Observatory / Outlook Spots in Hokkaido Area

Area

Hokkaido
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

Other Sightseeing

Sapporo Okurayama Viewing Point

4.5

1334 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Miyanomori 1274

Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium was the stage for ski jumping at the Winter Olympic Games held in Sapporo in 1972. A two-seater lift goes up to the top from where you can see up close the huge, steep jump. From the observation lounge (start house) at an altitude of 307 meters, you can overlook the city of Sapporo and the Ishikari Basin and get a feel for the wonderful expanse of natural beauty of Hokkaido.

The Mt Okura Observatory is some way out of Sapporo, Hokkaidos main city. You can get the ropeway to the top of the mountain. You get a good view of the city and surrounding countryside. By the...
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

3.5

596 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Toyohira-ku Hitsujigaoka 1

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is one of Hokkaido's best tourist attractions. Sheep are kept on the rolling hills where the lush greenery dazzles the eyes, and the heart is warmed by the idyllic countryside scenery. A statue of Dr. William Smith Clark who served as the first vice-principal at Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University) can be seen on the observation deck. It’s a popular place to come and have your photograph taken. At the Hitsujigaoka Rest House you can have some Mongolian-style mutton barbecue food.

The observation deck offers a great view of Sapporo Dome and the city, with snowy mountains in the back drop in a clear day. But at its core, it represents the original sprit that drove the...
Kushiro Marsh Observatory

3.5

305 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Kushiroshi Hokuto 6-11

The building of Kushiro Marsh Observatory was designed by architect Kiko Mozuna and is reminiscent of a Western European castle. Inside are exhibits which tell us about the background and seasons of the marshland as well as a diorama replicating the marsh. The views from the observatory on the third floor overlooking the vast marshy grassland are really quite spectacular. A 2.5 kilometers long boardwalk has been built around the building from where you can possibly catch a glimpse of the wildlife such as the White-faced Darter dragonfly or the Siberian salamander.

Unfortunately on the day we visited it was snowing hard, but the center has numerous exhibits regarding wildlife seen in the Kushiro area. There is an open air observatory at the top, a gift shop and...
Mt. Hakodate Observatory

4.5

80 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Hakodateshi Hakodateyama

Mt. Hakodate Observatory on the summit of Mt. Hakodate affords views of Hakodate and its suburbs. The Mt. Hakodate Ropeway reaches the summit from the base in about three minutes. From the rooftop observation deck on the top floor, you can enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Hakodate, which have been given a three-star rating in the “Michelin Green Guide Japon” travel guide. Inside the observatory, there is a gift shop selling Mt. Hakodate-limited merchandise as well as a restaurant where you can enjoy the chefs’ signature Japanese and Western cuisine while gazing at the night view full of an infinite number of lights.

Just like a post card, just breath taking night view. The only problem was due to the vehicle restrictions from 1600 to 2200 hours, you need to take public transportation . At 2200 hours, the...
Lake Mashu First Observation Deck

4.5

61 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Kawakamigunteshikagachou

Lake Mashu, which is located in Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido, has some of the clearest water in the world, with a unique blue tint that has come to be known as “Mashu Blue”; it is a very popular tourist attraction. Lake Mashu is often covered with dense fog; tourists from all over Japan flock to the Lake to experience its mysterious beauty during the brief periods when the fog lifts. Of the three observation decks around the Lake, the First Observation Deck is the most widely used; it provides excellent views of Lake Mashu, Kamuishu Island in the middle of the Lake, and the imposing mountains that surround the Lake. There is a rest house where visitors can buy snacks and local specialty products.

訪れた日は風が強くて怖いくらいでしたが、とても綺麗に晴れ渡った摩周湖を眺めることができました。遠くは知床半島の山々まで見渡せました。
Tokachi Hill Observatory

4.0

74 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Kato-gun Otofukecho Tokachigawa Onsen Kita 14-4

The sunset view of the Tokachi Plain and Hidaka Mountain Range was very beautiful, where we could see the view of Obihiro City from above. The scenery was very nice and great for taking photos...
Rausu Kunashiri Observation Tower

4.0

70 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Menashigunrausuchou Rebunchou 32-1

The observation tower is on a hill 167 meters above sea level close to the built-up area of Rausu Town. From the deck you can see the Sea of Okhotsk up close, and if the weather conditions are right you can see the magnificent view of Kunashiri Island. In the observation tower you can see various displays and videos regarding the Northern Territories dispute.

