Passed the tori gate, we walked up the Nakamise Dori Street, on our way to Enoshima Shrine.  Originally made of wood, the gate was rebuilt in bronze in 1821, and the names of the financial donors who helped pay for it are carved on the gate. 

The street was lined with small shops offering local specialties and souvenirs.  Here are a few local delicacies to try:

• Shirasu (whitebait): Shirasu are tiny whitebait fish with a delicate, slightly briny flavor and tender texture. In Enoshima, they’re often freshly caught and used as a topping for dishes like donburi, pasta and even ice cream, making them a key local specialty.
• Tako senbei (octopus rice crackers): This is a traditional Enoshima snack linked to the island’s fishing heritage. Fresh octopus is pressed between hot metal plates, creating thin, crispy sheets with a distinctive crunch and savory flavor.
• Enoshima beer:  Enoshima beer is a locally brewed craft beer known for its refreshing taste, often featuring ingredients like yuzu for a citrusy twist.
• Enoden monaka:  This is a traditional Japanese sweet featuring a crisp, wafer-like shell filled with sweet red bean paste, and it’s available at shops around Enoshima and Kamakura, named after the Enoden train line connecting these historic areas.