Exploring Kamakura, Japan I 4K I Part 2

Enoshima Island is a small yet captivating island located off the Shonan coast in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture. Known for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and panoramic views of the surrounding area, Enoshima is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. The island is home to a Shinto shrine complex devoted to Benzaiten, the goddess of wealth, music, and knowledge. The shrine consists of several sub-shrines scattered across the island, providing visitors with a spiritual experience amidst beautiful natural settings.

Enoshima Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine complex located on Enoshima Island. Dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, art, and knowledge, Enoshima Shrine holds significant cultural and religious importance in the region.

Enoshima Shrine has a deep connection with the dragon god, and there is a legend that once upon a time, a five-headed dragon who was engaged in evil deeds in Kamakura fell in love with a heavenly woman, gave up his evil deeds, reformed, and even married her. It is said that the celestial maiden is Benzaiten, who is enshrined at Enoshima Shrine, and is also famous as the god of lovemaking!

Samuel Cocking Garden is a beautifully landscaped botanical garden located on Enoshima Island. It is named after Samuel Cocking, a British merchant who played a significant role in the development of the island in the late 19th century. Cocking created the garden in the 1880s, and it has since been cultivated into a scenic space that showcases a variety of plant species.

The Enoshima Sea Candle is an iconic observation tower and lighthouse located on Enoshima Island. It stands within the Samuel Cocking Garden, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Sea Candle features observation decks that offer spectacular 360-degree views of the island, the Shonan coastline, and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets from the tower, making it a memorable spot for photography.

Kōtoku-in Temple is a renowned Buddhist temple in Kamakura. It is famously home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, one of Japan's most iconic and enduring cultural symbols. The temple belongs to the Jōdo-shū sect of Buddhism and has attracted visitors from around the world due to its historical and religious significance.

The Great Buddha is a massive bronze statue of Amida Buddha that stands approximately 13.35 meters and weighs around 121 tons. This statue was originally cast in 1252 during the Kamakura period and has withstood natural disasters over the centuries. While it used to be housed in a large temple hall, the statue now sits outdoors after the original building was destroyed by a tsunami in the late 15th century.