Driving up to the observatory requires skill on winding roads, but it is worth the effort. Kunashiri, now a Russian occupied island, is just over there. The overview of the Rausu port and the...
Yuhidai Observation Deck

4.0

65 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Shari-gun Sharicho Utorokagawa

Yuhi means sunset, so this observation deck is particularly famous for its beautiful sunset views at a corner of the National Shiretoko Campground. Counted as one of the eight main sightseeing spots of Shiretoko, the beautiful orange sunset over the Sea of Okhotsk is truly a sight to behold.

宿泊したホテルから歩いて数分、木立を抜けると眼下にウトロ港が見下ろせます。静まり返った港が、何とも言えない雰囲気です。過の出来事が有ったらでしょうか、合掌せずにはいられませんでした。
Sarubo Observatory

3.5

36 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Kawakamigunshibechachou Touro

Sarubo Observatory is located on top of a low hill to the north of Lake Toro. Besides Lake Toro (the largest coastal lagoon in the Kushiro Shitsugen), visitors can also enjoy views over four nearby ponds (Sarurunto, Ponto, Eoruto and Makunto). This is a very popular spot for enjoying Hokkaido’s beautiful natural scenery.

小さな駐車場にクルマを停めて、山を少し登ります。駐車場は最初通り過ぎてしまいました。登っている時に鹿がいました。
Moiwayama Mountain peak Observation Deck

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Sapporo-shi Chuo-ku Fushimi 5-3-7
The JRA Hidaka Horse Ranch Observatory

4.5

25 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Urakawagunurakawachou Nishicha 535-13

This observatory is atop a hill overlooking the JRA Hidaka Horse Ranch where race horses are born, raised, trained, nurtured and studied. From the observatory one can see the whole expansive grasslands covering the 1,500 hectare grounds, including the grass riding area, the sloped riding area, and other training facilities as well as the Hidaka mountain range in the distance. Inside the observatory is displayed, behind glass, information on the facility and grounds.

浦河優駿ビレッジAERU宿泊のオプションツアーで行きました。個人だと許可されない場所にも入ることが出来る上に、運転手さんが親切に解説して下さるので、とても良かったです。運良く晴天に恵まれましたが、雨天だと今いちかもしれません。
Akaiwa Observation Deck

4.5

17 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Tomamae-gun Haboro Cho Teuri

This observation deck overlooks Akaiwa, which seems to tower, rising up from the sea. The area around the observation deck is a breeding ground for Rhinoceros auklets and black-tailed gulls, and visitors who come between May and July have a chance to see flocks of Rhinoceros auklets up close.

天売島にある展望台の一つが赤岩展望台です。断崖絶壁の上にある展望台で海を見下ろす漢字で眺める事ができます。時期が良ければ海鳥の姿を見ることもできるそうです。
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.
Lake Akan Observatory

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。
Mikunitoge Pass Observatory

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Katougunkamishihorochou Mitsumata Outer spot

Observatory in Daisetsuzan National Park in Kamishihoro, Kato County, Hokkaido and located on the Mikunitoge Pass. Get spectacular views of the Mikunitoge Pass among a beautiful, green expanding mountain range. A fantastic spot for seeing the spectacular colors of fall that attracts many people. The driving course through the mountains is also very popular.
Shiroi Koibito (White Lovers) Hill

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Rishirigunrishirifujichou Oniwaki

Popular tourist destination in Rishirifuji-cho, Rishiri, Hokkaido. This hill is famous in Japan because it is used on the packaging of Hokkaido-made confectionary Shiroi Koibito. See spectacular views of Mt. Rishirisan, the Sea of Japan, and Otatomari swamp. Befitting the Shiroi Koibito (White Lovers) name, engaged couples can receive official recognition of their engagement by Ishiya Confectionery.
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.
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.
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.

Travel / Tourism Other Sightseeing Observatory / Outlook Observatory / Outlook

Hokkaido Areas

Not just a prefecture but an island of its own, Hokkaido is the most northerly prefecture and island of the Japanese archipelago. Arriving in Hokkaido, which is rural and bursting with breathtaking nature, means entering a world where vast national parks, towering mountains, and natural hot springs can be found at every turn. Come December, these natural splendors freeze over and morph into a winter wonderland.