Observatory / Outlook Spots in Japan

  • Kijihiki Highland (Panorama Observatory)
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hokutoshi Murayama 174
    An observatory on Kijihiki Highland in Hokuto City. Located 560 meters above sea level, the observatory offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the Ono Plain, the streets of Hakodate, Mt. Hakodate, Lake Onuma, and Mt. Komagatake. On clear days, visitors can also see an elevated bridge used by the Hokkaido Shinkansen. An indoor observatory facility was built here in 2015. The facility has a rest space, vending machines, and toilets, and can be used as a rest point when going on a scenic drive. The facility is closed after 20:00 and thus cannot be used at night.
  • Ryugujo Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Shimoji Kurima
    This observation deck shaped like Ryugu Castle is located on a hill on Kurima Island. It has three floors, and you can see the beautiful sea right before you, Maehama Beach with its white sands on the other side, Kurima Bridge and Irabu Island. The sand and coral gradations are wonderful, and especially the color of the morning sea is something you must see.
  • Minato Park
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Kamisushi Higashifukashiba 10
    A park located in the center of the Port of Kashima, one of the largest artificially excavated ports in the world. At night from the top of the park's 52-meter tall observation tower, visitors can get a sweeping view of the glittering factories operating in the Kashima coastal industrial zone. On New Year's Day, the park is open from 6:00 a.m., and the sight of the first sunrise of the new year emerging from beyond the industrial zone is stirring.
  • Mt. Yamizo Lookout Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Kujigundaigomachi Kaminomiya
    This observatory built to resemble a castle is on the summit of Mt. Yamizo, the highest peak in Ibaraki Prefecture. It's on the border between Ibaraki and Fukushima Prefectures. At 16.5 meters high, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including the Okukuji, Nikko, Nasu, and Abukuma ranges.
  • Lake Sapporo 1st Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Minami-ku Jouzankei 8
    This observatory is located along the Jozankei Lakeline in Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo City. It offers a sweeping view of Lake Sapporo, a man-made lake formed along the Otarunai River by Jozankei Dam. Of the several observatories located around the lake, it is the only one that offers a view of the dam body of Jozankei Dam. Many people visit in the fall in order to see the beautiful scenery of the lake and the autumn foliage.
  • Izu Skyline - Takichiyama Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Shizuoka Pref. Atamishi Atami Mt. Takiji
    An observation deck in Atami City located three kilometers from the Atami Pass on the Izu Skyline, which runs from Atami Pass in Kannami-cho, Tagata County, to the Amagi Plateau in Izu City. The observation deck is split into two sections, from one you can look down over Atami and from the other you can see all of Numazu. From the parking lot you can enjoy the night scenery from the comfort of your car.
  • Misato Astronomical Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Wakayama prefecture Seagusa County Mino Mino Matsuke Mine 180
    "You don't need reservations for this astronomical observatory in Kimino Town with its 105-centimeter telescope, the largest in Wakayama Prefecture. Away from the lights of the city, on moonless nights you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Their “Starry Sky Tour"" where the resident staff will point out the constellations is popular, too. The observatory is located on the summit of Matsugamine at about 400 meters above sea level. Beautiful sunset which changes its color with lapse of time and can be viewed from the observation deck has been chosen as one of the 100 best places for the sunrise and sunset in Wakayama Prefecture."
  • Ura-Mashu Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Kiyosato-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido
    The mysterious Lake Mashu is famous for the clarity of its water. There are several observation decks around Lake Mashu; the Ura-Mashu Observation Deck is situated on the opposite side from First and Third Observation Decks. Because the Ura-Mashu Observation Deck is situated at a relatively low elevation, the view of the Lake is obscured by fog less frequently than it is from the other Observation Decks, increasing the likelihood that visitors can get a good look at the beautiful lake surface. This is a relatively little-known spot that offers marvelous scenery.
  • JR Tower Observation Deck T38
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Kitagojounishi 2-5 JR Tower 38F
    The observatory boasts a height of 160 meters above the ground. The special elevator from the sixth floor takes you up directly to the top 38th floor and from there you have a large panoramic view of 360 degrees of the cityscape of Sapporo. Art work is scattered around the observation deck and there is also a café and souvenir shop. Please stop by the men’s toilet “viewing restroom” for a feeling of spaciousness.
