Cape Ofuyu Observatory - Hokkaido

Cape Ofuyu Observatory (雄冬岬展望台) is an observation deck located at 795 Ofuyu in the town of Mashike in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

雄冬岬展望台
Cape Ofuyu Observatory

Cape Ofuyu Observatory detail

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture, is well-known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, stunning shorelines, and scenic countryside. Among the many tourist spots in the region is the Cape Ofuyu Observatory, located in Mashike Town's Ofuyu area.

雄冬岬展望台
Cape Ofuyu Observatory - Mashike town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Cape Ofuyu Observatory has an elevation of 135 meters. It offers a spectacular view of the Ofuyu coast with its rugged cliffs, the Shakotan Peninsula, and on a clear day a view of Teuri Island.

Cape Ofuyu Observatory parking area

The jump-off point to the Cape Ofuyu Observatory is in the parking area

The elevated walkway stretches for about 150 meters from the jumpoff point to the observatory

The observatory is enclosed in 360-degree glass, providing tourists with a panoramic view of the natural scenery surrounding it. As you climb the mountain, the scenery becomes more impressive, offering visitors an enjoyable experience of the coastline's natural beauty.

Cape Ofuyu Observatory

Inside Cape Ofuyu Observatory

View from Cape Ofuyu Observatory







Visitors who come on a clear day can see as far as the 
Shakotan PeninsulaTeuri, and Yagishiri Island. The sunset from the observatory is one of the major attractions, and it's a view that never disappoints. There is something magical about watching the sunset over the Sea of Japan from such a magnificent place.

Cape Ofuyu Elevated Pathway







The Cape Ofuyu Observatory is not the only place to see in the area. At its foot, the Ofuyu Cape Rock Park, utilizing the rocks found in the region, is worth exploring. There are various trails to walk, and along the way, visitors can observe the area's unique geological features. 

Mamushi warning

There was a hive of suzumebachi along the pathway during our visit. Thankfully, they didn't bother us. 

However, just a heads up, the place is home to the venomous mamushi and there are signs there that warn visitors about it. To be safe, never leave the manmade pathway. Aside from the mamushi, be warned that there are also suzumebachi in the area. These are hornets that are quite aggressive. During our visit, there was a lot in the area hence, the glasses of the observatory were locked so that the hornets wouldn’t be able to go inside.

Team Nicerio visits Cape Ofuyu Observatory




My family and I visited Cape Ofuyu Observatory during our Mashike – Ishikari Road Trip last September 4, 2022. It was my 307th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was the first destination that we visited on our drive south going to Ishikari City from Rumoi City. We enjoyed the view from the observatory however, it was in a way a scary trip.

Cape Ofuyu Observatory Fees

It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore the Cape Ofuyu Observatory.

Cape Ofuyu Observatory Operating Hours

The observatory is open from late April to mid-October, except during winter and nighttime, with different opening hours depending on the month. From June to August, the observation deck is open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., while it opens from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during April-May and September-October. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is clement and the days are longer.

Why visit Cape Ofuyu Observatory?

In conclusion, the Cape Ofuyu Observatory is an unmissable spot to see in Hokkaido. With its awe-inspiring views, it's a perfect spot to witness and revel in nature's splendor. It's a great place to visit with family, friends, or by yourself, where visitors can relax, take in some fresh air, and appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the region. Just make sure not to stray off the path or bother the bees.

Getting to Cape Ofuyu Observatory

 

From Rumoi City, ride the Rumoi Betsukari Line (Mashike Line) and board down at the Obetsukari bus stop. From there, transfer to a bus going to the Ofuyu Fishing Port bus stop. From there, you need to walk about 1.1 kilometers going up the Cape Ofuyu Observatory.

Keep in mind the bus schedule so that you can catch the bus back to Rumoi. Here’s the link to the bus schedule. (LINK)

Travel time: 2 hours
Fare: 890 yen

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