Enoura Observatory
Enoura Observatory
4.5
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Tatami53
Tokyo, Japan64 contributions
Nov 2022
This is a singularly unique experience, and, perhaps more importantly, a singularly unique Japanese experience.
Stunning architecture at the precise location where all of nature's splendor can be viewed and enjoyed.
It is not cheap (tickets are around $25USD), but it is well worth it. The views are breathtaking, the surrounding nature is truly lovely and all encompassing.
That said: if you are not accustomed to walking a lot, and I mean a lot, and up and down different types of terrain (where sometimes guide rails are provided, and sometimes not), then I suggest you do not come here. You really need to have a hardy constitution to walk about the entire complex (it doesn't really take that long, but it does take effort).
I am a Westerner with a Japanese husband. We are both over 65. We were a bit winded, but we could handle it. I met another Western couple, perhaps in their late 40s. When they were looking to walk into the bamboo grove, I cautioned them that there were a lot of steps. They immediately turned around and left. I also encountered another Western woman who was sitting things out (her knees were bad, she said) while her friend did the trek.
So, while you can see some great views without having to do tons of walking, if you want the overall experience, you need to be able to walk and walk without assistance. So, keep it in mind.
Otherwise, it was a stunning, almost spiritual experience. I will never forget it.
Stunning architecture at the precise location where all of nature's splendor can be viewed and enjoyed.
It is not cheap (tickets are around $25USD), but it is well worth it. The views are breathtaking, the surrounding nature is truly lovely and all encompassing.
That said: if you are not accustomed to walking a lot, and I mean a lot, and up and down different types of terrain (where sometimes guide rails are provided, and sometimes not), then I suggest you do not come here. You really need to have a hardy constitution to walk about the entire complex (it doesn't really take that long, but it does take effort).
I am a Westerner with a Japanese husband. We are both over 65. We were a bit winded, but we could handle it. I met another Western couple, perhaps in their late 40s. When they were looking to walk into the bamboo grove, I cautioned them that there were a lot of steps. They immediately turned around and left. I also encountered another Western woman who was sitting things out (her knees were bad, she said) while her friend did the trek.
So, while you can see some great views without having to do tons of walking, if you want the overall experience, you need to be able to walk and walk without assistance. So, keep it in mind.
Otherwise, it was a stunning, almost spiritual experience. I will never forget it.
Written November 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mish_H50
Japan381 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
From the moment you step in- its breathtaking. a perfect combination of art, architecture, zen spirit and incredible nature. Sugimoto is famous for his Sea series, and it feels like he created frames to view the sea as he sees it, as he want us to see it. We went on a rainy day, which added to the atmosphere- as its exactly the sea Sugimoto captures.
In short- if you have any interest in something different, in art and architecture and nature- this is not to be missed!
In short- if you have any interest in something different, in art and architecture and nature- this is not to be missed!
Written June 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
venividivice
Ko Samui, Thailand847 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Hiroshi Sugimoto's Enoura Observatory opened to the public in October 2017, and I read a short article about it in a Bangkok design magazine earlier this year. So, our planned trip to the area in May offered an ideal opportunity to go and see this ambitious work.
It's all about mankind's place on earth and in the universe, and a search for identity which became the moving force underlying art. Here in Enoura, Sugimoto has arranged old stones, wood, glass and trees to create a harmonious whole seated on a hilltop overlooking the waters of Sagami Bay. Some of the stones and buildings are arranged to capture the rays of the rising sun on the winter and summer solstices and the equinoxes, and -- perhaps like the builders of Stonehenge and other constructions that relate to the stars -- one of Sugimoto's motivations was to produce a future relic, envisaging some thousands of years from now when the ruins of his Observatory are discovered by our ancestors who look with interest upon the remnants and wonder what purpose this place served.
We absolutely adored what Sugimoto has built. There is a zen quality about the sparseness of much of it, but softened by trees, moss and the surrounding countryside which is always in some part of your view. Almost every artefact he has carefully positioned here has a story to tell, many coming from temples, streets or private houses dating back centuries. If you like the visual and tactile aspects of wood, stone (and metal), and are moved by expressions of man's interaction and co-existence with nature, then I am sure you will love the Observatory, and I cannot recommend it to you highly enough.
On the practical side, to maintain the tranquility and ensure the site is never crowded, entry is by pre-booking only, and there are three 2-hour time slots a day in summer (10am - noon, 1pm - 3pm, 4pm - 6pm), and two in winter. Cost is currently 3,240Yen (kids must be 12+) with no group discounts. All of this works to keep the mass market tourists and tour buses away, which I couldn't applaud more as the Observatory would lose all meaning if it were packed out. There are free shuttle buses from Nebukawa train station, or free parking for your car. You need to book the bus or car park space at the same time as your entrance ticket.
