Chigogafuchi, located at the far end of Enoshima, was crowded with people

As you walk up and down the stairs and along the small paths of Enoshima, various things appear. The first thing that appears as you step inside is a bronze torii gate. After passing through the torii gate that marks the beginning of the approach to Enoshima Shrine, an approach that resembles an old-fashioned shopping street leads to the Otorii gate. Walking along the approach, which is crowded with many people, is a boost, but it is only the beginning. The small path that stretches from here onward is the real heart of the Enoshima walking tour.

You can take the escalator called "Enoshima Escar" to the top of the path, but it is better to walk up the stairs step by step by yourself. That way, I would feel a special sense of accomplishment when I completed the ascent. With this in mind, I headed up the stairs. The path did not go up in a straight line, but sometimes it went down, sometimes it reached a landing, sometimes it passed through a shrine, and sometimes it crossed in front of a cafe. I proceeded, paying my respects at the shrine, and being drawn back by a sign for a fresh whitebait bowl.

Just past the Okutsumiya of Enoshima Shrine, the road abruptly drops down toward the sea. After descending a flight of stairs that made me feel a little heavy thinking about the return trip, I came to a rocky spot called Chigogafuchi. It was a beautiful day, and there were many people fishing and others just hanging out on the rocks. When I looked out to sea, all I could see was the sea horizon. Of course, there were no structures, so the sky was wide open. It was a sight that would make sense that many people, even those who are not anglers, would want to come here, even if the climb up and down the stairs is strenuous.