Enoshima in Sagami Province (Sôshû Enoshima)

Catalog note / 解説

Enoshima is a small island lying off Kamakura on the Pacific coast, some 35 miles south of Tokyo. It attracted large numbers of pilgrims, who visited a temple there that was dedicated to Benzaiten, the Buddhist female deity of long life, good fortune, and victory in war. Seen from a high position on the mainland, Hokusai depicts the island’s large temple compound. The tiny pilgrims, some riding horses led by men, some carried in a palanquin, and some on foot, are crossing a sandbar at low tide to reach the island. The approach to the temple is marked by two stone lanterns, one on each side of the entrance to the compound, where steps lead to the main building of the temple. Fuji is visible…