Valentine’s Island Enoshima

The Legend of Enoshima

Once upon a time, a bad dragon with five heads settled in the bottomless swamp among the mountains of Fukasawa, Kamakura and tormented the people. They called this place ‘Koshigoe’ and feared the dragon because he would steal their children.

For many days, dense clouds enveloped on the sea in front of Koshigoe. For a short time, heaven and earth quaked violently. After that, a heavenly maiden appeared suddenly, the clouds cleared and an island appeared. This island is known today as Enoshima.

The dragon fell in love with her, and he proposed to her. But she refused him because of the bad things he did. Afterwards, he mended his ways and then was able to get married to her.

Today, the heavenly maiden is worshiped as Benzaiten in Enoshima. The dragon with five heads is worshiped as Ryukomyojin in Koshigoe Kamakura City.

This bell has been placed here in memory of this legend by Fujisawa Tourist Association.

To keep the legend alive, couples who wish to express their undying love for each other can have their names printed onto a plate which will be permanently attached to the bell’s structure.

–Plaque at the Dragon Bell that Chris and I rang for Valentine’s Day When I got out of the shower on Valentine’s Day the house was empty. “Hey Chris! Shower’s free! Hot water’s on!” I hollered to nobody. “Chris?” Nothing. Maybe he’s on the computer. Quarter of an hour later I was blow-drying my hair when I heard steps on the stairs. Chris’ smiling face peeked around the corner, quickly followed by a huge bouquet on gorgeous flowers: pink tulips (he brought me tulips on our first date), star-gazer lilies and the purple blooms like the ones I used in Ikebana class last week. Chris had ridden his bike down to the flower shop and hand-selected each stem of the bouquet, which the flower shop lady arranged and be-ribboned. It is beautiful, smells gorgeous and looks perfect in one of the vases from our wedding. What a great beginning to the day!! Best Valentine’s EVER!! A half-hour train ride where we don’t have to get off at all takes us right to the coast! How had Chris and I not been here yet?? We’ve gone right by it at least three times and it’s only six miles from our house. There’s a running trail along a river that feeds out into the bay here even. I ask again, how have we not been here yet???

I have no idea how Chris even found out about Valentine’s Island Enoshima, but it was so cool and super-thoughtful. He flies around the island sometimes and told me about some caves you have to hike over the island and along a catwalk to get to, so that was our goal.

This lady served up oiled skewers of fresh-grilled ‘octoputlets,’ as Chris called the unbelievably nasty-looking mini-octopi. So appetising! We opted for green tea and fruity ice cream instead and sat at the little tables overlooking the bay. The caves were closed for the day, but the catwalk gave the best views of the Valentine’s Day sunset and of Mount Fuji. It got up to the mid-seventies–very unusual for this time of year–but so pleasant!! Ah, it felt like the humid, Floridian weather we’re used to.

Even after sunset the weather continued to be balmy. We stopped by the park on top of the island and rode the lighthouse up to the top for a view of Enoshima and Kamakura. It was dark but the waves were opalescent as they ghosted toward the shore, crashing silently as the wind howled. Illuminated white balloons danced in the park and disco balls danced between the trees. A band kept everyone hopping to dance beats. Followed by Italian food at a restaurant on the coast and a chick flick at home over pink champagne. It was pretty much the. best. Valentine’s. Ever.

Chris had said he was afraid the trip would bomb when he heard other people talking about their plans to rent hotels downtown. That made me laugh–that’s great and all, but Chris planned the perfect date for US! Thanks for the fun date!!