Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. The Legend of Enoshima
3. Beaches
4. Should I get the Enoshima Day Pass?
5. Dragon's Gate
6. Waterfront
7. Nakamise Shopping Street
8. Enoshima Torii Gates
9. Zuishinmon
10. Benzaiten Goddess statue
11. Entering Enoshima Shrine
12. Hetsumiya
13. Chinowa
14. Ho-an-den
15. Nakatsunomiya Square
16. Nakatsunomiya Shrine
17. Samuel Cocking Garden
18. Enoshima Sea Candle
19. Enoshima Daish
20. Enoshima Pilgrimage Path
21. Okutsunomiya Shrine
22. Wadatsumi-no-miya
23. Love Bell
24. Uonemotei
25. Iwaya caves
26. Ferry Boat

Access

Enoshima is accessible by three train, each of which has its separate station. Depending on where you’re departing from will determine which line is best for your trip. If you’re departing from Tokyo the best options is the express train from Shinjuku station which will take you to Fujisawa station. From here you can board a local train to Katase Enoshima Station. One way tickets for this route costs 630 yen and takes around 65-75 minutes. If you’re planning on visiting Kamakura and other locations around the area, consider buying the Odakyu Railways Enoshima/Kamakura Free Pass which is 1470 yen and gives you unlimited use of trains between Fujisawa and Kamakura and Odakyu trains between Fujisawa and Enoshima.

The Legend of Enoshima

Understanding the legend which surrounds this island will help you understand the people and the history of this place.

There was once an evil dragon, with five heads, who settled in the bottomless swamp among the mountains of Fujisawa and tormented the people of the village. The peasants feared the dragon like no other as he would steal their children away in the middle of the night. Then, one day, an immense clouds enveloped the sea, and an earthquake erupted. From the clouds emerged a heavenly maiden, Benzaiten, and from the sea she brought with her an island, Enoshima Island. The dragon fell in love with the maiden and proposed to her but she refused him because of all the evil things he had done.

The dragon spent the next few years trying to mend his evil ways. He even turned himself into stone to show her how much he loved her. Eventually, the maiden forgave the dragon for the things he had done wrong and freed him from the stone mountain which had formed around him. After he was set free, they were married. Today the maiden Benzaiten still guards Enoshima along with the dragon, who now also protects the Islanders.

Beaches

If you’re visiting Japan in the summer, the city can get pretty warm so escaping to a beach might be just what you need on one of those hot, humid days. Enoshima has some of the best beaches close to Tokyo and although they can get crowded, arrive early to pitch your towel and relax on the sand all morning long. Japanese crowds are so polite and organized, even if it’s crowded when you arrive you’ll find it easy to squeeze in.

Should I get the Enoshima Day Pass?

The Enoshima Day Pass (separate from the Odakyu Railway Pass) costs 1000 yen and gives you access to the Samuel Cocking Garden, observation tower and the caves as well as the use of the escalators used to get up and down the island’s hills. You can always buy individual tickets for the escalators but they cost 300 yen each way. The gardens with observation access and the caves each cost 500 yen to enter so the pass pays for itself in those fees alone. But that’s only if you’re planning on visiting these two sites. If not, the pass isn’t worth it.

If you do end up with the pass and you’re feeling a little tired by the time you near the top, you’ll be able to ride the escalators free of charge! I still prefer the stairs myself but if you have a disability or just aren’t feeling up to it that day, the pass is definitely a good choice.

Dragon’s Gate

Walking from the train station towards the island, across the causeway, is one of my favourite parts of visiting the island. The pedestrian walkways towards the island is wonderfully decorated with statues and fantastically manicured gardens, framing the ascent to the island perfectly. As you approach, you’ll pass through the dragon-shaped stone lanterns which are the gatekeepers of the island. It’s amazing how different the landscape here is from Tokyo, you can smell the air blowing off the ocean.

Waterfront

The waterfront on Enoshima island on the north side is vastly different front the south, were the famed Iwaya caves are located. This part of the island has a steep drop off towards the waters looking out at Sagami Bay. There is a small park along the waterfront with a few dozen small sculptures to gaze at. This park is dedicated to both the Olympics, held here in 1964 as well as representations of the Goddess Benten whom the entire island is named after. I decided this was a great place to have a quick snack before my hike up the hill.

Nakamise Shopping Street

As you approached the staircase towards the first shrine you’ll pass under a large set of bronze torii gates. Behind these gates are dozens of souvenir shops and small restaurants. These are all run by locals and have an immense charm to them. So even if the items their selling don’t seem super bespoke to Enoshima, they are still a pleasure to browse inside.

Enoshima Torii Gates

At the end of Nakamise Street you’ll find yourself approaching the bright vermillion Torii gates, before Enoshima Shrine. These torii gates symbolise the passing from the mortal realm into the realm of the gods. As you pass through, try to clear your mind, and connect with yourself in a deep and meaningful way. I find that when travelling sometimes things are so busy and hectic and this moment is a reminder to reflect and remember instead of just go, go, go.

