Hello, fellow travel lovers!
Today, I'm introducing the Enoura Observatory in Odawara—an artistic space where time and nature merge.
The architecture is precisely aligned with the direction of the sun during the summer and winter solstices, as well as the spring and autumn equinoxes—truly, a structure designed to measure time.
- What's waiting up ahead!? Climbing the approach path with excitement…
- Now it’s time to check in—this is where your journey through time truly begins!
- 📚 Time to start exploring—with a thick, information-packed guidebook in hand!
- Exploring Enoura Observatory Through Photos
- 🧭 Stones, trees, and even a few fossils—the Enoura adventure continues!
- Wrapping up with the serene view of Kasuga Shrine and the sea.
- 🕰 Duration and Final Thoughts
What's waiting up ahead!? Climbing the approach path with excitement…
As you slowly climb the sloping approach path,
Akasawa Hachisu Kannon| A mysteriously shaped Kannon statue—legend has it that bees played a role in forming its unique appearance…!
The sky gradually opens up, and the sparkling sea comes into view—my excitement peaked right then and there!
And at that very moment, what appears before you is…
☕ Stone Age Cafe！
Here, you can enjoy a soda made with homemade syrup using pesticide-free mandarins grown right on the property (you can also choose still water instead) 🍊✨
Packed with fresh, green slices of mandarin, it's the perfect refreshing break to enjoy with the stunning view.
According to the cafe staff, you won't be able to buy drinks after checking in—so this is the perfect time to enjoy one!
Now it’s time to check in—this is where your journey through time truly begins!
Refreshed by the soda, it’s finally time to head to the reception.
To the right of the reception.Meigetsu Gate A grand gate donated by the Nezu Museum—it carries a deep sense of history.
📚 Time to start exploring—with a thick, information-packed guidebook in hand!
There’s no set route at the Enoura Observatory.
But no worries—the thick bilingual guidebook you receive at the entrance covers everything in detail. 📖
It’s practically a photo book!
It details everything from the architectural intent and the meaning behind the stones to how light filters through the space—making it feel like walking through a museum and observatory, all at your own pace.
Waiting Pavilion｜ 荷物預けて、いざ出発！ここが唯一のトイレなので準備万端で。
Exploring Enoura Observatory Through Photos
Exterior of the 100-Meter Summer Solstice Light Worship Gallery
View from inside the gallery – watch out for the glass, it’s almost invisible!
Floating Stone Bridge — Feels like you could walk straight out to the sea!
Stop Stone — Looks like a cute little souvenir! Beyond this point is off-limits.
Stop Stone — Once again, doing a great job holding the line!
On the winter solstice, the morning sun shines through right here—I'd love to see that someday!
“Light that appears only once a year” — there’s something so romantic about that, isn’t there?
🧭 Stones, trees, and even a few fossils—the Enoura adventure continues!
Hikari Well
Stone Torii Gate
Inside the former mandarin farming tool shed, you'll find fossils on display.
A giant insect fossil that gives you a bit of the chills!
A refreshing bamboo grove area.
Mathematical Model 0010 — a total mystery to us mere mortals...
Mathematical Model 0004 — hmm... still scratching my head.
Wrapping up with the serene view of Kasuga Shrine and the sea.
From Citrus Hill to Kasuga Shrine.
The torii gate of Kasuga Shrine and the ocean view.
The 100-Meter Gallery viewed from below.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Platform... I wonder what kind of view awaits from up top?
The ocean view from the Cherry Blossom Viewing Platform.
They say the view from here during cherry blossom season is absolutely breathtaking!
A perfect finale that makes you think, “I definitely want to come back.”
🕰 Duration and Final Thoughts
*Note: Enoura Observatory requires advance reservations and operates on a morning and afternoon time-slot system.
Tickets are ¥3,300 plus a handling fee, and please note that the observatory is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
There’s also a free shuttle bus from JR Nebukawa Station (reservation required)♪
Sunlight, architecture, nature, and stillness—it was an experience that delighted all five senses.
If you’re looking to step out of the ordinary, I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Date of visit: October 2025
The journey continues... Wishing you all a wonderful trip! – TabiJun