  • Taushubetsu Lookout
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Katougunkamishihorochou Nukabiragensenkyou
    An observatory built on the shore of Lake Nukabira. The observatory offers a sweeping view of the Taushubetsu River Bridge and the natural beauty of the lake. The Taushubetsu River Bridge is a concrete arch bridge which was built for the former Japan National Railways Shihoro Line. The line was closed with the building of the nearby dam, which formed Lake Nukabira, enveloping the bridge. Accordingly, today, the bridge is only visible in winter when water levels are low, leading it to be called a phantom bridge. There are parking spaces along the nearby National Route and a walking path leads to the observatory, making it easy to stop by and enjoy the view while on a drive.
  • Makiyama Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Irabu Ikemazoe
    The symbol of Irabu Island, this observatory modeled after the sashiba (grey-faced buzzard) is located at the highest point on the island and is where you can see Miyako Island, Kurima Island and Ikema Island. The beautiful view of the sea and the blue sky is wonderful, and it is an indispensable place for sightseeing on Irabu Island. In addition, there is a promenade at the foot of the observatory, and you can enjoy walking in the middle of the subtropical virgin forest.
  • Nasu Highland Observatory (Lover's Sanctuary)
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nasugunnasumachi Yumoto
    This observatory is located at an altitude of 1,048 meters along Prefecture Route 17 in Yumoto, Nasu Town. During clear weather, you can enjoy an expansive view of the Nasu Mountains, Mt. Yamizo, and the Kanto Basin. It is also known for its spectacular night view. It is the 100th of the “Lover’s Sanctuary” sites.
  • Shiroganedaira Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Saitama Pref. Hidakashi Kitahirasawa
    Located near Asama(Sengen)-jinja Shrine, Shiroganedaira Observation Deck stands at 195 meters above sea level, and in fair weather, visitors can see not only the city of Sakado but also areas as far away as the Shinjuku subcenter and Tokyo Skytree. Since the road to the observation deck can be difficult to navigate, it is best not to attempt the trip at night.
  • Kirigaki Observatory (Tomoyama Park)
    Travel / Tourism
    Mie Pref. Shimashi Daiouchounakiri 2199
    This observation deck is located an approximately 55-minute drive from Ise Nishi Interchange via Ise Road, in Tomoyama Park on the east side of Ago Bay. The view of Ago Bay dyed by the sunset is beautiful, making this enchanting place one of the best spots to visit in Ise Shima. Many professional and amateur photographers visit from both within the prefecture and from far afield. The views of the sky at dusk and the sunset are well-recommended, as is the later opportunity to view the stars. Once the sun goes down, visitors who stay a little longer will see the starry sky appear above them. The observation deck is accessible by car, so people who can't walk far can also enjoy it.
  • Usa no Machu Picchu
    Travel / Tourism
    Oita Usa-shi Innaimachi Nishi-shiiya Hoka
  • Awagatake Cha-gusa-ba Terrace (World Agricultural Heritage)
    Travel / Tourism
    Shizuoka Kakegawa-shi Higashiyama 1051-1
  • Hangetsuyama Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi
    This observation deck in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture is famous for its seasonal scenery and its sweeping views of Lake Chuzenji. The deck also features a walking trail starting from the parking lot where visitors can enjoy hiking. Many people stop by while taking a drive on the Lake Chuzenji Skyline.
  • Hosooka Observation Tower
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kushirogunkushirochou Hosooka
    Hosooka Observation Tower is located east of the Kushiro wetlands. You can see the magnificent Kushiro wetlands, the winding Kushiro River, Mt. O-Akan and Mt. Me-Akan from this tower. This tower is the most popular out of a number of towers. It is also known for its sunsets, and the beauty of the vast wetlands colored with red and orange hues is worth a visit.
  • Jumonjibaru Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Oita Pref. Beppushi Noda Okubo 1919-11
    An observatory located in Ikenotsuru, Noda, Beppu City. Visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of Beppu Bay, Beppu City, Mt. Takasaki, and Oita City. The observatory is a particularly popular night view destination and has been selected for inclusion in a list of Japan’s “Night View Heritages.”
  • Asahi Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Otarushi Tomioka 2
    Asahi Observatory is located on a 190-meter-high hill behind Otaru Station. It provides superb views of Otaru’s streets and port, and on a clear day the peaks of Mt. Shokanbetsu, and Ishikari Bay, can be seen in the distance. There is a network of 18 hiking trails nearby, along with stone monuments commemorating the literary works of Kobayashi Takiji, making this a great place for a stroll.

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