Situated in Kanagawa prefecture, just an hour out of Tokyo, is Odawara. To reach Odawara from Tokyo, take a train from Shinjuku station for either 80 minutes or 100 minutes depending on the service you choose . The city has the nickname ’Castle Town’ and it is clear to see why! Odawara is home to a famous Japanese castle with a rich history and traditional architecture. Not far from the centre of Odawara is Enoura Observatory. Enoura is a stunning and unique land art museum sure to impress any visitor. Whether you love art, architecture, nature or amazing views, Enoura is well worth a visit during your visit to Odawara!

Enoura Observatory was created by the renowned Japanese Architect and Artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, and it was opened 2017. Visitors can enjoy walking freely around the site where they can see and walk through sculptures, impressive architecture, a bamboo forest, fossils and stunning views. The observatory was created by Sugimoto as a way to reconnect people with nature, time and the changing seasons. For those who love Japanese and modern design, Enoura Observatory is a fantastic place to visit.

The main showcase of Enoura is the ‘stone stage’, designed to replicate the amphitheatres of Ancient Rome and Greece. Here visitors can sit and enjoy the breathtaking views of Sagami Bay, the sea and Kanagawa. There are gallery spaces at Enoura where you can see more of Sugimoto’s artwork, photography and sculpture. There is also many nods to the past, with ancient stones and traditional wooden beams being incorporated into the complex. It is recommend that you reserve tickets in advance of your visit as they can sell out quickly. To access Enoura, a car or taxi is best. However, Enoura provides a free shuttle bus service which will collect and drop off guests from Nebukawa Station. When booking your tickets online, make sure to also reserve spots for the shuttle bus. Nebukawa is the closest station to Enoura Observatory, and it can be easily reached in 8 minutes by taking a direct train from Odawara Station using the JR Tokaido Main Line.

Want to experience the Odawara City for yourself?

1 Day Tour

Explore Odawara – Castle, Samurai, Seaside and Traditional Crafts
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:00 – 18:30
Meeting Place	Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins
Adult Rate	¥21,900
Child Rate	¥13,300