The Enoura Observatory (江之浦測候所), designed by renowned artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto (杉本博司), stands as a visionary space blending modern art, ancient traditions, and natural beauty. Located in Odawara City (小田原市), approximately 70 miles west of Tokyo, the observatory overlooks Sagami Bay (相模湾) from a serene hilltop. Sugimoto's creation reflects his belief that reconnecting with the ancient practice of observing the heavens can guide humanity toward a deeper understanding of the future.
Completed after a decade of planning and construction, the observatory combines pre-modern architectural styles with contemporary art and design. The complex features a 15th-century Zen entrance gate, Meigetsu-mon (明月門), which exudes spiritual significance with its preserved materials, and a meticulously raked rock garden. Each stone and pebble is placed with intentional precision, echoing traditions from the Heian period (平安時代). Artifacts such as the cornerstone of a seven-story pagoda struck by lightning and moss-covered boulders sourced from private collections add to the site’s profound atmosphere.
The centerpiece of the observatory is the Winter Solstice Light Worship Tunnel (冬至光道トンネル), a 70-meter architectural marvel aligned with the earth’s axis. At sunrise during the winter solstice, natural light fills the tunnel, awakening primal human memories. Similarly, the Summer Solstice Light Worship Tunnel (夏至光道トンネル), stretching 100 meters, channels sunlight into the Hall of Reflection (反射光の間) through floor-to-ceiling windows. These tunnels also serve as platforms overlooking the Mikan grove and Sagami Bay, creating moments of transcendence.
The Roman theater-inspired stage offers a panoramic view of the bay, with every element carefully aligned to the earth's movement. Hidden paths lead to a Shinto shrine enshrining a tutelary deity from Nara’s Kasuga Grand Shrine (春日大社), fostering a connection to Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Enoura Observatory is not only a feat of architecture but also a dissemination of Japanese history and philosophy. Visitors are invited to sit on fossil wood benches, wander past stone Buddha statues, and breathe the ocean air while contemplating the interplay of nature, light, and human existence.
Sugimoto’s integrative vision brings together time, art, and spirituality, offering a portal to Japan's ancient past while inspiring modern reflection. The observatory is a serene haven for those seeking deeper cultural insights and a renewed sense of connection to the natural world.
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