Zuishinmon

Past the torii gates is a large wooden tower, this is the ‘Zuishinmon Gate’. The design of the tower was based on a fairytale underwater palace called ‘Ryugujyo’. On the underside of the structure are carvings of peonies and lions on the walls and ceilings. These symbolize a prayer to protect the Goddess and their worshippers.

Benzaiten Goddess statue

Behind the tower gate you’ll meet face to face the Benzaiten goddess. Here she sits, carved in stone, nestled in with her follows, surrounded by the fabled dragon whom she defeated for the people. This statue was made in 1450 yet feels so fresh and new, despite its age.

Entering Enoshima Shrine

The Enoshima Shrine, is made up of three main buildings. The Hetsumiya, the Ho-an-den and the Nakatsumiya. Before entering any of the buildings, be sute to stop by the ‘temizuya‘. The temizuya or chōzuya is a Shinto water absolution pond for a ceremonial purification rite known as temizu. To perform the ritual, just fill the ladle provided with water and wash your left hand, then your right, and if you want, drink some of the water and spit it out to cleanse your mouth. If you’re scared to do it wrong, simply watch others and you’ll get the hang of it in no time. It feels nice to participate in this ritual as it connects you with the spiritual nature of the shrine itself.

Hetsumiya

The main building in one this level is the Hetsumiya. The original wooden building with a traditional copper winged roof, was built in 1620 by Minamono no Sanetomo, the third Shogun of Kamakura Shogunate. The current version was re-built in 1976 in the exact style as the original. Inside this buildings is where the Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto are enshrined. The Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto are three sister goddess who are known to control the seas, which feels so appropriate as you are surrounded by the sea on all sides on the island.

Inside the Shrine you’ll see a large metal box where you can make an offering. If you’ve never made an offering at a shrine before here is how you do it. Stand in front of the offertory box, throw a coin into the box, bow twice towards the shrine, then clap your hands twice and think deep in your mind of the wish you want to come true. Then, finish the ritual by bowing deeply towards the offertory box once more. A little wish for luck never hurt anyone and you can feel good that your money is going towards keeping the shrine up and running.

Chinowa

Beside the Hetsumiya you might be puzzled by a green ring standing off to the side. This is the chinowa, an object used to cleanse your mind and body as you pass through the ring. It is said to remove all your wrongdoings and impurities.

Ho-an-den

The Ho-an-den is a small, bright red, octagonal building where you can see the famous statue of the deity Benzaiten. This building costs 200 yen to enter and is the only shrine on the island which requires payment to enter. Unlike many other statues of the Benzaiten, this one is nude, sitting on a pedestal playing a biwa. Benzaiten is very important to women, as she is the only female deity of the seven gods of fortune. If you are really interested in the statue it’s worth visiting but I personally prefer the statue you see on your way up the stairs and had a better time admiring the fantastical exterior architecture of the building instead of going inside.

Ema

If you’re feeling unlucky in love, be sure to buy an ’ema’. An ema is wooden prayer plaque from the shrine where you can write your wish for love onto. Then hang it with the rest of the wishes, blowing gently in the wind atop the island. This shrine is fabled to be particularly good for matchmaking!

Nakatsunomiya Square

Before heading up to the next level, spend some time wondering around Nakatsunomiya Square. This little garden with a observation deck of the city below, is always full of seasonal blooms and if you’re lucky enough to visit during Cherry Blossom season, you’ll be in for a real treat. Since these trees and their blooms up here are perfectly hidden away from the crowds you have a much better chance of getting to experience Japan’s most popular symbol without fighting for space.

Nakatsunomiya Shrine

The second shrine site on the island is found just around the corner and up the hill from Enoshima Shrine. This is Nakatsunomiya, the oldest shrine on the island, established in 853 by the Buddhist monk En-nin. The frieze above the door to the shrine contains over 154 carvings of various real and mythological flora and fauna popular on the island. You could stand here for hours and never be able to find them all.

Samuel Cocking Garden

The Samuel Cocking Gardens were built in 1880 by British merchant Samuel Cocking. Cocking collected tropical plants from every corner of the world he travelled to but he settled in Japan after finding love on the island. Originally the Japanese government only allowed locals to purchase land but when the laws where changed, Cocking saw his chance to buy up some of the best real estate on the island.

After the couples passing, the title of the gardens was passed onto the city of Fujisawa who saw it’s reconstruction after the great earthquake. Today, you can explore a variety of flowers found not only in Japan but all over the world. From February to March there are 250 different breeds of camellia flowers blooming and from May to October dazzling crimson roses from Canada begin to blossom. My favourite part of the gardens was the dynamic landscaping. There were archways created with hanging baskets, gazebos surrounded in blooms and beautiful mazes you could wander in dazzling colours.

