Enoshima Escar
Japan's first outdoor escalator, the Enoshima Escar offers a swift, scenic ascent to the island's summit, bypassing steep stairs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Enoshima Escar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Japan's first outdoor escalator, the Enoshima Escar offers a swift, scenic ascent to the island's summit, bypassing steep stairs.
"Save your legs and enjoy the ride up to the Sea Candle with the Enoshima Escar!"
Skip the Stairs! 🚶♀️
Opt for the Escar to save your knees, especially on the way up to the Sea Candle.
Bundle Up Your Tickets 🎟️
Consider the Escar and Sea Candle admission bundle for great value.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Enoshima Escar
Main ascent to the island's upper areas
Japan's first outdoor escalator, a swift 4-minute ride saving you a 20-minute climb.
+1
Sea Candle (Lighthouse Observation Tower)
Summit of Enoshima
Panoramic views of the ocean and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
+1
Enoshima LUMINOUS WAY
Along the Escar route
A magical illuminated path with spatial images, transforming the escalator ride.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Climb with the Escar
+2Consider a Day Pass
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Skip the Stairs! 🚶♀️
Opt for the Escar to save your knees, especially on the way up to the Sea Candle.
Bundle Up Your Tickets 🎟️
Consider the Escar and Sea Candle admission bundle for great value.
Day Trip Ready 🚆
The Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass is your best friend for easy travel from Tokyo.
Windy Warning 💨
Enoshima can be windy; check forecasts and be prepared, especially for cave access.
Tips
from all over the internet
Skip the Stairs! 🚶♀️
Opt for the Escar to save your knees, especially on the way up to the Sea Candle.
Bundle Up Your Tickets 🎟️
Consider the Escar and Sea Candle admission bundle for great value.
Day Trip Ready 🚆
The Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass is your best friend for easy travel from Tokyo.
Windy Warning 💨
Enoshima can be windy; check forecasts and be prepared, especially for cave access.
Follow the Signs ➡️
The Escar has multiple sections; follow the signs to connect them easily.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Enoshima Escar for its convenience, saving them from a strenuous climb and offering a unique ride experience, especially during the 'Luminous Way' illuminations. While it significantly eases the ascent, some stairs remain, and the descent requires walking. Bundled tickets with the Sea Candle are highly recommended for value.
"We pre-purchased the Sea Candle admission and Escar bundle on the way to relieve ourselves of a climb after a day of walking and climbing. Your legs will thank you for it.
However, the escalator service is upriding only. Prepare to apologise to your knees when you descend. Thank god for handrails!
There are 3 parts to the escalator service, and you just need to follow the signs on the main route to connect to them. I scanned the QR code for each time we accessed the turnstile."
Alvin Li
"It is a windy day and the cave at another side is closed. But the escalator sale lady still sold us the whole package."
Y&H W
"Do opt to pay taking the escalator cause it is a nightmare to climb up all the way to the top 😂
There will still be stairs along the way and a distance in between the 3 escalators.
There is stamp at the front of the escalator but not much ink 😂"
M Yeo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station. The Enoshima Escar is a short walk from there. Consider the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass for unlimited train rides.
Yes, there are several paid parking lots near Katase-Enoshima Station. However, public transport is often recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
The Shonan Monorail runs between Ofuna and Shonandai, not directly to Enoshima. You'll need to take the Odakyu Line to Enoshima.
Combine the Enoshima Escar for the ascent with walking to explore the various shrines, gardens, and viewpoints.
Yes, it's easily accessible via the Odakyu Line to Katase-Enoshima Station, which is a short walk away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Escar typically costs around 700 yen for a round trip (though it's one-way up). It's often bundled with Sea Candle admission for better value.
Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance to the Escar. Bundled tickets with the Sea Candle might be available online or at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Enoshima Escar website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date times.
The Escar itself is a transport service. However, bundled tickets often include admission to the Enoshima Sea Candle and Samuel Cocking Garden.
The Free Pass covers the trains to Enoshima, but the Escar is a separate local service. However, the pass simplifies your overall journey.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Escar ride itself takes about 4 minutes to ascend the 46-meter elevation across its four sections.
It's a special illumination event along the Escar route, featuring lights and spatial imagery, often held seasonally.
Yes, while the Escar significantly reduces climbing, there are still some stairs between the escalator sections and at the top.
From the Sea Candle at the summit, you can enjoy panoramic ocean views and, on clear days, a stunning vista of Mount Fuji.
Absolutely! It's designed to bypass the steep stone steps, making the ascent much more manageable.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique escalator structure itself, the 'Luminous Way' illuminations, and the panoramic views from the Sea Candle.
Yes, the 'Luminous Way' is designed to be visually stunning and is a popular spot for photography during its operational periods.
Mornings offer clear views and fewer crowds. Evenings can be magical during the 'Luminous Way' events.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
A wide-angle lens is great for the escalator and expansive views. A tripod can be useful for evening shots during illuminations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider purchasing a bundled ticket that includes the Escar and the Sea Candle for a complete experience. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as exploring can take time, and keep an eye on little ones, especially near the edges at the summit. While the Escar is a highlight, Enoshima also offers beaches (seasonal), shrines, and the Enoshima Aquarium (nearby), providing a variety of activities to keep children entertained. The Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass can also simplify travel for families, making the day trip from Tokyo much more manageable.
🚶♀️ Travelers Prioritizing Comfort
+1 This makes reaching attractions like the Sea Candle and Samuel Cocking Garden effortless. Opting for bundled tickets that include the Escar and Sea Candle admission is highly recommended for a seamless experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Capture the architectural lines of the escalator and the dynamic light displays. From the Sea Candle at the summit, you'll get stunning panoramic shots of the coastline and, weather permitting, the iconic Mount Fuji. Consider visiting during the 'Luminous Way' events for magical evening shots. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the scale of the escalator and the expansive views.
+1 Remember that Enoshima can be windy, so securing your equipment is important. The best light for general photography is often in the morning, offering clearer skies and fewer crowds. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Innovation of Enoshima Escar
+1The Escar is more than just a mode of transport; it's an experience. Over the years, it has been enhanced with features like the 'Enoshima LUMINOUS WAY', a captivating display of lights and projected imagery that transforms the escalator journey into an artistic spectacle, particularly enchanting during evening hours.
+2 This blend of historical significance and modern artistic enhancement makes the Enoshima Escar a unique attraction in itself.While the Escar significantly eases the climb, it's worth noting that there are still some stairs to navigate between sections and at the final destination. However, for those seeking to avoid the strenuous climb, the Escar is an invaluable amenity that allows visitors to conserve energy for exploring the island's many other wonders.
Maximizing Your Enoshima Visit with Passes
When planning your visit to the Enoshima Escar and the Sea Candle, look for bundled ticket options. Many visitors recommend purchasing a combined ticket that includes access to the Escar and admission to the Sea Candle (Lighthouse Observation Tower). This package offers excellent value and ensures you can easily reach the summit for breathtaking views without worrying about separate entry fees.
Remember that the Escar operates on a one-way ascent. While the bundled tickets save money, be prepared for the descent, which will involve walking down stairs or the Escar itself if it operates in reverse during certain times or events. Always check local information for the most current ticket options and operating schedules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on Enoshima island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit