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 Gora ByakudanSet in Hakone, 10 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, Hakone Gora Byakudan offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a restaurant. This 5-star hotel offers free WiFi. Fuji-Q Highland is 48 km from the hotel and Shuzen-ji Temple is 48 km away. Hakone Gora Park is 1.5 km from the hotel.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. All units feature a private bathroom and have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge. Units come with a safety deposit box and some rooms also feature garden views. All units will provide guests with a desk and a coffee machine. 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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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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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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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. Private parking is available on site at this recently renovated property. The accommodation features a lift, a shared kitchen and luggage storage for guests. Some units in the ryokan have private entrance and are fitted with wardrobe and tatami. Every unit is equipped with a safety deposit box and free WiFi, while certain rooms come with a balcony. At the ryokan, all units have bed linen and towels. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Shuzen-ji Temple is 50 km from the ryokan, while Kowakudani Station is 1.1 km from the property.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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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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Gora KadanSet in Hakone’s natural beauty, Gora Kadan is located a 5-minute walk from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Line. Guests can leisurely soak in the hot spring bath, relax with a massage treatment. Free WiFi and free private parking is available. Gora Kadan is a member of Relais & Chateaux. The 24-hour front desk at Kadan Gora offers free luggage storage, concierge service and currency exchange. Shuttle service to the ryokan is also available upon request. Guests have free access to the indoor pool and fitness centre. Featuring mountain views, all rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle and a fridge. Rooms also come with a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Some rooms have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. Guests can savour traditional Japanese meals featuring fresh seasonal ingredients and beautiful garnishes at the on-site restaurant. Popular attractions in the area like the Hakone Open Air Museum and Hakone Gora Park can be reached within a 10-minute walk. Lake Ashi is a 25-minute drive away while the nearest airport is Haneda Airport, a 100-minute drive 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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