Enoura Observatory (]”V‰Y‘ªŒóŠ, Enoura Sokkōjo) is a unique outdoor museum, featuring contemporary art installations, fascinating architecture and nice observation decks in the coastal hills south of central Odawara City, not far from Hakone. The artwork is designed to blend into the surrounding terrain, and multiple structures are aligned with respect to the sun.
The spacious observatory overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is separated into two sections. The main Meigetsu Gate Area is the site of the art gallery and the observation platforms. The 100 meter long gallery and its viewing platform are aligned to the sunrise on the summer solstice, while a steel tunnel and a glass stage are built to face the sunrise on the winter solstice. In addition, stones and stone sculptures from all across Japan can be found here.
The Bamboo Grove Area makes up a secondary part of the premises and is located about a 5-10 minute walk away. Like its name suggests, the area is forested. Besides a bamboo grove there are citrus trees and evergreen trees that surround the sights. Walking paths lead through the area and include some slopes and steps. Among the area's highlights are an installation called "Mathematical Model 0010" and a shed that contains fossils and excavated tools.
Exploring the Enoura Observatory at a leisurely pace takes about 1-2 hours. Advance reservations are required, and there are two admission times to choose from. Upon arrival, visitors are asked to go to the reception building first to register and receive an informative guidebook before starting their individual exploration of the premises.
Getting there and around
Enoura Observatory is best accessed from Nebukawa Station (8 minutes, 200 yen one way from Odawara Station) on the JR Tokaido Main Line. A free shuttle bus operates between the station and the observatory, and it is best to confirm the bus departure times on the official website before going. Alternatively, it takes about 45 minutes to walk to the observatory from the station.
How to get to and around Hakone
Hours and Fees
Hours
Two admission times a day: 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:30 to 16:30
Advance reservations are required.
Advance reservations are required.
Closed
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and New Year holidays
Admission
3300 yen
English
Excellent
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Hakone
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Kijitei HoeisoA peaceful ryokan with private outdoor onsen baths. Surrounded by beautiful nature. 10min from Hakone Yumoto Sta by bus. Wi-Fi available. English speaking staff.View siteSponsored
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TsukinoyaFeaturing free WiFi, Tsukinoya offers accommodation in Hakone, a 7-minute walk from Hakone Open-Air Museum. Built in 1911, the property is within 3.6 km of Hakone Gora Park, Owakudani Valley and Pola Museum. The ryokan has a hot spring bath and luggage storage space. All guest rooms in the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV. Rooms come with a shared bathroom. The units will provide guests with a fridge. The 3 on-site natural hot spring baths can be reserved for private use. Venetian Glass Museum is 4.4 km from Tsukinoya. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 74 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Onsen Guest House TsutayaFeaturing 2-star accommodation, Onsen Guest House Tsutaya is situated in Hakone, 6.5 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station and 48 km from Fuji-Q Highland. With free WiFi, this 2-star ryokan offers a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk. Private parking is available on site. The ryokan offers 2-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Shuzen-ji Temple is 48 km from Onsen Guest House Tsutaya, while Kowakudani Station is 1.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 86 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Fujiya HotelOpened in 1878, Fujiya Hotel features Meiji Era architecture set in Hakonefs natural beauty. Just 500 metres from Miyanoshita Station, it offers indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a restaurant in a converted Imperial Villa called Kikka-so Inn. Rooms feature bathtubs with natural hot-spring water. Rooms are divided between 5 different buildings constructed between 1891 and 1960, providing a variety of styles and decors. All rooms are non-smoking, and come with air conditioning and a private bathroom. The Gora area and Hakone-Yumoto Train Station are a 15-minute drive. Hakone-Jinja Shrine and Owakudani Valley are about 10 km away. The hotel offers a free shuttle from nearby Miyanoshita Train Station (call upon arrival at station to use). Public hot-spring baths are on site, and guests can enjoy the hotelfs garden and greenhouse. The hotel has its own shops and museum. Massage services are also offered. The hotel's indoor pool uses natural hot-spring water. Main Dining Room "The Fujiya" serves French cuisine in an elegant space. Restaurant Cascade offers Western dishes, while Kikka-so serves traditional Japanese kaiseki dinners. A bar, lounge and bakery are available.View on Booking.com -