Enoshima Sea Candle

In the middle of the garden stands the giant 200 foot tall Enoshima Sea Candle. From the observation tower you can see all across Enoshima, Fujisawa and beyond. On a rare clear day, you have an absolutely stunning view of Mount Fuji. The Day I visited the Mountain was unfortunately still in hiding, but the view just down to the lush green gardens was incredible and well worth the money to come up the tower. I loved looking out across the brilliant blue seas. Living in a city not near an ocean, there is something truly mesmerizing to me about the ocean and I could have stared at it for hours.

Enoshima Daish

Past the Gardens, you’ll come upon the unmistakable Buddhist temple of Enoshima Daishi. During the Meiji Period, there was a governmental separation between Shintoism and Buddhism. Buddhist temples all over Japan were destroyed and it wasn’t until the 1990’s that Enoshima residents had the chance to rebuild one of their most important temples on the island, Enoshima Daishi. Standing in front of the steps into the temple are two huge, six-meter tall statues of Fudomyo, the protector of Buddhism. Staring up at them as you enter is an intimidating process and made me a little skittish when stepping down into the temple, but I guess that just means they’re doing their job.

Inside the temple, there is a blend of modern and traditional Japanese architecture. But what continues to stand the test of the time is the peaceful feeling you get when you come inside the incense soaked temple. There was a man praying when I came inside who later told me he had come all the way from Kyoto just to pray here today, and it made the temple’s significance all the more powerful to me.

Enoshima Pilgrimage Path

Descending down from the top of Enoshima is almost as much work as climbing up. It’s around 250 steps down to the bottom but the journey downwards provides so many different things to see along the way. This pathway is known as Oiwaya-michi or the Pilgrimage way. This pathway was taken by thousands of people over the year who made their way to the Iwaya Caves. Various houses found along the stairways are covered in beautiful seashells, a testament to the love of the sea which these residents have. As you descend, you’ll get amazing views of the cliff side and the sea below. One of the views to the left of the staircase is down to Yama-futatsu, a vallery where the mountain to the east and west connect.

Okutsunomiya Shrine

As you descend from the top of the island you’ll come upon the last of the shrines, this is Okutsunomiya Shrine or “Shrine of the Deep”. Inside this shrine it is said that the sea goddess rests during the winter inside a cave and when the summer returns, the goddess will emerge once more to protect the sea. The stone torri gate which welcomes you into the shrine is from 1138, a gift from the Shogun of Kamakura.

The two red lanterns on either side of the shrine depict Otohime (on the right) and Urashima Taro (on the left). Otohime is the princess of the undersea palace Ryūgū-jō and Urashima Tarō is the fabled fisherman who, after recusing a sea turtle, is rewarded for his good deed by being brought to the undersea palace. For this turtle was no ordinary turtle, he was the all-seeing turtle of the deep. The fisherman was entertained and cared for inside the undersea palace by the princess. If you look closely on the ceiling of the shrine, you’ll see the All-seeing turtle from the story. The turtle is also called the one who watches all directions, since no matter which direction you look, the turtle appears to be looking right at you!

Set beside the temple you’ll see a large stone surrounded by the paper lightning bolts which also are hung from torri gates. This stone is the Chikara-ishi. A Chikara-ishi is a “stone of strength” which are often seen at shrines as they represent the strength which the gods bestow upon their followers. This stone weighing 320kg, which is said to have been brought to the shrine by the most power man in the nation.

Wadatsumi-no-miya

Beside Okutsu-No-Miya-Jinja shrine you’ll find Wadatsumi-no-miya. Unlike the other shrines, this one is more like a rock cave, with a bright green dragon perched on top. This is Ryujin, the dragon god of the sea, and it is said that inside is where he is enshrined. You can peek your head inside the cave during the day through a small screen, and in the deep, dank dark, there was moment where I thought I saw a small pair of eye in the darkness…

Love Bell

A few steps up from the shrines, there is a small, overgrown trail which will lead you to a little hill with an incredible view of the ocean. Atop this hill stands the ‘Love Bell‘. Since the legend of Benten and the dragon falling in love with her is so important to the mythology of the island, this bell was purchased and placed here by local couples who wished to express their undying love for each other, much like the dragon and the goddess. Each of the donors had their names engraved on the structure surrounding the bell.

Every couple who now visits this site has their chance to ring the bell to announce their undying love to the dragon and maiden. Couples have begun leaving locks on the surrounding fence with the names engraved upon them. Every year the locks have to be removed so the fence does not collapse. So maybe the locks won’t last a lifetime, but hopefully, your love will.

Uonemotei

If I can suggest one place to eat on your tour of the island it HAS to be Uonemotei. This restaurant has been here for over 140 years. It has been serving locals and pilgrims alike delicious food, right from the sea. Sitting out on their patio you have a beautiful view of the ocean and can smell the refreshing sea breeze. The house special is the “Enoshima-don” which are young sardines served with turban shells and beaten eggs atop warm rice. This is the best thing you can eat to experience true Enoshima cuisine.

