Enoshima Island II

Back on the familiar bridge leading up to Enoshima, we started off pushing through the crowded main street and began our hike up the island. We passed through several shrines and outlooks on the way. Enoshima was also one of the cat islands of Japan and Aim had really wanted to see one. He got his wish not long after when a black cat showed up. I really wanted to check out the Iwaya Caves that we missed out on before as well but it was closing at 5 o'clock so we pushed on slowly but surely. There was a performer on the way catching blocks but when he started to do his advertising, we moved on. I was feeling peckish so we stopped by for a quick snack, I ordered some takoyaki while Aim got fried octopi. Both were amazing but having to chow down the hot balls was quite difficult. We passed through a shrine inside a cave with a dragon mounted on top. Going down towards the coastal side, we finally got amazing views of the ocean. We were just in time to line up for the caves. One of the many caves we went to today but this one was the best, it was huge and formed naturally due to the ocean tides. It was dedicated to Benzaiten as well, and through this cave, I really got a better understanding of her role in Japan. There was a legend with Benzaiten and Enoshima where long ago, a dragon resided here and Benzaiten reformed it. A monk then built the first shrine of Enoshima inside the caves here. The cave itself was said to be connected to the ice caves all the way to Mt. Fuji. Iwaya caves were an immersive experience, there was a projection mapping on the cave walls with the pond acting as a reflection that showed the lore of the island. To the left side, we were give candles to carry as we went deeper, with cave sculptures of different Buddhist characters such as Benzaiten, Kannon and Amitabha. To the right side was a path going outside into the coast, leading to another cave. We were able to see some amazing god rays which somehow made Aim's day. The right cave had a sculpture of the dragon where by clapping in front of it, a sound from behind imitating the roar would be played. All in all, it was an amazing day in Enoshima. We went back for Aim's photo with Kamakurakokomae Station so he could finally get that dream shot from his Slam Dunk anime.

Back in Tokyo, I went with him to Ueno so he could try Ichiran Ramen which instantly became his favorite like with all the rest of the friends that tried it.Read more