【TARI TARI】Enoshima (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
“TARI TARI” is an original anime produced by P.A.WORKS that aired in 2012. It is a moving work depicting the youth of high school students set in Enoshima and the Shonan area of Kanagawa Prefecture. The story of five friends—Wakana Sakai, Natsume Miyamoto, and Sawa Okita, who belong to the choir and badminton club—growing through facing their respective worries and dreams, captured the hearts of many fans.
This article provides detailed information about pilgrimage spots in the Kamakura and Fujisawa areas, centered on Enoshima, the sacred site of TARI TARI. It comprehensively covers access methods, photography points, recommended pilgrimage routes, and ways to enjoy local attractions when visiting, so you can maximize your enjoyment of sacred site pilgrimage.
The Stage of TARI TARI – The Charm of Enoshima and Shonan Area in Kanagawa Prefecture
The Relationship Between the Work and Its Setting
The stage of TARI TARI is the Shonan area centered on Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. In particular, Enoshima frequently appears as the central stage of the work, and because the setting places the protagonist Wakana Sakai’s home on Enoshima, various spots within the island are depicted in the story.
The scenery along the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) line is also an important element of the work, with the coastline near Kamakura High School Station and the Enoden vehicles themselves appearing in impressive scenes. The blue sky and sea of Shonan, along with historic streetscapes, function as stage design that colors the youth drama of high school students.
Geography and Characteristics of Shonan and Enoshima
Enoshima is a tombolo jutting into Sagami Bay, connected to the mainland by Enoshima Benten Bridge (Enoshima Ohashi). Within the island are tourist spots such as Enoshima Shrine, Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, and Enoshima Sea Candle (observation lighthouse), which attract many visitors throughout the year.
The Enoden is a streetcar line connecting Fujisawa Station and Kamakura Station. In sections running along the coastline, you can enjoy views of the beautiful Shonan sea from the car windows. For TARI TARI sacred site pilgrimage, traveling using the Enoden is both an efficient method and a way to experience the atmosphere of the work.
Main Sacred Sites in the Enoshima Area
Shima no Chaya Aburaya – Model of Wakana’s Home
Basic Information
- Address: 2-5-8 Enoshima, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00～around sunset (varies by season)
- Closed: During rainy weather
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes walk from Enoshima Benten Bridge, past Enoshima Shrine’s Okutsu-miya
The most important sacred site spot for TARI TARI pilgrimage is “Shima no Chaya Aburaya,” which served as the model for the home of protagonist Wakana Sakai. Located at the depths of Enoshima, just before the steps down to Iwaya Cave, this sweet shop converted from a traditional old house perfectly recreates the atmosphere of Wakana’s home in the story.
Inside the shop, you can enjoy isomaki dishes and sweets, with tokotenyaki and anmitsu being particularly popular menu items. The interior is decorated with TARI TARI merchandise, illustrations, and messages left by fans, warmly welcoming sacred site pilgrims.
Photography Points
- Exterior of shop: Full view from the stairs above, especially from an angle that captures the signboard and entire building
- Shop entrance: The entrance where Wakana was shown coming and going
- Surrounding alleyways: Scenery as viewed from the direction of Enoshima Shrine’s Okutsu-miya
When visiting, it is important to obtain permission from the shop before photographing while it’s open and to be considerate of other customers. If possible, it is recommended to enjoy a meal or sweets slowly while immersing yourself in the world of the work.
Enoshima Shrine – Okutsu-miya and Chutsu-miya
Enoshima Shrine comprises three shrines: Hetsu-miya, Chutsu-miya, and Okutsu-miya. In TARI TARI, the area around Okutsu-miya is depicted particularly impressively. Located right near Aburaya, Okutsu-miya is a place Wakana visits in the story, and the view from the grounds is also a wonderful spot.
Points as a Sacred Site
- Okutsu-miya main hall: Where Wakana was shown praying
- View from Okutsu-miya: A spectacular vantage point overlooking Sagami Bay
- Temple approach stairs: The stone steps where the characters walked
Chutsu-miya also appears in the work and is a central tourist spot on Enoshima that many visitors frequent. It is said to have benefits for matchmaking and is popular with young people wishing for romantic success.
Enomaru (Café) – Where Sawa and Natsume Visited
In the end of Episode 1, Sawa Okita and Natsume Miyamoto visit a café called “Enomaru,” which is modeled after an actual café on Enoshima. The atmosphere of slowly spending time while viewing the sea overlaps with the scene in the work.
Store Information
- Located on Enoshima island with views of the sea
- Appealing terrace seating with ocean views
- Well-stocked light meals and drink menu
It is ideal as a rest stop during sacred site pilgrimage and is recommended as a place to stop by during Enoshima sightseeing.
Enoshima Benten Bridge (Enoshima Ohashi)
Enoshima Benten Bridge, which appears repeatedly in the opening visuals and main story of TARI TARI, is a symbolic place connecting the mainland to Enoshima. The full view of Enoshima as seen while crossing the bridge and the seascape visible from the bridge are important spots where you can experience the world of the work.
Photography Points
- Angle looking at Enoshima from the bridge entrance (mainland side)
- Sea views from the middle of the bridge
- Enoshima entrance after crossing the bridge
If walking across, it takes approximately 10 minutes, but walking slowly while feeling the sea breeze allows you to experience the atmosphere of the work more deeply.
Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden and Enoshima Sea Candle
The botanical garden and observation lighthouse located on the middle slopes of Enoshima also appear as backgrounds in the story. In particular, Enoshima Sea Candle (observation lighthouse) can be confirmed in distant scenes as the landmark of Enoshima.
Highlights
- 360-degree panoramic view from the observation deck
- Views of the Shonan coast and Mount Fuji
- Beautiful scenery at sunset
Visiting these as part of sacred site pilgrimage allows you to gain a bird’s-eye understanding of all of Enoshima, which served as the stage for the work.
Sacred Sites Along the Enoden Line
Around Kamakura High School Station – Impressive Coastline
The coastline scenes that appear multiple times in TARI TARI are modeled after the area around Kamakura High School Station. This area where the Enoden’s railroad crossing and coastline intersect is a popular spot known as the sacred site for many anime works.
Characteristics as a Sacred Site
- Scenes of the Enoden’s railroad crossing with the sea in the background
- Coastline along National Route 134
- Views of the sea from the station platform
Access
- Get off at Kamakura High School Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway
- Approximately 10 minutes from Enoshima Station
Please exercise full caution for safety when photographing, as the area is along a high-traffic road. Additionally, it is necessary to be considerate of local residents and other tourists.
Around Shichirigahama Station
The area around Shichirigahama Station, with beautiful coastline appearing in the story, is another appealing area. The road leading from the station to the coast and the scenery along the National Route 134 by the coast are depicted in the work.
Recommended Points
- Slope from station to coast
- Scenery of Shichirigahama beach and sea
- Spot with beautiful sunset
Enoshima Station
Enoshima Station, which the protagonists use for commuting in TARI TARI, is an ideal starting point for sacred site pilgrimage. The station building and scenery around the station also appear in the story and serve as an important gateway to Enoshima.
Points Around the Station
- Exterior of Enoden Enoshima Station building
- Station rotary and shopping street
- Road toward Enoshima
Odakyu Line’s Katase Enoshima Station is also nearby, providing abundant access options.
Sacred Sites in the Kamakura Area
Jōchi-ji Temple – Model of Sawa’s Home
Jōchi-ji Temple, which served as the model for Sawa Okita’s family home, is a Zen temple with status following the Kamakura Gozan (Five Great Zen Temples). Founded during the Kamakura period, this historic temple’s atmosphere overlaps with the setting of Sawa’s home in the story.
Basic Information
- Address: 1402 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Visiting Hours: 9:00～16:30
- Entry Fee: 200 yen
- Access: Approximately 8 minutes walk from JR Kitakamakura Station
Points of Interest
- Atmospheric mountain gate and stone steps
- Grounds enveloped in tranquility
- Beautiful bamboo groves and garden scenery
Jōchi-ji Temple has relatively few tourists and is a hidden gem where you can visit at your leisure. You can experience the atmosphere of Sawa’s home while touching Kamakura’s history and culture.