It's all about mankind's place on earth and in the universe, and a search for identity which became the moving force underlying art. Here in Enoura, Sugimoto has arranged old stones, wood, glass and trees to create a harmonious whole seated on a hilltop overlooking the waters of Sagami Bay. Some of the stones and buildings are arranged to capture the rays of the rising sun on the winter and summer solstices and the equinoxes, and -- perhaps like the builders of Stonehenge and other constructions that relate to the stars -- one of Sugimoto's motivations was to produce a future relic, envisaging some thousands of years from now when the ruins of his Observatory are discovered by our ancestors who look with interest upon the remnants and wonder what purpose this place served.
We absolutely adored what Sugimoto has built. There is a zen quality about the sparseness of much of it, but softened by trees, moss and the surrounding countryside which is always in some part of your view. Almost every artefact he has carefully positioned here has a story to tell, many coming from temples, streets or private houses dating back centuries. If you like the visual and tactile aspects of wood, stone (and metal), and are moved by expressions of man's interaction and co-existence with nature, then I am sure you will love the Observatory, and I cannot recommend it to you highly enough.
On the practical side, to maintain the tranquility and ensure the site is never crowded, entry is by pre-booking only, and there are three 2-hour time slots a day in summer (10am - noon, 1pm - 3pm, 4pm - 6pm), and two in winter. Cost is currently 3,240Yen (kids must be 12+) with no group discounts. All of this works to keep the mass market tourists and tour buses away, which I couldn't applaud more as the Observatory would lose all meaning if it were packed out. There are free shuttle buses from Nebukawa train station, or free parking for your car. You need to book the bus or car park space at the same time as your entrance ticket.
Written June 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Expat-Japan
3 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
As an art and nature lover, I was excited to visit Enoura Observatory, but it turned out to be an underwhelming and disappointing experience, especially given the steep ticket price of 30 dollars (U.S.) per person.
The place is extremely small and has all of four smallish structures on it. The first is a glass enclosed area where the reception desk is. It looks nice in pictures, but in reality the architecture just feels like a miniature version of an Apple store. If you've ever been inside an Apple store, then you've already seen it. The second structure is a tiny tea house which is about the size of a shed. Worst of all, the door is locked so you can't even go in and there's nothing to see there.
The third structure is a long tube, with one end opening out to the bay. It's rather gimmicky and feels claustrophobic, given how dark and narrow it is. The last structure is what can best be described as a long hallway with glass on one side overlooking the bay (it reminded me of Norway's Svalbard Global Seed Vault, so perhaps that's where the idea came from). It has a total of seven near-identical monocromatic photos by Sugimoto hanging on the wall.
Outside, the views of the the bay are nice on a clear day, but one can get the same views all along the coast from any number of points just driving around the area. Lastly, I should mention that the intrusive nature of security staff really puts a damper on the whole visit. The middle aged guy who greeted us when we first arrived later proceeded to patrol the whole area outside and stood at the highest point in the middle of the observatory observing everyone pretty much the entire time we were there. This killed any chance we had of taking nice pictures, since we did not want him to be the main subject.
The place is extremely small and has all of four smallish structures on it. The first is a glass enclosed area where the reception desk is. It looks nice in pictures, but in reality the architecture just feels like a miniature version of an Apple store. If you've ever been inside an Apple store, then you've already seen it. The second structure is a tiny tea house which is about the size of a shed. Worst of all, the door is locked so you can't even go in and there's nothing to see there.
The third structure is a long tube, with one end opening out to the bay. It's rather gimmicky and feels claustrophobic, given how dark and narrow it is. The last structure is what can best be described as a long hallway with glass on one side overlooking the bay (it reminded me of Norway's Svalbard Global Seed Vault, so perhaps that's where the idea came from). It has a total of seven near-identical monocromatic photos by Sugimoto hanging on the wall.
Outside, the views of the the bay are nice on a clear day, but one can get the same views all along the coast from any number of points just driving around the area. Lastly, I should mention that the intrusive nature of security staff really puts a damper on the whole visit. The middle aged guy who greeted us when we first arrived later proceeded to patrol the whole area outside and stood at the highest point in the middle of the observatory observing everyone pretty much the entire time we were there. This killed any chance we had of taking nice pictures, since we did not want him to be the main subject.
Written March 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMeyerinLA
Los Angeles, CA68 contributions
Oct 2017
It is an incredible architectural masterpiece. It overlooks the Sagami Bay. As a child Hiroshi Sugimoto grew up in Ordawara. The vistas of the water and sky are the obvious inspiration of his photographs. But this complex, built high up in the mountains overlooking the bay is so much more. It needs to be experienced. Sugimato has collected massive stones, small rocks, old temple gates, and reassembled them in this landscape, each purposely placed to give vistas over the grey ocean. Each visitor is given an excellent guide book. It is best to read it in the reception area before wondering around the Observatory. There is, by design, no designated route to view the installation and nothing is labeled or numbered. You just wonder around take in the vistas and observe. I can’t conceive of being here on a rainy day. I would think the stones would be much to slippery to walk upon. There are several performance areas for Noh Plays and other works.
