Jewel of Shonan (Enoshima)

An island, entire, turned into a lamp. From December 1 to the end of February, Enoshima glows across the water, with the Samuel Cocking Garden at its heart. Weekdays the lights run from five to eight; weekends, holidays, and the year-end nights of December 19–30 stretch to nine. After January 16 the switch flips at 5:30 instead — the days are lengthening, so the light learns to wait. The whole affair is run by the Enoden railway, which means the journey begins before the island does. Winter air over Sagami Bay is the clearest of the year. Seen from the far shore or from the hill itself, the name — Jewel of Shonan — is simply a description.