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I wanted to go to Kamakura but ended up in Enoshima (江ノ島) a small island seaside town next to the island of Kanagawa prefecture and to to the south of Tokyo . . .  Another classic example of my randomness! So it’s not in Tokyo. . . Thus I reckon the title’s not very apt. But anyhoos, this post is a continuation of my travelogue while loafing in  Japan the other time round so here goes!  Enoshima is a beach destination and, on a nice summer day, has a bit of the  laid-back California surfer vibe. Are we talking yet?

I took the Odakyu line setting off from Shinjuaku to Fujisawa and then made a transfer. There were other trains that goes there. .  like the ROMANCE CAR for example and I was stumped the first time I saw the advert. ROMANCE CAR??? Sounds sleazy if you ask me…  Whatever the case . . didn’t get that ticket cause I wasn’t particularly feeling romantic. There is also a 1 day  Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass  at a steal of about 1400 Yen , which covers your round trip from Shinjuku and allows you  to take unlimited rides on the nostalgic Enoden (江ノ電) which is combination of a street car and a train, and runs on the Enoshima line.  Kinda cool for city stalkers like me.

The ride from Shinjuku to Fujisawa lasted about an hour and I remember watching people go about their daily summer lives as they board and un-board the train. People eat noodles in train as if its the most natural thing to do! Didn’t capture a shot cause I didn’t want to get smacked with half eaten noodles on my face.The ambiance change immediately the moment you arrive at Fujisawa for the transfer. Pace is MUCH slower. I could feel the sea breeze already!  The Enoden has a hundred years of history and is one of the few remaining street trains (trains that literally run along the streets) left in Japan. At one juncture the lines run SOCLOSE to the houses, you could easily peep into some one’s toilet!

Anyway let the photos do the stalking!

The stops that the train makes. Enoshima is right in the middle

I should be going to Kamakura!

Spotted a number of classic and expensive cars.

Was told that this is the famous spot where they filmed some top rated japanese drama. Clueless! But still took an obligatory shot! ha!

The sands in Japan are black!

It is always good to have beer in summer. Drown away the heat!

Flea market

Hotbabe – not for sale

Expensive dog. .  also not for sale

That’s the island in the background

Houses- station-railway – road- beach-sea

The bridge to the Eno island – The small island  is attached to the mainland by a causeway and is the main tourist attraction. I wonder why. It’s just a bridge!

Enoshima Shrine (江島神社 Enoshima-jinja). 2-3-8 Enoshima. Best known for its rather unusual naked statue of Benzaiten (裸弁財天 hadaka Benzaiten), a Shinto deity rarely found in such a state, which I never got to see

Map of the island

You only tie this up when you’ve prayed and received a bad fortune!

View of main island from Enoshima. It was said that Mt. Fuji could be seen from the top of Enoshima on clear days (best season for viewing is winter). But every time I read about things like that, I have absolutely no idea which direction to face to find that mountain

You can choose to walk up or take the escalator up. You’ll have to pay a whopping 700 yen to ride the escalator though! That’s about 10 bucks here!

When I reached the top, I immediately spotted a long queue. As if by Singaporean nature, I joined without even knowing what’s in stored. Turned out. . .

it’s Tako Senbei! Octopus Rice cake!

Method: Mix 1 octopus in batter (yes the WHOLE thing including its head) , throw it in funky old machine (yes the WHOLE thing including its tentacles), close lid and PRESS! *beware of flying bits of batter!

T’was the result of the long queue. It’s very yummie and well worth the wait!

Japanese cats are fat!

I had to take this peekture because I’ve never seen a cat up on a tree before. Loser I am!!

The other side of the island offers a vast view of the w i d e  o p e n  s e a!
The island is actually surrounded by high sea cliffs, rocks and tidal pools, so there’s only one way in, and one way out. unless of cos you swim.

At Enoshima, all the women are like kunoichis, they can control their chakra and walk on water!

Night has fallen and its shopping time!

There are usually a whole bunch of other things  to see off the island – like  fireworks in summer at the beach, but I didnt stay that late that day. It was said that about 5,000 fireworks are displayed in late July or in early August every year. Having viewed the Yokohama and some Tokyo fireworks which encompasses hello kitty and pokemon faces, the strange thought of fishes and turtles crept into my mind. I just can’t help wondering if they really do have fireworks in those shapes. Maybe the next time I go, I’ll see a beachboy outlined one!