Overview
Shonan Port Lighthouse stands at the outer end of the breakwater seawall of Shonan Port on Enoshima Island in Fujisawa, Kanagawa. It marks the entrance to the port, better known today as a yacht harbor, guiding sailboats and vessels crossing Sagami Bay. Though Enoshima is also home to the famous hilltop observation tower, the Enoshima Sea Candle, this lighthouse is a working navigational aid set low on the breakwater tip, sending its light out just above the waterline.
Highlights
- ●A working port lighthouse at the breakwater tip marking the yacht harbor entrance
- ●Classic Shonan seaside views of white sails and the lighthouse together
- ●A prime spot to glimpse Mount Fuji beyond Sagami Bay on clear days
- ●Part of a port with the heritage of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics sailing venue
History
Shonan Port was developed as the sailing venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and the lighthouse was built as part of that port infrastructure at the outer edge of the seawall facing the open sea. As part of a marina created for the Games, it has quietly supported the sailing culture of Fujisawa and Enoshima ever since. For precise construction dates and structural details, please refer to official sources.
Access
The lighthouse is located on Enoshima Island in Fujisawa, Kanagawa (roughly 35.30 N, 139.49 E). From Katase-Enoshima or Enoshima stations on the Odakyu, Enoden, or Shonan Monorail lines, cross the Enoshima Benten Bridge and head south through the island to the Shonan Port (yacht harbor) side. As the lighthouse sits at the tip of the breakwater, access may depend on port management; check official information for current entry conditions.
Best season
Spring to early summer, when sea and sky are clearest, and autumn, prized for its sunsets, are ideal. On fine days you may glimpse Mount Fuji across Sagami Bay, and at dusk the silhouettes of moored yachts and the lighthouse make a memorable scene. Avoid days of strong wind or high waves, when the breakwater becomes hazardous.
Map
35.2989, 139.4881 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1From Enoshima Station, cross the Benten Bridge to the island gateway
- 2Walk south through the island toward the Shonan Port yacht harbor
- 3Enjoy views of the lighthouse, moored yachts, and Sagami Bay along the breakwater
- 4Finish at dusk with the silhouette of the lighthouse and Mount Fuji across the port
Did you know?
💡 Shonan Port was developed as the sailing venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, making it something of a spiritual home for marine sports in Japan. The Enoshima Yacht Harbor spreads out right beside the lighthouse, and rows of white sails form a quintessentially Shonan scene. A useful tip for travelers: unlike the hilltop Enoshima Sea Candle, this is a functioning working lighthouse rooted at the harbor.
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