Iwaya caves

Unless you’re a HUGE fan of caves or have the Enoshima Day Pass, I would skip this. The reason being they are hugely touristy and crowded and you’ll have more fun exploring the rocky seaside around them instead. Inside the first cave you’ll find Buddhist statues, and in the second you’ll find a small pond dedicated to the dragon who used to terrorize the area. During the Nara era, Buddhist monks used to be trained here in the cave, so visiting the caves was somewhat of a pilgrimage for Buddhists all over the world. Overall though, it’s a pretty simple cave and your time and money is better spent elsewhere on the island unless you have the day pass.

Around the caves, you’ll see dozens of little reefs where local fisherman are almost always camped you trying to get the catch of the day. I had a relaxing time sitting out on the rocks, near where the waves would crash against the rocks, getting sprayed every time a huge wave would come in.

Ferry Boat

To head back to the train station, I recommend taking a ferry boat ride. Throughout the day there are little ferry boats which run back and forth from the mainland to the island. Head over to the Bentenmaru pier where you can board one of the little boats. The ride isn’t very long but seeing the island from the water is a very unique perspective that gives you an idea of the scope and size of Enoshima. It’s a great opportunity to step back, literally, and see the place you just came from from afar. Look right up high and you can see the top of the Enoshima Candle and the Enoshima flag which flies high above.

Enoshima is truly one of the best place to go to take a break from the city and get a breath of FRESH air. If you have even half a day, or better yet a whole day, you NEED to make your way out here and experience another side of life in Japan.

The post The Best Self Guided Tour of Enoshima Island; Amazing Day Trip from Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Sights & Attractions
2. Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens
3. The Sydney Opera House
4. The Blue Mountains
5. Jenolan Caves
6. Government House Sydney
7. Take a Visit around the Rocks
8. Walk the University of Sydney Campus
9. Street Art
10. Activities
11. Relax on the Sand of Bondi Beach
12. Swim in Ocean Pool
13. The Bondi to Coogee Boardwalk
14. Take a Visit to the Taronga Zoo
15. The Manly Ferry
16. Walk Across Harbour Bridge
17. Art Gallery of NSW
18. Surfing Lessons
19. Picnic at the Paddington Reservoir
20. Where to Eat!
21. Spice Alley's Asian Fusion Feast
22. Try the Local Cuisine at Paddy's Farmers Market
23. Party on Oxford Street
24. Sydney Fish Market
25. Sample Dozens of Dumplings at Din Tai Fung
26. NOMAD
27. Mecca Espresso
28. Good Time Artisan Ice Cream

Sights & Attractions

Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens

One of the first places I came after getting off the plane in Australia was to the Royal Botanic Gardens. There is something about wandering the green, tree-lined pathways and brightly coloured flower gardens which put me at ease and made the jetlag float away. Despite being a stone’s throw away from the centre of town, this place feels a mile away from the hustle and bustle. If you’ve never been to Australia before, this is also a wonderful place to get to know the different flora and fauna which dot the landscape. Keep your eye opens for the various birds which call this place home. Coming from North America, seeing wild cockatoos, parrots, wattlebird and lyrebirds is like stepping into another world.

The Sydney Opera House

On every postcard, every brochure, every travel guide and even every travel blog, you’ll find pictures of the Sydney Opera House. Even if you’re not a fan of opera, studying the building as an architectural masterpiece is a must for any Australian visitor. Designed by modern architect Jorn Utzon, it was created to resemble a set of opening ship sails in the shape of abstracted seashells. While the design has been somewhat divisive, you need to make your way down to the harbour to see it for yourself. It is now known as one of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century and facing out onto magnificent seaside there’s no better view in the city.

The Blue Mountains

An hour and a half north-west of Syndey are the stunning Blue Mountains. The first time I came here I couldn’t believe all this beauty could be found in Australia. When I first pictured Australia, I thought of desert landscapes with red rocks and golden sand. But the Blue Mountains are a lush panorama of brilliant green treetops, bright blue skies and sparkling waterfalls. If you’ve been looking to escape the city, this is the perfect day-trip. Standing atop the lookout point, you can study the Three Sisters rock formation, indulge in the various bakeries which serve locals and tourists alike, as well as the hike down the mountainside to explore the trails and waterfalls below.

Jenolan Caves

While you’ve made your way up to the Blue Mountains, be sure to stop by the Jenolan Caves. The caves contain stunning underground rivers, angelic limestone formations and ancient stalactites. The Jenolan caves require a guided tour ticket but the guides are well worth the price of admission as their fantastical storytelling abilities make the unmoving rocks, come to life.

Government House Sydney

In the midst of the busy city centre stands, what looks like an old castle. Built in 1846, less than a hundred years after Australia was colonized. The Government House in Sydney was home to Australia’s various Governors over the years but is now a museum. The building is so important due to the beautiful architecture. Its neo-gothic influences can be found along the walls, structure and in the art inside. While gothic architecture might not be what you think of when you this Australia, this is what is so wonderful about this country. It surprises you ar every corner.

