Enoshima hosts Shonan Candle through 3 November

Enoshima is hosting Shonan Candle 2026 in Fujisawa from 10 October to 3 November 2026, with the seasonal programme centred on the Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Candle. The event places about 10,000 candles across several island venues and remains under way on 18 October.

Shonan Candle brings 25 nights of light to Enoshima

The official programme runs for 25 days and includes the Samuel Cocking Garden, the Sea Candle observation tower and other locations. The main lighting period is 5pm to 8pm, extending to 9pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, as stated by the organiser. The official event programme also lists activities inside the garden, at Iwaya Cave and at Hetsunomiya, one of Enoshima Shrine’s precincts.

The programme gives the continuing event several fixed points after 18 October. Sunset Enoshima A Cappella is scheduled for 25 October in the garden, while Shonan Candle Live is planned for 31 October, 1 November and 3 November. A special Enoshima Shrine programme lists Balinese dance on 1 November and a film-brass performance on 3 November. These dates connect the evening display with the island’s named cultural sites rather than treating the illumination as a single garden installation.

Enoshima venues link the candle event with Fujisawa

Enoshima is a coastal destination in Fujisawa, on Japan’s Pacific-facing side near Tokyo. The Fujisawa City Tourist Association identifies the Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Candle among the area’s principal sightseeing locations. The city’s official event notice confirms the 10 October to 3 November period and lists both venues. Fujisawa’s event notice describes more than 10,000 candles lighting the area for 25 days.

The garden is therefore both the principal venue and the place where several scheduled performances take place. The Sea Candle adds a second named landmark to the event, while Iwaya Cave and Enoshima Shrine appear in the wider programme. The result is a route through several established attractions, with different activities attached to particular sites.

What remains available during the October dates

The official Fujisawa tourism website listed the event as continuing until 3 November when it was updated on 17 October. It described the Samuel Cocking Garden as open for the candle programme and directed visitors to official notices for current details. The local tourism update is therefore the practical reference for the event’s current status.

Weather can affect individual activities. The organiser says that changes or cancellations are announced on the day, so the programme should be checked before travelling to the island. That qualification applies to the listed performances as well as to the candle display.

Visiting Enoshima: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Shonan Candle runs from 10 October to 3 November 2026 at the Samuel Cocking Garden, Sea Candle and other named Enoshima venues. Lighting is scheduled from 5pm to 8pm, with later closing on weekends and public holidays.
• The event includes the Samuel Cocking Garden, Sea Candle, Iwaya Cave and Enoshima Shrine. Bad weather may change or cancel parts of the programme, with notices issued on the official event website.
• Enoshima is in Fujisawa. The area can be reached by the Odakyu Enoshima Line to Katase-Enoshima Station; the event information also identifies that station as an access point.
• Japan’s official language is Japanese and its national currency is the yen.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Enoshima

When does Shonan Candle take place at Enoshima?

Shonan Candle runs from 10 October to 3 November 2026. The main lighting period is scheduled for 5pm to 8pm, with later closing on weekends and public holidays.

What is included in Shonan Candle at Enoshima?

The programme includes candle displays and scheduled activities at the Samuel Cocking Garden, Sea Candle, Iwaya Cave and Enoshima Shrine. Listed performances include a cappella on 25 October and acoustic live events from 31 October to 3 November 2026.

Where is Enoshima and how do you get there?

Enoshima is in Fujisawa, Japan. Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line is identified as an access point for the island.