Enoura Terrace

You really can’t walk to this hotel, even though Enoura Observatory looks so close on the map. The road is extremely steep, so getting there by train or another way takes some effort. I came without my coat in winter, and the staff at Enoura Weather Observatory were concerned for me. I’d booked a solo night because I wanted to visit Enoura Observatory, and the staff were so friendly and helpful that I felt at ease starting my first trip alone. I called and they sent a free shuttle. Since nobody else had ordered dinner or breakfast that day, I had the dining room to myself overlooking Sagami Bay. The meals were delicious. I chose a smaller dinner course because I was alone, and it was just right since I wanted to have a drink. The shrimp gratin bread was homemade and seemed popular, and it was really good. Breakfast was amazing too. I worried at first that it was too much, but it was so tasty I ate my fill. Next time I’d like to come with someone.

The meals were a highlight. Dinner brought local seafood and vegetables, with creative starters like prosciutto wrapped around strawberries and avocado that went perfectly with wine. The sides included mozuku seaweed, tuna fillets, and fried cod, and the tuna, sea bream, and squid sashimi tasted very fresh. Their famous bread gratin was delicious, both the bread and the gratin, and made another tempting treat with wine. Later came fried tofu and simmered splendid alfonsino, two of my favorites. I ate everything down to the bones, and loved the sweet seasoning. Breakfast was Japanese style in the same dining room: dried horse mackerel, grated daikon with whitebait, steamed egg custard, small dishes including mentaiko, tamagoyaki, and kamaboko, plus rice and miso soup. Eating while watching the sea and sunrise was wonderful. We stayed at Enoura Terrace, a secluded inn on a hill in Manazuru/Enoura. The balance of the room and view, meals, and bath made for a very satisfying stay that eased the fatigue of everyday life. It’s reached by walking uphill from Nebukawa Station, through a village holding a cherry blossom festival and almost to the mountaintop. After descending through mandarin orange groves just before Enoura Observatory, you reach the inn. The open view over Sagami Bay, orange groves, and natural sounds quickly made everyday life feel far away. It’s mostly self-service, with only five rooms and private baths, and is run by a husband and wife. The level of interaction felt just right for us. Our Western-style room was on the first floor, down from reception on the second, and had a bedroom, bathroom, and toilet. Its outward-facing windows opened up to the air and views of the orange groves, making it easy to relax. There were two private bath options, a cypress wood bath and a jacuzzi bath, and we enjoyed both. With the windows opened wide, the design gave an open-air bath feeling. I left feeling very satisfied and would definitely return when everyday life wears me out.

The ocean view from the room is fantastic, and you can even spot cherry blossoms from the bath. The food was tasty too. Sitting on the terrace and listening to the waves is so relaxing.

The owner was incredibly kind when I stayed a little while ago, and the food was delicious. I also loved the lovely view from my room. I’d like to come back.