Around Kamakura Station
The area around Kamakura Station, the terminal of the Enoden, also has scenes appearing in the work. The lively atmosphere in front of the station and shopping streets like Komachi-dori are spots you can enjoy while taking a break from pilgrimage.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Routes
Basic Route for One Day (Centered on Enoshima)
Morning (9:00～12:00)
- Arrival at Enoshima Station (9:00)
- Walk across Enoshima Benten Bridge (9:10～9:20)
- Visit Enoshima Shrine Hetsu-miya and Chutsu-miya (9:30～10:00)
- Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Candle (10:10～10:40)
- Enoshima Shrine Okutsu-miya (10:50～11:10)
- Arrival at Shima no Chaya Aburaya (11:20)
Lunch (12:00～13:00)
- Lunch at Aburaya or other dining establishments on the island
Afternoon (13:00～17:00)
- Enoshima Iwaya Cave (13:00～13:40) *Optional
- Rest at Enomaru or other cafés (14:00～14:40)
- Leave Enoshima and travel by Enoden (15:00)
- Get off at Kamakura High School Station, photograph coastline (15:20～16:00)
- Explore the Shichirigahama Station area (16:20～17:00)
Enriched Route Over Two Days
Day 1: Focused on Enoshima
- Leisurely explore all Enoshima spots
- View from Enoshima Sea Candle at dusk
- Dinner on the island
Day 2: Enoden Line and Kamakura
- Morning: Kamakura High School, Shichirigahama and other Enoden line areas
- Afternoon: Temple and shrine tours in Kamakura such as Jōchi-ji
- Shopping and dining around Kamakura Station
Optimal Photography Times
Morning (9:00～11:00)
- Enoshima is relatively quiet
- Front lighting makes photography easier
- Can coincide with Aburaya’s opening hours
Evening (16:00～18:00)
- Beautiful sunset over the coastline
- Can photograph Enoden and twilight together
- However, this is also a crowded time period
Access Methods and Transportation
Access from the Tokyo Area
By Train
- Using JR Tokaido Line and Shonan-Shinjuku Line
- Shinjuku Station → Fujisawa Station (approximately 60 minutes)
- Transfer to Enoden at Fujisawa Station → Enoshima Station (approximately 10 minutes)
- Using Odakyu Line
- Shinjuku Station → Katase Enoshima Station (limited express approximately 60 minutes)
- Approximately 10 minutes walk from Katase Enoshima Station to Enoshima
Recommended Tickets
- Enoden 1-day pass “Noriori-kun”: 800 yen
- Unlimited rides on entire Enoden line
- Perfect for sacred site pilgrimage
- Odakyu “Enoshima & Kamakura Free Pass”: 1,640 yen (from Shinjuku)
- Round-trip on Odakyu Line + unlimited Enoden rides + facility discounts
By Car
Expressway Routes
- Tomei Expressway Atsugi IC → approximately 30 minutes via National Route 134
- Shin-Shonan Bypass Chigasaki Kaigan IC → approximately 15 minutes via National Route 134
Parking Information
- Multiple paid parking lots around Enoshima area
- Early arrival recommended as the area gets very crowded on weekends and holidays
- Rates: Approximately 1,000～2,000 yen per day
Note that the Enoshima area becomes extremely congested during summer and holiday seasons, so using public transportation is strongly recommended.
How to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage and Etiquette
Study the Work Before Visiting
To maximize your enjoyment of sacred site pilgrimage, it is important to watch TARI TARI beforehand. Matching scenes from the work with actual locations deepens understanding of the work and multiplies the emotional impact.
Recommended Preparation
- Watch all 13 episodes
- Save screenshots of impressive scenes
- Create a list of locations that appear
- Mark major spots on a map app
Photography Etiquette
Photography is one of the main pleasures of sacred site pilgrimage, but it is important to follow the following etiquette.
Basic Etiquette
- No unauthorized entry onto private property
- Obtain permission before photographing at operating businesses
- Be considerate of other tourists and local residents
- Strict compliance with traffic rules (especially when photographing at crossings or on roads)
- Always take trash with you
Notes for Aburaya
- Basically visit as a customer during business hours
- Obtain permission from staff before photographing inside the shop
- Avoid long stays during busy times
- Remember to be considerate of other customers
Contributing to the Local Community
Sacred site pilgrimage also contributes to the local economy. When you visit, actively use local shops and build good relationships with the community, which is the key to enjoying the sacred site long-term.
Points for Enjoying the Local Area
- Taste Enoshima specialty shirasu donburi
- Purchase local souvenirs
- Use island dining and sweet shops
- Also enjoy other tourist sites in Enoshima and Kamakura
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy
Spring (March～May)
Spring, the season when the story of TARI TARI begins, is an ideal time for sacred site pilgrimage. The mild climate makes walking easier, and the plants on Enoshima are beautiful this season.
Spring Highlights
- Cherry blossoms in Kamakura (late March～early April)
- Comfortable weather for exploring the island
- Beautiful new greenery at Enoshima Shrine
Summer (June～August)
Summer, when the main stage of the work is set, is the season to most deeply experience the atmosphere of the work. However, it is also the season with the most tourists.
