RECOMMEND
With “Kanagawa Sea Ride,” a sea-route service connecting SHONAN area—including Enoshima, Oiso, Hayama, and Miura—you can enjoy scenic ocean views and a refreshing sense of freedom unique to traveling by boat, along with seaside experiences and local gourmet offerings.
This time, we’re introducing “Enoshima Aquarium + Kanagawa Sea Ride Cruise,” held on August 21 and 22, 2025.
Departure from Shonan Port!
The vessel for today’s cruise is “OCEAN BLEU,” one of the largest mega-cruisers in Japan, departing from Shonan Port (SHONAN Enoshima Pier). This large ship, which can accommodate roughly 100 passengers, sets sail from Enoshima.
Inside the spacious cabin, tables and chairs are arranged to let you enjoy a relaxing cruise. If you head up to the upper deck, you’ll find another wide-open area with tables and chairs, counter seats facing the ocean, and a rear deck. Bathed in sea breeze and sunlight, you can take in sweeping views of SHONAN and enjoy the journey from whichever seat you prefer.
The cruiser sails past the Enoshima Lighthouse towering overhead and finally heads out toward the open sea. Your one-hour Enoshima sightseeing cruise begins.
After departing Shonan Port, the cruiser gradually picks up speed, sending up sprays of water as it cuts across the surface. Passing by Iwaya Bridge and Chigogafuchi along Enoshima’s rugged coastline, it continues westward toward the offshore area of Chigasaki.
Soon, the ocean spreads endlessly in every direction, and you’re surrounded by warm sunlight and a refreshing sea breeze—an invigorating sensation far removed from everyday life.
Looking back from the stern, you’ll see Enoshima, the island you departed just moments ago, gradually growing smaller in the distance.
The cruiser sails offshore along Kugenuma Beach and Tsujido Beach, and as it approaches the waters off Chigasaki Beach, Eboshi Rock comes into view. Its official name is Ubajima—an island rising roughly 14.6 meters high and located about 1.4 km offshore. It is said to have formed when ancient sediment layers on the seabed were uplifted and then shaped by erosion from the waves.
On this day, divers in the area were exploring around Eboshi Rock. Seen from the sea, the rock is much larger than it appears from land, and because you normally cannot view it this closely, it makes the perfect spot for commemorative photos.
From here, the cruiser changes course and begins heading back toward Enoshima.
Near the Enoshima Lighthouse, passengers can enjoy friendly interactions with people onshore who wave toward the boat as the cruiser slowly makes its way back to Shonan Port.
Kanagawa Sea Ride connects Shonan Port with various ports and marinas in Oiso, Hiratsuka, Zushi, Hayama, Yokosuka, and Miura, offering sea taxi services (shared and private) as well as charter cruises.
(Advance reservations are required.)
*Please check the official website for the latest information.
Enjoying Enoshima Aquarium
At Enoshima Aquarium, you can experience a wide range of exhibits including dolphin shows, penguins, sea turtles, jellyfish, and many other marine creatures, as well as the deep-sea research vessel Shinkai 2000.
The dolphin show—hugely popular with both children and adults—features thrilling high jumps that draw cheers from the crowd. Guests seated in the front rows can even enjoy the performance while getting splashed by the water.
Be sure not to miss the otters that live along rivers and forest waters flowing into the sea, as well as the adorable capybaras!
At the aquarium shop, you’ll find sweets, drinks, and even shirasu pizza. You can take a relaxing break on the outdoor terrace while enjoying a view of the ocean.
Enjoying Seasonal Gourmet Delights
From Shonan Port, where the cruiser departs and arrives, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to various areas of Enoshima. In addition to strolling around the island and visiting the shrine, you can also savor delicious seasonal cuisine.
This time, we enjoyed Enoshima’s signature seasonal seafood just a short distance from Shonan Port. How about indulging in fresh shirasu, tuna, and other flavors of your choice? Depending on the season, you can enjoy different seasonal specialties.
And be sure to try the region’s specialty—Shonan Gold (lemon) soft-serve ice cream. Nearby, you’ll also find grilled seafood such as shrimp and shellfish, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of fresh local flavors.
Souvenir Spots in SHONAN
For SHONAN-exclusive souvenirs, we visited Michi-no-Eki Shonan Chigasaki.
Located along the national highway and equipped with a large parking lot, it’s an easy place to stop by.
Inside the facility, you’ll find not only a shopping area but also restaurants offering a wide variety of gourmet foods—including sweets and seafood prepared by renowned local shops—along with a kids’ space, dog run, dining areas, and terrace seating, allowing you to spend your time in whatever style suits you.
In the shopping area, you’ll find fresh seafood, produce, SHONAN specialty products, and new items—so be sure to take a look.
There are also recommended items perfect for souvenirs, and popular products may sell out. We suggest visiting earlier in the day before items run out.
How was it?
A cruise with Kanagawa Sea Ride offers not only exhilarating moments at sea but also enjoyable activities, scenic walks, local gourmet food, and memorable photo spots in the surrounding area—making it a wonderful day trip full of great memories.
Why not take a cruise and discover something new while experiencing the refreshing seaside atmosphere?
Learn more about “Kanagawa Sea Ride” here:
https://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/docs/gd6/seaproject/kaijyou-koutsuu2.html