing in the gentle daytime sun. The paid areas are sometimes free to enter on days without events, so even just strolling through is refreshing. Looping around the Enoshima Shrine—from Hetsunomiya to Nakatsunomiya to Okutsunomiya—and claiming the view from 100 meters above sea level for yourself is a luxury you can really only appreciate now, in this quiet season.

For a little weekend escape, or to feel the first signs of spring. Enoshima, a place that shows you a new face every time you visit, is entering its most peaceful and enjoyable season. As a local, I'm telling you: right now, with fewer people, crisp air, and time to truly savor the food and the aquarium, this is the absolute "best season" to visit.