Enoura and Hakone
Two art spaces in Enoura and Hakone where architecture, nature and art meet
- Duration: 9 hours (starting at 9:00)
- Price: On request
- Departure: Departure and arrival at Tokyo hotels
Overview
On the slopes of Odawara-Enoura overlooking Sagami Bay and in the forests of Hakone-Sengokuhara, there are art spaces where not only the artworks themselves inspire awe, but also the architecture and surrounding landscapes.
During this tour, you will visit the Enoura Observatory, created by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, as well as the Pola Museum of Art, nestled in the forest—all in one day. The journey leads from a place of sea, stone, and light to a realm of glass and trees. Enjoy these two art spaces that transcend traditional exhibition halls, in the secluded atmosphere of your own private time.
Tour start: 9:00 AM / Duration: 9 hours. The tour is conducted in a private car and accompanied by a personal guide.
Itinerary: hotel in Tokyo → Enoura Observatory → Hakone-Sengokuhara (lunch) → Pola Museum of Art (forest walk) → hotel in Tokyo
Key Features
- Enoura Observatory — A cultural site conceived by Hiroshi Sugimoto opened in 2017. On a slope overlooking Sagami Bay, you will find galleries, a stage, a teahouse, gardens, and gates, with buildings and stone structures reflecting various historical styles.
- Pola Museum of Art — Opened in Hakone in 2002. Most of the building is embedded into the hillside, preserving the surrounding forest landscape. Natural light gently fills the glass-walled interior. The collection ranges from Impressionism to contemporary art.
- Forest Walk — A walking trail of Pola museum is approximately 670 meters, created in 2013, surrounds the museum grounds. Strolling through the forest of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you can view sculptures displayed in the open air.
Itinerary
Day 1 — A Day in Enoura & Hakone
A day dedicated to architecture, art, and landscapes
- 09:00 Departure from the hotel in Tokyo
Travel to Odawara and Enoura in a private car with a driver. During the trip, your personal guide will introduce you to the concept of the Enoura Observatory. - 10:45 Enoura Observatory
As you walk through the complex from the Wings of the Gallery to the stage, garden, and gates, your guide will explain the relationship between the placement of the buildings, the sun, and the horizon. Notice also how the view of the sea changes from each point and how the stone structures from different eras are arranged. - 13:00 Transfer to Hakone Sengokuhara and lunch
Head to Hakone Sengokuhara by car and enjoy lunch at a Japanese restaurant featuring seasonal cuisine. We will recommend restaurants based on your preferences and the day's itinerary. - 14:30 Pola Museum of Art
Enjoy both the permanent collection and special exhibitions tailored to your interests. The guide will also discuss architectural concepts such as the play of light and the connection between galleries. After viewing the exhibitions, take a walk along the forested avenue. While exploring sculptures among the trees, you will also have the opportunity to see the museum from the outside. - 16:00 Departure from Hakone
We will transfer you to your hotel in Tokyo. If you have booked an extended stay plan, we will arrange transportation to your reserved ryokan with hot springs. - 18:00 Tokyo hotel
Arrival at the hotel / End of the tour
BEYOND THE WALLS
Beyond the walls — art in harmony with its surroundings
Exhibition halls in art museums are often created by isolating them from the outside world. Windows are covered, light is controlled, and all attention is focused solely on the works of art.
At Enoura Observatory, you can witness how Hiroshi Sugimoto’s concept is brought to life. Sugimoto believed that the first art humanity encountered was observing the sky and studying the changing seasons. Therefore, the buildings are oriented according to the direction of the sun on solstice days. Here, you do not simply view the works—you walk, noting the position of the sun and the height of the horizon.
The Pola Museum of Art in Hakone welcomes the outside world in a different way. Most of the building is sunk underground to preserve the forest landscape. After contemplating Monet’s water surfaces in light streaming through glass, stepping onto the walking trail reveals a real grove stretching into the distance.
The light of the sea and the light of the forest. Connecting these two places in a single day, the frames surrounding paintings and sculptures gradually expand outward.
Additional options
- Extended stay at a ryokan with hot springs in Hakone (room with private open-air bath, seasonal kaiseki cuisine)
- Museum tour on the day after the extended stay (Okada Museum of Art, Hakone Lalique Museum, etc.)
Practical Information
- Start time / Duration
- 9:00 / 9 hours
- Included in the price
- ・Car with a personal driver
・Guided accompaniment
・Admission to the Enoura Observatory and Pola Museum of Art (including advance reservation at the Enoura Observatory)
*Please note: meals and additional options are not included in the tour price.
*Advance reservation is required to visit Enoura Observatory. The facility is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and during the New Year holidays, so tours are not available on these days. Children below elementary school age are not permitted.
*POLA Museum of Art may be temporarily closed for exhibition changes. Access to the forest walking trail may be restricted depending on weather conditions.
*Travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions.