Observatory / Outlook Spots in Japan

  • East Rokko Observatory
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    4.0
    2 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hyougo Pref. Nishinomiyashi Koshimizu Shakegouyama Inside the driveway
    An observatory located close to the Hoden Gate and the Ashiya Gate on the Royu Driveway. A part of Setonaikai National Park, the observatory has been selected for inclusion in a list of Japan's 100 most beautiful night views due to the splendor of the city lights and starry sky visible from its location 645 meters above sea level. Used to film scenes for television dramas, visitors are also encouraged to enjoy a sunrise or sunset from the observatory. The observatory's most attractive feature is its expansive panoramic view which encompasses Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Awaji Island, Tomogashima Island, and the western Kansai region. A cafe operates at the observatory on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and offers takeout. Visitors can also pick up tourism pamphlets here.

    Mt. Rokkō offers great views of two regional cities- Kobe and Osaka. This particular overlook shows you views of Osaka from afar, and includes a map indicating where you are and at what elevation...

  • Uwakai Observatory Tower
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    4.5
    13 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ehime Minamiuwa-gun Ainancho Misho Heijo 5688
    An observatory located in Baseyama Park at the base of the Nishiumi Peninsula. The observation deck both revolves and goes up and down, rising and falling between 107 meters and 260 meters above sea level while slowly rotating. During the ride, visitors can get a sweeping view of Misho Bay and the ria coast of the Uwa Sea. In springtime, visitors can also enjoy the pink cherry blossoms in full bloom in the park right under the observatory. The observatory is two stories and its cabin is also worth checking out. This type of observatory is extremely rare and unusual - there are only two in all of Japan, the other being in Niigata Prefecture.

    ガラス張りの空間の中に乗り込み、回転しながら上昇します。 座って外を眺めるように作られていますが、立ったまま見ると、より迫力があります。 宇和海を360度見渡せるので、独り占めした気分になります。

  • Hamanasu Observation Deck
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    3.5
    12 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Akita Pref. Noshiroshi Omoriyama
    This lookout is at Noshiro Green Harbor in Omoriyama, Noshiro City. From a height of 27 meters it offers a view of the Sea of Japan; Kaze-no-Matsubara, the nation's largest pine forest; and the Shirakami-Sanchi, a World Natural Heritage Site. The adjacent Hamanasu Gallery features over 200 murals by local residents on the port's breakwater.

    夫婦で立寄りました。 無料です。ちょっと寂しいけど、能代の港と海が見えます。間近に風力発電の風車が見えます。螺旋階段で上がります。

  • Silo Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Abutaguntouyakochou Naruka 3-5
    This is an observation deck on the west bank of Lake Toya. It is a great place to overlook Lake Toya as well as Nakajima Island, Mt. Usu and Mt. Showa Shinzan. The second floor viewing restaurant is large with 216 seats and has many customers from group tours. The Hokkaido souvenir shop on the first floor with many souvenirs is also convenient.
  • Gamozaki Kanko Park
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    4.0
    9 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagoshima Amami-shi Kasaricho Yani 1551
    This scenic park on Amami Oshima's Cape Gamo features an observatory that offers park-goers a view of the East China Sea beyond Kasari Bay. It is also known for one of the best places in the prefecture to watch a sunset. According to legend passed down on the island, a watchtower was built here on the cape long ago by the Taira Clan to watch for pursuers after their disastrous defeat at the Battle of Dannoura. Cape Gamo is said to have been so-named because a Taira vassal named Gamo Saemon stood watch here.

    国道から狭い道を登っていきます。笠利崎灯台方面から来ると、入口が分かりづらいので注意が必要です。展望台に上がると東シナ海や太平洋、笠利湾が見渡せる眺望ポイントがあります。訪れた日は雲がかかっていたため、夕日は見られませんでしたが、写真で見ると綺麗な夕焼けを眺めることができそうです。途中に蒲生神社があるので、そこでお参りをするのも良いでしょう。

  • Lake Chuzenji Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Ashiomachi
    From this scenic observation deck in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, you can look out over Lake Chuzenji and Mt. Nantai. Known for its lovely scenery and beautiful autumn colors this is a popular spot to take a mid-drive stop for couples and families.
  • Shiroyama Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Shiroyamachou
    An observatory located in the heart of the city. The observatory is situated on 107-meter-high Mt. Shiroyama and looks out over the sites of numerous ancient battlefields connected to the Satsuma Rebellion. Over 600 varieties of temperate and subtropical trees and plants grow thick on the small mountain, including giant camphor, ferns, and sweet viburnum, making it a popular destination among locals to relax and refresh themselves. The observatory offers a sweeping view of Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, and the streets of Kagoshima City, and, on clear days, visitors can enjoy a vast panorama extending all the way to the Kirishima Mountains and Kaimondake Volcano in Ibusuki. The observatory is also famous for its beautiful nightscape. This fantastic scenery has also been designated a National Historic Site and Natural Monument.
  • Jukkokutogetembodai
    Travel / Tourism
    Shizuoka Pref. Tagatagunkannamichou Kuwahara
  • Mt. Sarakura Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushiyahatahigashiku Ogura Ogura 1481-1
    An observation deck 622 meters above sea level on Mt. Sarakura offering a sweeping view of the Kitakyushu region. The nightscape viewable from the deck has even been selected as one of the New Three Major Night Views of Japan; the sight of the sparkling Kitakyushu industrial area has even been called the “10 billion dollar night view.” Journey up the mountain by cable or slope car to enjoy the wondrous sight.
  • Tawarayama Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunminamiasomura Kain Mt. Wakari
    This is an observatory on the prefectural road Route 28. Take the short mountain road from the roadside car park, and one can see all from Mt. Kuju to Komezuka, the five peaks of Mt. Aso, and other Aso scenery. In addition, the southern outer crater rim promenade facing the summit of Mt. Tawarayama begins from here. It also features convenient shopping and toilet facilities.
  • Asamayama Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Mie Pref. Iseshi Asamachou Ancient times
    This view point is located at the summit of Mt. Asama, partway along the Ise-Shima Skyline, at an altitude of 500 meters. The famous panoramic view extends to the Pacific Ocean with a spectacular view of the sunrise, skyline and mountain ranges, and on a clear day, Mt. Fuji is also viewable. There is also an official postbox located at Ise-Shima's highest point, which serves as a gathering place for lovers. At the summit, there is also a footbath, where visitors can enjoy the incredible views while resting from the tiring climb.
  • Mt. Ishi Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Pref. Saseboshi Funakoshichou 2277
    Located about a 15-minute walk from Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden, this observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Kujukushima Island. The island scenery that appears at the beginning of “The Last Samurai” was shot here, which has made it a popular destination, particularly for photography enthusiasts.
  • Tottori Saji Astro Park
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    4.0
    7 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tottori Pref. Tottorishi Sajichoutakayama 1071-1
    This observatory has the leading 103 cm reflecting telescope in Japan and a planetarium. In the daytime, visitors can view planetarium projection and daytime stars, and sun observation society events are held. During the night visitors can enjoy observing the starry night sky from the telescope at the accommodation facility.

    星の観察会、月の観察会、学芸員さんの丁寧な説明もあり充実しています。設備もこんな田舎に凄い!と思うほどで入館料も300円位だったような。市内から40分ほどかかりますがお勧めです。

  • Zogahana Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Kanonjishi Ariakechou 12
    This observatory on Mt. Kotohiki looks out on a famous work of sand art known as the Sand Coin. From Kotohiki Park, go up the stairs that lead to Kotohiki Hachimangu Shrine. A path starting beside the main building will bring you to the observation deck. There's also direct vehicle access to the platform. It's said looking down on the Sand Coin will ensure a long, healthy, and financially prosperous life. While there don't miss Kannonji Matsubara, which has been selected as one of top 100 white sand beaches with green pine groves in Japan.
  • Lake Akan Observatory
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    4.5
    6 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kushiroshi Akanchouakankonsen Shurikomabetsu 4-4
    This observation area is located in the south of the hot spring resort along the shore of Lake Akan. Although a ski resort in winter, you can easily make it up here by car in the summer. Overlooking Lake Akan, and with views of Mt. Oakan and Mt. Meakan directly ahead, it’s a wonderfully picturesque spot where you can enjoy the magnificent Akan caldera.

    阿寒湖温泉近くでも目撃情報が掲示されています。 生息域に知らずに入ってもヒグマの方も警戒し、運悪く親子にばったり遭遇しなければいきなり襲ってくることはあまり無いようですが、一般の観光者には気配の察知や緊急対処が難しいので、ガイドの同行があった方が良いと考えられます。 野生動物の絵になる撮影はかなり難しいようです。

  • Cape Sata Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagoshima Pref. Kimotsukigunminamiosumichou Satamagome 416
    An observatory located on the 31st parallel north on Cape Sata, the southernmost tip of Kyushu, a 60-minute drive from Nejime Port. The facility was newly remodeled in January 2018, and portions of it are open to the general public. A provided walking route leading from the park entrance to the observatory takes around 30 minutes (alternative routes available as of September 25, 2018). A parking area, rest area, and observatory are situated at the park entrance, and on clear days visitors can see all the way to the islands of Tanegashima and Yakushima.
  • Minami Aso Panorama Line Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Aso-gun Minamiasomura Nakamatsu
  • Beppu Yukemuri Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Oita Pref. Beppushi Kannawahigashi 8 pairs
    An observatory located in Kannawahigashi, Beppu City. Visitors can get a sweeping view of Beppu and Mt. Tsurumi and Ogiyama towering in the distance. Beppu has the highest yield of hot spring in Japan and the sight of hot spring steam blooming from various parts of the city is something truly unique to this place. This observatory’s night view has also been selected for inclusion in a list of Japan’s “Night View Heritages.”
  • Saishogamine Scenic Lookout
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama Pref. Kinokawashi Takebusa
    Saishogamine Peak, 285 meters high, on Mount Yuri is well known for having been a battle field in the Nambokucho period (1336–1392). It is the site of a wonderful scenic lookout, offering one of the best nighttime views in Wakayama Prefecture. The view is especially panoramic, taking in the Kinokawa Plain and Togenkyo, and on clear days, it is even possible to see as a far as Awaji Island. Plenty of parking is available, so it is an easy spot to visit. There are fine stands of cherry and peach trees, making Saishogamine an excellent but little-known place for viewing blossoms.
  • Mt. Kagami Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Saga Pref. Karatsushi Kagami Mountain summit
    A viewing platform at the top of Mt. Kagami, a mountain once visited by numerous poets in the Nara period (710–794) and much praised in the poems of the Man'yoshu (The Ten Thousand Leaves), Japan’s oldest poetry anthology. 283 meters above sea level, this popular photo spot offers a spectacular view of Nijinomatsubara and Karatsu Bay. Approximately 15 minutes by train from JR Nijinomatsubara Station.

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