Summer Pleasures
- Beautiful contrast between blue sky and sea
- Lively summer beach season atmosphere
- Summer festivals and events
Precautions
- Extremely crowded (especially weekends in July～August)
- Heat stroke prevention essential
- Early morning visits recommended
Autumn (September～November)
Autumn, when the latter half of the work with memorable cultural festival scenes is set, is also recommended for sacred site pilgrimage. You can explore without the summer crowds and with comfortable weather.
Autumn Appeal
- Beautiful autumn foliage at temples and shrines in Kamakura
- Comfortable weather
- Beautiful sunset over the coastline
Winter (December～February)
A hidden gem season with fewer tourists where you can explore at your leisure. The charm of winter includes clear air and frequent views of Mount Fuji.
Winter Pleasures
- Leisurely explore the quiet Enoshima
- View of Mount Fuji from Enoshima Sea Candle
- Majestic atmosphere of the winter sea
Accommodation and Dining Information in the Area
Recommended Lodging Areas
Around Fujisawa and Enoshima
- Enoshima Island Spa (day-use hot spring and accommodation)
- Business hotels around Fujisawa Station
- Inns around Katase Enoshima Station
Around Kamakura
- Hotels near Kamakura Station
- Inns along Yuigahama and Zaimoku-za beaches
Enjoying Shonan Gourmet
Enoshima Specialties
- Shirasu donburi: Raw shirasu is in season from April～December
- Turban shell tsuboyaki: Offered at many shops on the island
- Enoshima Beer: Craft beer available
Recommended Shops
- Tobichio: Popular for shirasu cuisine
- Kaizaku: Abundant seafood dishes
- Shima no Chaya Aburaya: Sweets and light meals
Preserving Memories of TARI TARI Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
Composition Ideas
- Research angles that recreate scenes from the work
- Be mindful of the same time of day and weather conditions
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full landscape
Recommended Photography Equipment
- Smartphone photography is sufficiently capable
- SLR or mirrorless cameras provide higher quality
- Extra batteries are essential
Sharing on Social Media
TARI TARI pilgrimage memories can be shared on social media to connect with other fans.
Recommended Hashtags
- #TARITARI
- #TARITARI聖地巡礼
- #江の島
- #聖地巡礼
Creating a Pilgrimage Journal
Recording the places you visit, photos you take, and what you felt will allow the emotions to resurface when you look back later. Whether digital or analog, preserve your memories in your own way.
The Appeal of the Work and Its Relationship to Sacred Sites
The Youth Depicted in TARI TARI
TARI TARI is a story of five young people in their final year of high school facing themselves through choir and growing. Each carries their own struggles—Wakana’s grief from losing her mother, Natsume’s frustration from being unable to give up her dreams, Sawa’s conflict over whether to inherit the family business—all depicted carefully within the beautiful landscape of Shonan.
The Significance of Enoshima as a Stage
Enoshima is a special space connected to the mainland by a bridge yet independent as an island. This nature of being “continuous with daily life yet slightly special” functions perfectly as a stage for depicting the youth of high school students.
The setting of Wakana’s home on Enoshima can be interpreted as symbolizing both her inner loneliness and the openness surrounded by sea. Visiting sacred sites allows you to experientially understand such deep meanings in the work, which is the true allure of sacred site pilgrimage.
Deepening Work Understanding Through Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Actually visiting Enoshima and Kamakura, walking the streets where characters walked, and seeing the landscapes they saw deepen understanding of and affection for the work exponentially. The physical experience of sea breeze, the slope of hills, and the vastness of the ocean—things impossible to feel through a screen—allow you to understand the work three-dimensionally.
Particularly, the experience of actually eating at Aburaya, climbing the stone steps of Enoshima Shrine, and other activities amount to re-experiencing the daily lives of Wakana and Sawa. Through such experiences, new insights into details unnoticed during viewing and deeper understanding of characters’ emotions often emerge.
Conclusion – What You Gain from TARI TARI Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Enoshima and Shonan area in Kanagawa Prefecture, the sacred site of TARI TARI, is a wonderful place where you can experience the world of the work. Visiting “Shima no Chaya Aburaya,” model of Wakana’s home, riding the Enoden while gazing at the coastline, and exploring ancient temples in Kamakura will become precious memories for fans.
Sacred site pilgrimage is not mere tourism but rather an act of giving form to love for a work and deepening understanding of it. At the same time, it is a journey to enjoy beautiful Shonan scenery, taste local culture and food, and make new discoveries.
Using the information provided in this article, please visit the sacred sites of TARI TARI and inscribe your own page of youth. The “heart’s melody” sung by Wakana and her friends in the work will resonate in your heart alongside the landscape of Enoshima.
We hope that through sacred site pilgrimage, TARI TARI becomes an even more special work to you.
