Samuel Cocking Garden
Meiji-era garden on Enoshima Island blending Japanese & Western styles, famous for sunset views and winter illuminations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical illuminations await!
Samuel Cocking Garden
Best Time
Magical illuminations await!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Meiji-era garden on Enoshima Island blending Japanese & Western styles, famous for sunset views and winter illuminations.
"A fantastic spot to catch a beautiful sunset with stunning views of the coastline and Mt. Fuji."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and inclines on Enoshima Island. Be prepared for a workout!
🧥 Dress for the Weather
The open-air deck of the Sea Candle can be very cold in winter. Bring layers and heat packs. [^Review]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Enoshima Sea Candle
Samuel Cocking Garden
Iconic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the coast and Mt. Fuji. A must-visit for breathtaking vistas. [^Review]
Tropical Greenhouse
Samuel Cocking Garden
Step into a lush world of tropical plants in this beautifully restored 19th-century greenhouse. [^Review]
Sunset Views
Samuel Cocking Garden
Witness stunning sunsets over the coastline with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop. A truly romantic and memorable sight. [^Review]
Winter Illuminations
Samuel Cocking Garden
Experience a magical transformation with spectacular light shows during winter nights. [^Review]
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Steps!
Seasonal Blooms & Night Lights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and inclines on Enoshima Island. Be prepared for a workout!
🧥 Dress for the Weather
The open-air deck of the Sea Candle can be very cold in winter. Bring layers and heat packs. [^Review]
🎟️ Combo Tickets
Consider combo tickets for the garden and Sea Candle for better value. [^Review]
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the photo opportunities, especially during sunset and illuminations.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and inclines on Enoshima Island. Be prepared for a workout!
🧥 Dress for the Weather
The open-air deck of the Sea Candle can be very cold in winter. Bring layers and heat packs. [^Review]
🎟️ Combo Tickets
Consider combo tickets for the garden and Sea Candle for better value. [^Review]
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the photo opportunities, especially during sunset and illuminations.
🌸 Check Seasonal Blooms
Visit during peak bloom for the most vibrant floral displays. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Samuel Cocking Garden for its beautiful blend of Japanese and Western design, stunning coastal views, and the magical winter illuminations. The Enoshima Sea Candle is a highlight for its panoramic vistas, especially at sunset. Some visitors note that the garden might have fewer flowers outside of peak seasons and that the island involves many steps.
"I think we missed the excellent night view of the garden. And there were not much flowers also this time. It is an organized nice garden with nighttime lighting."
Shahed Sajid
"We went there for the lantern Festival and it was magical! The lights were amazing and although there was a lot of people we still managed to enjoy it!"
エリザElisa
"Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden is a fantastic spot to catch a beautiful sunset with stunning views of the coastline and Mt. Fuji. To reach the observatory park, you need to purchase a ticket, and there are paid escalators available to take you up to the observation tower. The view from the top is incredible, especially during sunset when the sky is filled with vibrant colors. The garden itself is peaceful, and it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Highly recommended for a relaxing visit!"
Javed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, take the Odakyu Line to Katase-Enoshima Station (approx. 1 hour). From there, it's a walk to the island and the garden.
There are parking lots on Enoshima Island, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider public transport.
Yes, you can walk across the bridge to Enoshima Island. Be prepared for inclines and steps once on the island.
Yes, paid escalators are available to help you ascend the island towards the Sea Candle and garden area. [^Review]
Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for many steps. Explore the garden, Sea Candle, and the island's various attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a ticket is required to enter the Samuel Cocking Garden. Combo tickets for the garden and Sea Candle are available. [^Review]
Opening hours vary by season. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information. [^Review]
Often, a separate ticket or a combo ticket is needed for the Enoshima Sea Candle, which offers higher viewpoints. [^Review]
Information on discounts may be available on the official website or at the ticket counter. It's worth inquiring. [^Review]
Purchasing tickets online in advance might be possible, especially during peak seasons or special events, to save time. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
The Sea Candle observatory, the tropical greenhouse, and viewpoints overlooking the coast offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas, but always be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions. [^Review]
The hour leading up to sunset provides the most dramatic lighting for coastal and Mt. Fuji views. [^Review]
Drone usage is typically restricted in public gardens and tourist areas for safety and privacy reasons. Check local regulations. [^Review]
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture details of Mt. Fuji. A tripod is useful for low-light evening shots.
🎫 🌸 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the Sea Candle observatory, explore the tropical greenhouse, relax in the garden, and dine at the onsite restaurants and cafes. [^Review]
Yes, there are various restaurants, cafes, and food stalls within the garden area offering different cuisines. [^Review]
While there are many steps, paid escalators are available to assist with ascents. Some areas might be challenging. [^Review]
The Sea Candle is a lighthouse-like observation tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and Mt. Fuji. [^Review]
The garden hosts seasonal events, including spectacular light-up festivals during winter. Check their schedule. [^Review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While not a playground, the garden provides a beautiful and relatively safe environment for a family stroll. The winter illuminations can be a particularly enchanting experience for children, turning the garden into a fairy-tale setting. Just be mindful of crowds during these popular events. [^Review]
couples
The winter illuminations create an exceptionally magical and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night. Walking hand-in-hand through the beautifully lit garden is an unforgettable experience. [^Review] The peaceful ambiance of the garden itself also allows for quiet conversation and shared appreciation of nature's beauty.
Budget Travelers
If the budget allows for one paid attraction, the Enoshima Sea Candle offers the most rewarding views for the price. Alternatively, simply enjoying the garden's atmosphere and the walk around the island can be a fulfilling experience without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Design
The garden's most prominent feature, the Enoshima Sea Candle, stands as a modern landmark atop the island. While the garden itself offers a serene escape, the Sea Candle provides a striking contrast with its contemporary design and commanding presence. It serves not only as a navigational aid but also as a popular observation tower, offering unparalleled views that extend beyond the immediate surroundings. The juxtaposition of the historic garden and the modern tower encapsulates the evolving landscape of Enoshima. [^Review]
Visitors often remark on the garden's peaceful ambiance, making it a welcome respite from the bustling city. The seasonal blooms add a dynamic layer to the experience, ensuring that each visit can offer something new. Whether you're drawn by the historical significance, the horticultural beauty, or the panoramic vistas, the Samuel Cocking Garden provides a rich and layered experience. [^Review]
Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips
Don't overlook the tropical greenhouse within the garden. Its lush greenery and exotic plants provide a different photographic mood, offering opportunities for close-up shots and playing with light filtering through the glass. The garden's pathways and seasonal flowers also create picturesque scenes, perfect for capturing the essence of Japanese garden design. [^Review]
During winter illuminations, the garden transforms into a magical wonderland. This is an excellent time for low-light photography. Consider bringing a tripod to ensure sharp images and experiment with longer exposures to capture the glow of the lights. Remember to dress warmly, as the open-air decks can be quite chilly. [^Review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit