video by Kensaku Kakimoto
Kankitsuzan lies on a hilly cape that looks out over the vast, open waters of Sagami Bay. For generations, this land has thrived on the cultivation of citrus, most notably mikan (Japanese mandarin). Yet in recent years, abandoned farmland has spread as successors have become scarce.
I named this land “Kankitsuzan,” established the Enoura Observatory, and resolved to preserve it through the continued cultivation of citrus on the adjacent farmland. I could not bear to see this scenic place, which Bruno Taut once described as the Oriental Riviera, fall into ruin.
To ensure the continuity of these farmlands, I established the agricultural corporation Art and Agriculture.
Hiroshi Sugimoto
About
The Symbiosis of Plants and People ─ Toward Sustainable Agriculture
At the citrus orchard of Kankitsuzan, cultivation shifted entirely away from pesticides with the start of construction on the Enoura Observatory. Since then, we have begun to notice tangible signs of renewal in the soil.
Because no pesticides are used, the fruit may at times be irregular in shape or show darkened skins. To make meaningful use of such imperfect citrus that cannot be shipped, we produce drinks and sweets served at the Stone age Cafe, while also developing a variety of processed products.
Throughout the year, we also offer agricultural programs where participants take part in seasonal activities such as fruit thinning, mowing, and harvesting amid the scenic natural surroundings. These experiences foster awareness of the importance of protecting both food and the environment, while we continue to pursue sustainable farming where plants and people coexist.
| Location | 385-8 Enoura, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture |
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| Representative Director | Yosai Isozaki |
| Established | October 11, 2011 |
| Main Business Activities | Production and sale of agricultural products/Manufacturing and sale of processed agricultural goods/Restoration of abandoned farmland |
| Contact Information | info@syoku-nin.com |
Experience
Shokunō – Hands-on Farming Experience
We invite you to experience the deep connection with nature at Kankitsuzan orchard.
Shokunō is a unique agricultural experience that awakens the senses.
Through the annual cycle of cultivation, you will witness how plants grow and change with the seasons. Beyond caring for citrus trees, you will discover the fragrance of the orchards, the warmth of the soil in your hands, the songs of birds and insects, the freshness of the breeze, and the calm view of the sea—all combining to create a deeply mindful encounter with nature.
| Main Activities | Harvesting, pruning, planting, thinning, mowing, land maintenance, etc. Activities vary by season. |
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| Schedule | First and third Tuesday or Wednesday of each month by reservation only Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Contact | info@syoku-nin.com, Instagram, LINE |
Cafe
Stone age Cafe
The Stone Age Cafe is furnished with table seating and counter seating shaped from stones in their natural form, selected with care, minimally touched, and stacked into place.
The kitchen is built in the style of a market stall, with a roof of rusted corrugated iron sheets, supports made of steel scaffolding pipes, and walls clad in reclaimed timber boards.
At the center of the seating area lies a stone-paved sundial, where one can quietly sense the passage of time. At the cafe, you can enjoy Banjijuice—freshly pressed juice made from the seasonal citrus grown at Kankitsuzan—along with herbal teas, our original blend coffee, and sweets made with seasonal ingredients.
| Opening Hours | Aligned with the opening days of the Enoura Observatory 10:00 – 16:30 (Last order 16:10) In August: 13:30 – 19:00 (Last order 18:40) Please note: The cafe is open exclusively to guests of the Enoura Observatory. →Enoura Observatory |
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