Unlike any museum we have ever been to, this is about viewing both the art and the nature. To accomplish this, they strictly limit the number of visitors at any one time. This allows one to take in the vistas without always having someone else blocking your view or crowding you. Some of the outdoor areas are massive stone stages for performances, others are benches made from old rocks to view the ocean. The architectural details of the buildings are incredible. This is all due to the vision of this one artist: Hiroshi Sugimoto. You can easily visit The Enoura Observatory in a half day from Tokyo. The train ride on the Shinkansen takes less than half an hour and then it is only a 15 minute or so taxi ride to Enoura.
Unlike any museum we have ever been to, this is about viewing both the art and the nature. To accomplish this, they strictly limit the number of visitors at any one time. This allows one to take in the vistas without always having someone else blocking your view or crowding you. Some of the outdoor areas are massive stone stages for performances, others are benches made from old rocks to view the ocean. The architectural details of the buildings are incredible. This is all due to the vision of this one artist: Hiroshi Sugimoto. You can easily visit The Enoura Observatory in a half day from Tokyo. The train ride on the Shinkansen takes less than half an hour and then it is only a 15 minute or so taxi ride to Enoura.
Written November 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keizo
Kawasaki, Japan1,549 contributions
Dec 2021
Very unique corridors, gates, terrace etc built on Mandarin Orange field. Free shuttle bus takes you to this place from Nebukawa JR station for about 10 minutes. Reservation and purchase of ticket should be done on the internet. The impression changes depending on the weather so you need to check the weather in advane and
pick up a sunny day. It takes about 2 hours to see everything. Elderly people may be able to see only upper part as you need to go down and up to see the bamboo area.
pick up a sunny day. It takes about 2 hours to see everything. Elderly people may be able to see only upper part as you need to go down and up to see the bamboo area.
Written December 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rina F
Tel-Aviv718 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Fascinating museum. Worth coming from Tokyo just for that, if you love architecture and combination of iron, glass, stone - beautiful view. Loved it very much
Written March 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tetsubei
Ota, Japan228 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
杉本博司さんの集大成。真鶴の海に面した断崖絶壁の上にはガラスと石の能舞台があり、冬至の朝陽を拝む回廊、それと並行して海景のギャラリーが構える。木造の茶室からほど近いところには野点茶会のしつらいか用意されており、永遠に残る文化と時間と共に消えゆく文化が並列する。未来から見た江之浦はどう見えるのだろうか、そして何百年も前に使われた石の遺跡は今の江之浦をどう見ているのだろう。It is an elegance by Hiroshi Sugimoto. We can easily feel power of nature. Corridor welcomes us at winter solstice where many sea scapes on the wall of tunneled gallery exist. Sugimoto assumes images of this museum of 2000 years later by utilizing very old stones of more than 1000 years ago. You will enjoy so many contrasts there, which is less than 1 hour from Tokyo. MUST GO!
Written January 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TONKA2
Los Angeles, CA83 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
Truly a must visit structure. Words cannot give it justice. I can’t understand why anyone going there would not give it the highest ratings. If you love and appreciate art, landscaping, and architecture all at once this is the place to go. It just celebrated its first year. It was over 10 years in the planning and construction. The construction and design of each rock and stone is impeccable. Presented in a unique Contemporary Japanese minimalist style.
The location is perfect for viewing Sagami Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
An unknown masterpiece work of art. Go art lovers!!
The location is perfect for viewing Sagami Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
An unknown masterpiece work of art. Go art lovers!!
Written November 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aleccccccccc
23 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
i went speechless when i was there.
the view is just SUPER! it is a place for you to relax your mind, and admire the beauty and the dedication of how japanese people put their heart in all the design, little details.
everything is an art piece there, even the leaflet!
Remember to make a reservation before you go! And take a shuttle bus.
the view is just SUPER! it is a place for you to relax your mind, and admire the beauty and the dedication of how japanese people put their heart in all the design, little details.
everything is an art piece there, even the leaflet!
Remember to make a reservation before you go! And take a shuttle bus.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where does the shuttle drop off? At Reception building?
I have only an hour and a half so I am studying site plan
Written June 2, 2019
Does the observatory provide bag-check service?
Written October 31, 2018
On the Observatory website, in FAQ, they say:-
Q: Do you have lockers?
A: A limited number of free lockers are available in the complex. However, they cannot accommodate large pieces of luggage or bulky items as camera tripods.
Written October 31, 2018
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