Take a Visit around the Rocks

The Rocks was originally the first European settlement in Australia, established in 1788. While the first building erected here was made of thatch and wattle, some of the houses were made of local sandstone and still stand today. This small area of town is now a very popular tourist district but the history which lies in between the souvenir shops can still be found if you look closely enough. Visit Cadman’s cottage, the oldest residential house in Sydney, for a peek into the daily life of Australian’s in the 1800s. If you are someone with an affection for the macabre, you might consider taking a guided ghost tour of the Rocks after the sun goes down. While they might not be “scary” they are full of history about the darker sides of Australia and it’s criminal contingent.

Walk the University of Sydney Campus

While in the city centre, I implore you to take a walk around the University of Sydney. Founded in 1850, it has some of the most marvelous architecture in the entire city. Today, it is ranked as one of the top 10 most beautiful university in the world. Most of the buildings are open to the public, so you can wander around the hallways, courtyards and even food halls. The campus feels like Hogwarts in many ways since it’s design was inspired by many old English schools. The cafeteria serves up reasonably priced food since they’re for students, so if you’re looking for a bargain and a great place for a picnic, head on down here.

Street Art

Sydney, being a huge metropolitan city, is a hub for fantastical street art. And there is most definitely something about Australian art which I find absolutely compelling. Being so far removed from the rest of the world, they are both inspired by the west but also create something completely new for themselves since they don’t feel compelled to be like them. Most of this can be explored by taking the side streets instead of main roads. New pieces pop up every day and disappear just as quickly. So take leave of the main sights and see what you can discover off the beaten track!

Activities

Relax on the Sand of Bondi Beach

When you think Australia, you think of the beach. And the most iconic of all the beaches in Sydney is Bondi Beach. Many will argue there are more intimate, less touristy places to spend your time at but this beach is so popular for a reason. It’s way more than JUST a BEACH. Bondi is easily accessible by public transit so even if you’re not renting a car, you can make your way here with ease. The beach itself is nestled between two suburban landscapes, which dot the skyline with bursts of colour. Surrounding the beach are dozens of shops and food vendors selling iconic Australian grub to picnic with on the sands. The atmosphere is full of life and energy. So grab a towel and head into the water. But if you’re scared to get in the ocean this next point will be right up your alley.

Swim in Ocean Pool

An Ocean Pool? “Now, what’s that?” you might say. For many young children learning to swim, being thrown right into the ocean is a little daunting. So is braving waters where sharks are known to wander if you’re someone who is paranoid about that (although it’s very very rare.) These man-made pools are situated beside the sea and filled with ocean water. Entry to the pools is only $7 and well worth the price for peace of mind if you dream of swimming in the ocean, but too afraid of what creatures lie beneath. Bondi isn’t the only place where you can find these ocean pools but their is one of the most iconic.

 

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The Bondi to Coogee Boardwalk

Every time someone asks me what they should do while in Syndey, the first thing I tell them is to be sure to do this coastal walk. The Bondi to Coogee boardwalk takes you along the cliffside next to the ocean to see various parks, the famous Waverley Cemetery, many different scenic picnic spots and access to the best swimming holes in the city. The walk takes about 3 hours at a leisurely pace but if you want to stop at the various cafes and restaurants along the way you could easily spend the entire day out there. Be sure to bring hats and sunscreen since most of this area is uncovered.

 

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Take a Visit to the Taronga Zoo

While spending time at a zoo might seem like a strange “must-do” for any seasoned traveller, I would recommend it to everyone. Taronga Zoo is truly an incredible place with views across the bay to the cityscape of Sydney Harbour, a view unlike you’ll get anywhere else. The zoo is set along the cliffside and you walk up and down lush green pathways, where the animal exhibits seem nestled in naturally.

To get to the zoo, you have to take a ferry from Circular Quay, then a cable car up to the entrance of the zoo. Both of these modes of transportation are not just necessary but a beautiful tour of the city itself. Inside the zoo you’ll get to see many different animals unique to Australia like koalas, platypus’, and, of course, kangaroos. If you have a little bit of extra cash to splash out you can even stay overnight at the park in their Roar and Snore luxury tents situated atop the zoo where you’ll have the best view of Syndey this side of the harbour.

The Manly Ferry

The waterways of Sydney are home to dozens upon dozens of tour companies, willing to take tourists out for putters around the harbour. But if you’re looking for a scenic ride at a quarter of the price, jump on the Manly Ferry! You can ride the Ferry from Circular Quay down to Manly Terminal and despite it being nothing more than public transportation, the ride is an incredible way of taking in the sights of the city.

