Enoura Observatory (江之浦測候所, 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 recommended, 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 departure times on the official website in advance. Alternatively, it takes about 45 minutes to walk to the observatory.
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 recommended.
A third evening admission time is offered on selected days in summer.
Advance reservations are recommended.
A third evening admission time is offered on selected days in summer.
Closed
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and New Year holidays
Admission
3300 yen (3850 yen if purchased on site without reservation)
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Hakone
Top rated in Hakone
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YoshimatsuSurrounded by bamboo trees and hills, Yoshimatsu is a traditional Sukiya-style Ryokan (inn) with beautiful outdoor hot spring baths. Overlooking Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi, it provides a free shuttle from Hakone Machi Bus Station. Fitted with tatami-mat flooring, these classic Japanese-style rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and Yukatas (Japanese-style bathrobes). En suite bathrooms have a bathtub. Yoshimatsu is a 5-minute walk from Lake Ashinoko Cruise Station and a 9-minute walk from Lake Ashinoko. It is within a 15-minute walk from Onshi Hakone Park and an 8-minute drive from Narukawa Museum. Breakfast is served in the guest rooms or in the private dining room which the property will assign. Dinner is served to the guest rooms. Dinner, Kyoto-style Kaiseki cuisine, and breakfast, Japanese set menu, are prepared according to the season's freshest ingredients. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the landscaped gardens and koi ponds. The hotel also provides massage, karaoke rooms and free parking. Free Wi-Fi is available at the lounge.View on Booking.com -
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Hakone Yuyado ZenHakone Yuyado Zen in Hakone provides adults-only accommodation with an open-air bath, a garden and a terrace. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. The accommodation provides free shuttle service, full-day security and luggage storage for guests. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. The units are equipped with a kettle, while certain rooms here will provide you with a balcony and others also provide guests with mountain views. At the ryokan, the units include bed linen and towels. There is a coffee shop, bar and lounge. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Sightseeing tours are available in the area. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 16 km from the ryokan, while Fuji-Q Highland is 46 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Matsuzakaya HontenMatsuzakaya Honten offers a hot spring bath and free private parking, and is within 13 km of Hakone-Yumoto Station and 43 km of Shuzen-ji Temple. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can use the public bath and the open-air bath, or enjoy mountain views. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. All units will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. Guests at the ryokan can enjoy an Asian breakfast. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Kowakudani Station is 5.4 km from Matsuzakaya Honten.View on Booking.com -
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HakoneHOSTEL1914HakoneHOSTEL1914 is located in Hakone, 6 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Train and bus services are available. All rooms are air conditioned. Shared bathroom. A shared lounge and free WiFi are available. Laundry is available at an extra charge. The property is 2.4 km from Hakone Open-Air Museum, 6.1 km from Pola Museum, 7.9 km from ?wakudani and 10 km from Hakone Shrine. They can be reached by bus or train. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 74 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Hananoyado FukuyaFeaturing free WiFi and a hot spring bath, Hananoyado Fukuya offers accommodation in Hakone. Free private parking is available on site. All rooms have a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms feature a seating area where you can relax. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath and shower. In addition, the hot spring bath can be reserved for private use after dinner. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hair dryer. You will find a shared lounge at the property. Narukawa Museum is 100 metres from Hananoyado Fukuya, while Hakone Shrine is 800 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Haneda Airport, 78 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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SuiunSituated in Hakone, 8.7 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, Suiun provides accommodation with a sauna, a hot spring bath and a public bath. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a lift and luggage storage for guests. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bidet. The ryokan offers some units with garden views, and each unit includes a kettle. The units are equipped with heating facilities. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Fuji-Q Highland is 48 km from the ryokan, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 49 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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GyokuteiSituated atop a hill in Hakone, Gyokutei offers an authentic Japanese accommodation with an indoor hot spring bath. Hakoneyumoto Train Station is a leisurely 8-minute walk from the ryokan. All rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. Each are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and a private bathroom with a bath, shower and free toiletries. Extras include slippers, a hair dryer and yukata robes. Luggage storage space, a massage service and a garden are all on offer at Gyokutei Ryokan. For dinner, traditional kaiseki (multi-course) meals are served in guest rooms. Hakone Open-air Museum is 50-minute train ride away on the Hakone Tozan Line, while Hakone Gora Park is 55-minute train ride from the property. Lake Ashi is a 30-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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Kinnotake Tonosawa (Adult Only)The rooms at Kinnotake Tonosawa comes with a private hot spring bath. They also include a coffee machine. The hotel has free WiFi, and a terrace. Kinnotake Tonosawa rooms come with a seating area and mountain views. They are fitted with air conditioning, an LCD TV and a refrigerator, while bathrobes and a safe are provided. Kinnotake Tonosawa offers a 24-hour reception, a shared lounge. A souvenir shop and free parking are on-site. The restaurant serves Japanese cuisine. The ryokan is a 10-minute bus ride and walk away from Hakone-Yumoto Station and 20-minute bus ride and walk away from Kowakudani Station. Hakone Open-Air Museum can be reached within a 30-minute drive. Tokyo Haneda International Airport is a 90-minute drive away from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Fufu HakoneSituated in Hakone, within 10 km of Hakone-Yumoto Station and 48 km of Fuji-Q Highland, Fufu Hakone features accommodation with a restaurant and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is set 50 km from Shuzen-ji Temple, less than 1 km from Hakone Gora Park and a 12-minute walk from Gora Station. The property is located in the Gora Onsen district. The reception at the hotel can provide tips on the area.View on Booking.com
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