The Samuel Cocking Garden is a short walk from the end of the third escalator, and alongside the Sea Candle – the lighthouse and observation tower in Enoshima – seems to be the central focal point of any visit to the island. There is no admission charge into the garden itself; that is until 5PM this season when the winter illumination lights come on, after which you’re required to show admission tickets to exit the garden.
According to the map guide, the garden was owned by Samuel Cocking, a British merchant in the 19th century. There was previously a greenhouse here, but it was destroyed in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. The garden hosts a variety of seasonal flowers and flora, and even then, it does not look like there’s much to see in winter. But the place comes to life when the winter illumination turns what looks like a fairly lifeless and uninteresting garden into a wonderland of elegance and beauty. I’ll be writing a dedicated post on the winter illumination light-up at Samuel Cocking Garden shortly. There are two restaurants and a small cafe with al fresco seating offering local snacks, soft serve ice-cream and beverages with somewhat pricey fare. If you’re not in a hurry to dine, do consider deferring your lunch or dinner if you’re also exploring the western side of the island where the Dragon’s Love Bell and Iwaya Caves are: there are several other restaurants that line the street you’d walk through, and a casual check shows pricing that is more along the norm.
Pictures!
Continuing onto the Sea Candle next!