江の島展望灯台シーキャンドル
2-chōme-3-28 Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036, Japan
Name and Location
The Enoshima Sea Candle, officially known as the Enoshima Lighthouse Observation Tower, is a modern observation tower located on Enoshima Island in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The address is 2-chōme-3-28 Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036, Japan.
Construction and History
The Enoshima Sea Candle opened to the public on March 22, 2003. It was constructed in the early 2000s as part of local tourism redevelopment efforts. The tower is a steel-framed structure with glass-enclosed observation decks, standing at a height of 59.8 meters above ground.
Architecture and Materials
The Enoshima Sea Candle features a steel-framed tower with glass curtain walls and acrylic panels. Its foundation is made of reinforced concrete. The tower's design allows for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Light and Navigation
While classified as a man-made lighthouse, the Enoshima Sea Candle does not serve as a primary navigational aid to shipping. Instead, it functions primarily as a panoramic observatory and tourist attraction. The tower features LED illumination for special events, but no marine light characteristic is published.
Accessibility and Visiting
The Enoshima Sea Candle offers wheelchair-accessible elevators to the Panorama Deck, which can be accessed by stairs or elevator. Admission fees (as of 2023) are ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children. The tower operates from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with extended evening illumination during festivals and summer.
Notable Views and Landscape
The Enoshima Sea Candle offers breathtaking views of Sagami Bay, Mount Fuji (weather permitting), the Shonan coastline, and the Tokyo skyline at night. Visitors can enjoy these views from two observation decks: the Panorama Deck and the Sky Deck.
Anecdotes and Folklore
Enoshima is associated with the goddess Benzaiten, and on full-moon nights the Sea Candle is often lit in golden hues reminiscent of her "divine candle."
Technical and Operational Details
The Enoshima Sea Candle has fully automatic lighting controls and no on-site keeper. It is not charted as an active harbor or coastal light; instead, it serves as a city-scape illumination attraction.
Further Information
For more information, visit the official website of the Enoshima Sea Candle (https://enoshima-seacandle.jp/) or consult Japanese Wikipedia, Japanese Wikipedia, and Wikimedia Commons.
Details
| Name | 江の島展望灯台シーキャンドル |
|---|---|
| City | Fujisawa |
| Country | Japan |
| Coordinates | 35.2996554, 139.4785791 |
| Events | shipwrecks; rescues |
| Historic significance | recognized locally as a symbol of Shonan area tourism |
| Stories | Enoshima is associated with the goddess Benzaiten |
| Construction material | ["steel","reinforced concrete foundation","glass curtain walls","acrylic panels"] |
| Focal height | 80 |
| Tower height | 59.8 |
| Heritage status | false |
| Access description | 15-minute walk from Enoshima Station (Odakyu Enoshima Line), or 10 minutes from Katase-Enoshima Station (Enoshima Electric Railway) plus 10 minutes up Enoshima hill via escalator “Enoden Elevator” |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | rocky coast |
| View description | coastal and city views; Sagami Bay, Mount Fuji (weather permitting), Shonan coastline, and Tokyo skyline at night |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | gift shop, café with terrace seating, restrooms |
| Nearby attractions | ["Enoshima Shrine (Benten Shrine complex)","Iwaya Caves","Samuel Cocking Garden","Enoshima Aquarium"] |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Light characteristic | "LED illumination for events; no marine light characteristic published" |
| Automated | true |