🗺️ Jiangnipura Weather Station

The 江之浦測候所 (Enoshima Weather Station) is a museum located in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Although it is named a weather station, it is not merely a meteorological observation facility; rather, it is a landscape that integrates the sea, mountains, forests, and sky, serving as a cultural and artistic hub for both domestic and international audiences. It is named "weather station" to reflect the idea of "ancient humans, who developed self-awareness, measuring their position in relation to the sky." The museum is designed as a whole by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. It consists of up to 54 buildings and artworks, including the 100-meter-long Summer Solstice Gallery, the Stone Stage, the Optical Glass Stage, the tea room "Ame Kiko" (雨聽天), the Moon Gate, and the Waiting Hall, all of which are arranged in accordance with the movement of the sun or the angle of the Earth's axis. After ten years of conceptualization and another ten years of construction, it is a man-made creation that cleverly blends into the surrounding nature, with breathtaking views hidden throughout its vast grounds. Nearby, there are expansive orange orchards, and visits require prior reservations, as the area is managed to avoid crowding. Once inside, visitors can explore without the issue of congestion, making it an ideal photography spot where one can capture unique artistic photos without the presence of others.

It is an artistic site where one can experience a wonderful sensation that transcends time and space in nature. During periods such as the winter solstice or summer solstice each year, the sunlight will penetrate the tunnel and gallery in a straight line. Visits are by reservation only. Each session, in the morning and afternoon, lasts for three hours. Admission is not permitted for middle school students and below.