Walk Across Harbour Bridge

While some daredevils might want to take the Bridge walk to the extreme and climb across the top of the bridge, for the rest of us who are either too scared or too poor, a gentle stroll along the pedestrian walkway is still an iconic experience for anyone visiting Australia or Sydney for the first time. At night, the city lights up and if you look over to the north you can see the lights of Luna Park dazzling across the night sky.

Art Gallery of NSW

If you love art, you need to make your way to the Art Gallery of NSW. While the building is an impressive monument to Australian architecture and their collection of worldly’s artists is a pleasure to behold, the real gift of this place is its Australian collection. And for good reason. Blnded with historical, modern and indigenous artists, these painting and installations help you connect with the Australian culture and history in a way that is otherwise sometimes hard to understand.

 

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Surfing Lessons

My favourite place for Surf Lessons is Manly Surf School. Maybe I’m biased since it’s my favourite beach but Manly’s slightly less crowded waters also are great for learning to surf without constantly running into people like you would at Bondi. Lessons run here several times a day, in the busy seasons be sure to call to book in advance. You can just try it out for the day, or give it a whole weekend to see if you can master this very Australian endeavour. You can’t come back from a trip to Australia without someone asking you, “did you go surfing?!” and you want the answer to be “YES!”

 

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Picnic at the Paddington Reservoir

In the early 19th century, all of Sydney’s water reserves were supplied through the Paddington Reservoir. But as early as they were created, they were shut down due to industrial improvements in the distribution of water. The reservoir lay dormant for years until 2009 when the architecturally stunning reservoirs were transformed from forgotten history into an immaculate garden park for the public. You can now explore this treasure of Sydney’s past, traversing raised walkways, lunching on hidden picnic tables and simply getting lost in this incredible space.

 

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Where to Eat!

Spice Alley’s Asian Fusion Feast

Australia’s proximity to Asia results in some of the best Asian fusion restaurants the world over. And the best place to dig into this incredible cuisine can be found along Kensington street, along their self-titled “Spice Alley”. Spice Alley is made up of 18th-century historic townhomes and modern restaurants. The tiny laneway feels like hidden passageway. Hanging Chinese lanterns colour the skyline and the smells of Singapore pour out from the kitchen and onto the street. Many of the restaurants here spill out onto the streets on small patio tables so you can eat in the open and enjoy that Australian air!

 

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Try the Local Cuisine at Paddy’s Farmers Market

Strolling the aisles of a farmer’s market early in the morning, smelling the fresh produce, studying the foreign offerings and listening to the vendors scream out their daily specials is one of the best ways to start any day. Paddy’s Market is Sydney’s largest farmers markets open. It has been open for over 150 years now and houses over 1,000 stalls, so there is something for any appetite. If you’re looking for cheap souvenir this is also a great place to come since the stalls also sell fashions, accessories, home good and yes, souvenirs.

 

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Party on Oxford Street

If there is one thing that Australians do better than anyone else it’s partying! This country eternally put a smile on my face. Oxford Street is one of Sydney’s most vibrant neighbourhoods which still retains a ton of historical charm. It is the heart of gay and lesbian culture and as such has dozens of hip bars and restaurants that are often better options for tourists than the hard knock pubs of the inner city. Everyone here is so welcoming and friendly and if you happen to be here over Pride weekend, get ready for a wild ride! There are so many bars to hop in and out of along the street but my favourite is Pocket Bar. This hipster bar is filled with modern street art on the walls, vintage couches on the floor and some of the best cocktails in the city in your hand!

 

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Sydney Fish Market

Australia is surrounded on all sides by the ocean, so it should be no big surprise that seafood is one of its most vibrant industries. The Fish Market in Sydney was first established in 1945 and processes over 14,500 tonnes of seafood every year. While you might not be in the market for quite that much, the market also has dozens of different restaurants and cafes serving up the catch of the day. My favourite are the Oyster tasting flights where you can sample all different kinds of these molluscs until you find your absolute favourite!

 

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Sample Dozens of Dumplings at Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung originally opened up in Taipei, Taiwan and now their flagship location seats hundreds of people a day. Their proximity to Australia meant that once they began to expand internationally, Australia was one of their first locations outside Taipei. Now, there are three different locations just in Sydney, so clearly, the Aussie’s are a fan. Their long heralded xiao long bao, a soup dumpling filled with pork, is their keystone menu items and believe you me, you’ll need more than one order. No matter which location you try, there is usually a line but the smallish menu, and quick on their feet staff, means you’ll never have to wait longer than needed.

 

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NOMAD

Lots of people come up to me and ask what they should eat while they’re in Australia, and sometimes it’s hard to answer this question. Although there are a handful of things which are notoriously Australian it’s true that there are not as many iconic “meals” as you might find when travelling to Asia or even Europe. But what I DO tell them is it’s the ingredients which make all the difference in Australia. Australian lamb, their locally grown vegetables, wine pairings and fresh seafood all contribute to some of the best meals in the world, albeit not perhaps the most “foreign” food despite being halfway around the world. Nomad is one of the best examples of this with their seasonal menus using only local Australian ingredients to create some absolutely incredible dishes.