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HakoneHOSTEL1914Situated in Hakone, a 29-minute walk from Hakone Open-Air Museum, HakoneHOSTEL1914 has a shared lounge. The property is around a 36-minute walk from Hakone Gora Park, 7.9 km from Owakudani Valley and 6.1 km from Pola Museum. Venetian Glass Museum is 5.4 km from the property. With a shared bathroom, rooms at the hostel also offer free WiFi. Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands is 7.1 km from HakoneHOSTEL1914, while Hakone Lalique Museum is 6.6 km away. Tokyo Haneda International Airport is 73 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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FukuzumiroFukuzumiro features an authentic Japanese atmosphere, natural hot spring baths and traditional Japanese-style rooms with garden or river views. It's a 15-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station. Rooms at Fukuzumiro feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. Each guest room is equipped with a Handy Phone so guests can stay connected to WiFi during their entire stay and make international calls to select countries for free. A TV and a refrigerator are also included in rooms. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Guests can relax in public hot spring baths, or enjoy one for private use (subject to availability). Spa hotel Fukuzumiro provides luggage storage, and it offers drink vending machines. Fukuzumiro offers traditional Japanese multi-course dinners with seasonal local dishes. Beverages can be enjoyed at Bar Kikyo. Japanese inn Fukuzumiro is a 30-minute walk from Amida-ji Temple.View on Booking.com -
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Masutomi RyokanJust a 5-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Train Station, Masutomi Ryokan features open-air hot spring baths, spacious guest rooms and free Wi-Fi. Guests can reserve the rooftop bath at an additional fee. On-site parking is available for free. The ryokan provides Japanese-style rooms with traditional futon bedding and rooms with Western beds and a tatami (woven-straw) seating area. A TV and a telephone are equipped in all rooms, and bathroom is shared with other guests. Drink vending machines can be used. The property is a 25-minute drive from O-wakudani and Lake Ashifs Sightseeing Cruise Pier. Traditional Japanese meals are prepared with organic vegetables and fresh seafood, and served in the on-site Fukuryu-an restaurant.View on Booking.com -
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HAKONE RETREAT VILLA by Onko ChishinSet in Hakone, 12 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, HAKONE RETREAT VILLA by Onko Chishin offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and free WiFi. Every room is equipped with a balcony with views of the mountain. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a fridge, a minibar, a coffee machine, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms are equipped with a kettle and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer, while certain rooms also offer a kitchenette. At the ryokan every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at HAKONE RETREAT VILLA by Onko Chishin can enjoy an Italian or an Asian breakfast. The accommodation offers 4-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. The area is popular for hiking and cycling, and bike hire is available at this 4-star ryokan. Fuji-Q Highland is 43 km from HAKONE RETREAT VILLA by Onko Chishin, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 89 km from the ryokan.View on Booking.com -
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Hakone KyuanRenovated in October 2017, Hakone Kyuan offers chic Japanese-style accommodation in Hakone. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. There is also a refrigerator. Private bathrooms has a hot spring bath and a hairdryer. Some rooms have a mountain view. Extras include a DVD player. At Hakone Kyuan you will find free shuttle service and a 24-hour front desk. Other facilities offered include meeting facilities and a shared lounge. The property offers free parking. The ryokan is 300 m from Hakone Kowakien Yunessun , 600 m from Hakone Museum of Art and 700 m from Hakone Open-air Museum. Haneda Airport is 75 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Hakone Guest House gaku.Situated in Hakone, a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, Hakone Guest House gaku. features free WiFi access throughout the entire property. The guest house has a barbecue and sun terrace with mountain views, and guests can enjoy the music and drinks provided at the ground floor lounge. Billiards are also available. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. All rooms feature air conditioning and heating. Guests will find a closet in the room. A shared kitchen includes 2 refrigerators, and a washing machine is available at the property. The 2 bathrooms on each floor are shared among guests. Hakone Open-Air Museum is 900 metres from Hakone Guest House gaku., while Pola Museum is 2.4 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 74 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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MEIBI Hakone YumotoMEIBI Hakone Yumoto has river views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Hakone, 800 metres from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A fridge, a microwave and stovetop are also available, as well as a kettle. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 46 km from the holiday home, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 50 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 80 km from MEIBI Hakone Yumoto.View on Booking.com
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