The Odawara Cultural Foundation Enoura Weather Station invites visitors to the origins of art.
After 20 years since the concept, the cultural facility, which opened in October 2017 in an area that was once a tangerine field in Enoura, Odawara City, was designed by world-renowned contemporary art artist Sugimoto Hiroshi. Behind you are the majestic mountains of Hakone, and in front of you you will find a spectacular view of Sagami Bay, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature in every season with your five senses.
The facility is dotted with gallery buildings, outdoor stages, tea rooms, and other facilities, captivating visitors as a special space that combines landscapes and art.
Mizuiro Ind will take you to see the highlights of the spectacular landscape, surrounded by clear, blue air.
One of the most representative architectures at Enoura Weather Station, the 100-meter Summer Solstice Gallery is designed to allow the sunlight rising from the sea to sweep straight into the mornings of the summer solstice.
The wall is covered with Oya stone, and 37 glass plates stand on the other side without using pillars. The gallery displays Sugimoto Hiroshi's works.
The "Ishibashira" was designed based on the dimensions of the Noh stage, and many of the rocks excavated during ground maintenance are used, with the four corners of the Edo Castle excavated from the remains of Hayakawa Ishichoba, and the stone bridge is marked by Takine stones from Kawauchi Village, Fukushima Prefecture.
This stone bridge is set up along the axis of the sunrise rising from Sagami Bay on the vernal and autumnal equinox, and was built with the concept that "Ennoh begins when the dawn dawn blew into the darkness before dawn, and then the sun will be exposed to the back of Jite when he returns to the underworld."
Furthermore, the apex of the triangular stage "Minamizuka", arranged towards the sea, points in the direction of the sun at noon during the vernal and autumnal equinox.
The tea room "Amahonten" is based on "Chainan" established by Sen Rikyu.
It is only 2 tatami mats in size. The walls are simple earthen walls, and the roof is reused with tin that was used in the mandarin hut, giving it a simple yet profound atmosphere.
As the name suggests, the sound of rain falling from the sky echoes, and this space is filled with a unique tranquility, and is distinct from other architecture.
At the entrance is a heavy stone torii gate, which resembles the stone torii gate, an important cultural property located in Yamagata Prefecture, and the stones covered with the sarcophagus of an ancient tomb are placed on the step-in stones.
The weight of history, which is put into detail, gives this space even more depth.
The "Optical Glass Stage" extends along the axis of the winter solstice.
The optical glass, laid out in the cypress hanging, shines brightly on the morning of the winter solstice. The setting is also grandeur reminiscent of Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Santokuyama Monju-do Hall.
The audience seats are reproduced based on an ancient Roman amphitheater, and the glass stage appears to be floating on the surface of the water. This fantastic view in harmony with Sagami Bay invites viewers into an extraordinary atmosphere.
Beside this is the approximately 70-meter Winter Solstice Light Far Awakening Tunnel, designed to coincide with the sunrise on the winter solstice.
The winter solstice is the end of the year and the beginning of regeneration. It has been considered a symbol of death and rebirth since ancient times, and this was when humanity began to become aware of the passage of the sun.
The facility was conceived to bring back this "old memories."
On the morning of the winter solstice, light rising from Sagami Bay runs through the tunnel and illuminates the giant stones.
Additionally, this magnificent cultural facility is studded everywhere with artistic assets that give a sense of Japanese history.
The vast site still has space under development, and will continue to evolve further in the future.
After taking your time around the site, why not enjoy a relaxing time while enjoying the bounty of nature on the open terrace where you can enjoy drinks made with fruit harvested at Mt. Amantachibana.
Odawara Cultural Foundation Enoura Weather Station:
362-1 Enoura, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0025
https://www.odawara-af.com/
*Advance reservations must be made via the official website
STAFF
photo: Sodai Yokoyama
hair & make-up: Yoko Hirakawa (mod's hair)
model: UNI
edit & text: Masamichi Hayashi (SARUTA9), Misaki Imamura