 

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Mecca Espresso

While I knew that beer was the national beverage of Australia, I had no idea that Australia had such a HUGE coffee culture. Even when I lived in student residence my housemates would make themselves frothed milk every morning for their coffee. Mecca Espresso is located right in the centre of the city, along historic King Street, but has a laid-back and cheerful atmosphere. I would love nothing more than to order a large cappuccino and sit on the patio to people watch all day long.

 

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Good Time Artisan Ice Cream

In the heat of Australia’s summer or even just a hot winter day, there is nothing better than a good ice cream cone. And when I say ‘good’, I mean ‘good times‘. Good Time Ice Cream is a next step up from regular ice cream. They offer decadent toppings and put a modern twist on traditional soft serve. My favourite offering is the “Ziggy Stardust” which is smoked vanilla bean ice cream topped with blackberry crispies, pop rocks, strawberry powder and gold dust stars. Fabulously instagrammable.

 

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Lay by the beach, eat and drink to your hearts content and wander the streets, whatever you do there’s fun to be found around every corner.

The post The Ultimate List of Things To Do in Sydney, Australia first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Airport to Spa Transfer
2. Access
   • Journey to the Lagoon
3. History of the Blue Lagoon
4. Booking Your Time Slot
5. Choice of Package
6. Arrival at the Blue Lagoon
   • Checkin
7. Entering the Thermal Pools
8. Booking a Massage
   • Massage Pricing:
     • My Experience
9. Benefits of the Waters
10. Silica Mud
11. Steam Rooms
    • TIP

Airport to Spa Transfer

Your visit to the Blue Lagoon begina as soon as you land in Reykjavik. Our flight arrived so early in the morning that even the cafes were shut at the airport. It would be hours before we could check into our hotel, but happily, the Blue Lagoon offers a service for this very problem. You can board a bus directly from the airport that brings you and your luggage straight to the spa. When you arrive, they store your bags free of charge, and you can enjoy the rest of your day in the waters. It’s the perfect remedy for jetlag!

Access

If you are not travelling from the airport on the Blue Lagoon bus, there are several other ways of arriving at the spa. If you are renting a can from the airport, the Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport. And 45 minutes outside Reykjavik. To get to the Blue Lagoon via public transport, you’ll need to board a “Destination Blue Lagoon” bus. There are 12 different pickup locations in Reykjavik where you can board this bus. The journey on the bus takes about an hour and costs ISK 3,495 for a one way journey.

Journey to the Lagoon

The journey out to the Lagoon is a wonderful part of the entire experience. We saw our first glimpses of this gorgeous and strange country on the way. The houses outside the city were so unique. Bright metal siding and colourful roofs decorated the barren landscape. We saw statues along the water’s edge as we drove along the coast. They were giant rocks carved into the shapes of people, their bodies leaning into the surf, the wind blowing in their hair.

But the thing that grabbed my attention the most was the earth itself. It was such a strange colour, almost as if the entirety of the soil here was made of nothing but moss. There were pretty much no trees anywhere you looked. Just ground and mountains. This makes the landscape stand out, as nothing obscures the view. It was almost like seeing the surface of Mars.

History of the Blue Lagoon

The history of the Blue Lagoon can be traced back to 1976, when a geothermal power plant was built in the area. The warm water produced by the power plant was directed into a nearby lagoon, which eventually became known as the Blue Lagoon. Over time, the lagoon became a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique therapeutic properties.

Booking Your Time Slot

As of 2023, pre-booking is required due to the popularity of this spa. Others in Iceland provide a similar experience, but this is the best of the best when it comes to geothermal spas. One of the most awe-inspiring time slots will be around sunset. Book your arrival an hour before sunset, so you’ll be there day and night. But witnessing the sunset from these stunning waters is an out-of-this-world experience. If you are delighted with a clear day during the season with northern lights, you might also be surprised to see these out here while swimming in the water.

Choice of Package

There are two main types of tickets to the spa. The COMFORT package gets you entrance into Blue Lagoon, a Silica Mud Mask, the use of one towel and a drink of your choice costs at the bar. This package costs between 8,990 kr -12,990 kr, which is the best value. The price is dependant on what time you book, as some times are less popular and therefore less expensive.

Next is the PREMIUM package, which features Entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica mud mask, Two additional masks of your choice, Use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, Use of bathrobe and 1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant. This package costs you 11,490 kr – 14,490 kr. Each package allows you to add other spa treatments for additional costs.

Arrival at the Blue Lagoon

When we arrived, in the distance, we saw the hills part and a faint trail of smoke leading up to the sky where the hot springs were located. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa. Unlike some naturally formed hot springs in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is man-made and uses geothermal water from the nearby power plant. Don’t worry; it’s completely safe. Even more than that, the waters are thought to be some of the most healing on the planet.

The lava formations which create the pools are all natural and filled with geothermal water run-off. The water’s main healing ingredients are silica, algae & other minerals. The blue colour comes from the reflection of the silica in the sunlight.

Checkin

When you check-in, you are given a small blue wristband letting you in and out of the pools and a bright blue towel to use all day. You could also buy a robe or slipper, but we didn’t feel the need to have them. If you visited in the colder months, I can see why the robe would be a plus.

The changing rooms are public – unless you opt for the super expensive couples package. So prepare to change into your bathing suits around others. But arriving as early in the morning as we did, there weren’t many people, so we felt it was private enough. After changing into your bathing suit, you need to take a cleansing shower before entering the thermal pools.

Entering the Thermal Pools

Immediately as you walk through the doors to the outdoor pools, you’ll be stunned and in awe by the sight. The vivid blue waters glowed in the sunlight, and puffs of steam rose off the water like clouds in the sky. The pools were framed against the rough and rugged black molten rocks. It seemed impossible that the earth created something so incredible. I was one of the only people outside since it was early in the day, and walking across the bridges and platforms to the massage area, I felt so lucky to be experiencing something not many would ever get to see – an empty blue lagoon.

It felt so hot when I dipped my toe in the water, but since it was Iceland and the air was freezing, I jumped in to escape the cold. I breathed a sigh of relief as the warm water surrounded me. I gently swam around my tiny waiting pool and watched as a man with a severe skin condition rubbed the silica mud all over himself. To my amazement, after he left it on for a few minutes, the redness in his skin had all but disappeared when he washed it off. It was like magic. After washing in the showers, he quickly left without even using the water. I found out later that he is a regular whose doctor gave him private entry to the spa to help heal his severe eczema since it was the only thing that brought him any relief. Magic.

Booking a Massage

One of the most unique aspects about booking a massage at the Blue Lagoon is that they provide in-water massages. Unifying the dynamic pleasures of massage therapy, the revitalizing powers of Blue Lagoon Water, and the otherworldly beauty of the Blue Lagoon’s volcanic landscape.

Massage Pricing:

Relaxing Massage 30 minutes ISK 15 900 | Relaxing Massage 60 minutes ISK 24 900 | Signature Massage 120 minutes ISK 49 900

My Experience

I decided to book a 30-minute message when I visited the Blue Lagoon to get the complete experience. When I arrived for my massage, I was told to lie on a floating blue mat in the water. A small pillow is placed under your head, and a large wet towel covers your body to keep you warm. Unlike any other massage I’d had before, here you feel weightless. My masseur could massage parts of my body I don’t think you can explore in a regular massage.

Floating there, weightless, she could move around me like a fish. After she was done, she pushed my mat to another part of the lagoon, where I lay for a few minutes, eye closed, letting that sense of perfect calmness flow over me. I almost fell asleep, but soon I opened my eyes, and to my surprise, when I sat up, I saw that the entire pool was now filled with hundreds of people. I pulled my jelly-like appendages off the mat, went to find my friend, and swam in these crystal blue waters.

Benefits of the Waters

The water here is SUPER salty. I also noticed that different areas of the pools had varying degrees of warmth since there were heated by the earth’s natural temperature. The geothermal water cannot hold onto bacteria, so the waters do not need any chlorinator; therefore, it’s devoid of any chemicals which might dry out your skin. The lagoon had a few little nooks where you could sit and relax. There was even a waterfall which was so powerful that when you stood underneath it, you thought it much crushed you. But oddly enough, it felt great on sore muscles.

Silica Mud

We went and put silica mud on our faces to moisturize and exfoliate. As we swam around and loved squishing the silica between our toes. We giggled and laughed as kids again, playing in the mud and splashing around in the pool.

Steam Rooms

There were also steam rooms which were insanely hot but great for getting rid of impurities in the skin. The steam rooms looked like little hobbit holes in the hillsides. When you stepped inside, it was almost pitch black, with bursts of steam rising from the ground. Sitting inside on one of the benches, it felt like I was breathing in hot lava. It was a mysterious but enjoyable experience. I was too scared to stay there for an extended period, but we stayed long enough to decompress and let the hot air fill out lungs and purge our skin of city pollution.

TIP

While basking in these waters is super relaxing, it is important to take breaks. You will get very dehydrated, so be sure to grab a drink of water throughout your stay, so you don’t pass out. It is also essential to use the conditioner provided in the showers before you leave. Take this piece of advice seriously! The waters are extremely dehydrating for your hair, but their super moisturizing conditions are perfect for bringing back a soft texture. So don’t just shower and run. Some people even like to put some conditioner on their hair while they get dressed.

Iceland is an incredible city, unlike any other in the world. Mystical, magical and a must-see for anyone with a desire to seek out the strange and mysterious sides of this great place we call earth.

The post Everything you Need to Know about Visiting Blue Lagoon in Iceland [UPDATED 20223] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.