Mikasayama Observatory - Hokkaido

Mikasayama Observatory (三笠山展望閣) is an observatory that doubles as a café. It is located at 1380-2 Uennai in the town of Esashi, Esashi District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

三笠山展望閣
Mikasayama Observatory

Mikasayama Observatory Details

Nestled atop Mt. Mikasa at an altitude of 172 meters in the picturesque town of Esashi, Mikasayama Observatory is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking breathtaking views and memorable experiences. This stunning observatory offers a sweeping 360° panoramic view of the Esashi district and the Sea of Okhotsk, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing and photography enthusiasts.

Mikasayama Observatory - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Mikasayama Observatory - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Convenient and Accessible Experience

One of the highlights of Mikasayama Observatory is its accessibility—you can drive right up to the observatory, eliminating the hassle of long hikes or climbs. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by an unparalleled vista that perfectly captures the charm of Esashi’s landscape.

Mikasayama Observatory Building



This observatory stands at an elevation of 172 meters.

Mikasayama Observatory - Okhotsk Esashi
Mikasayama Observatory - Okhotsk Esashi

Relax with a View: Cafe Lounge with a Panoramic Scene

The observatory’s second floor houses a cozy cafe lounge, where you can unwind while savoring the spectacular 360° views. Whether you're enjoying a refreshing drink or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, the lounge provides the perfect setting to relax and recharge.

The Observatory

The top of the observatory

The pay-to-use binocular

Mikasayama Observatory
The Bell of Hope

Mikasayama Observatory
This direction marker doubles as a table and chair set

It's a foggy day at Mikasayama Observatory

Inside Mikasayama Observatory
Visitors left wishes of hope here after ringing the bell

Instructions on how to use the Bell of Hope

Inside Mikasayama Observatory
Inside Mikasayama Observatory

Mikasayama Tenbokaku (Cafe)

Mikasayama Tenbokaku Menu


Mystery Float

Twice Float

There's a play area inside the cafe
There's a play area inside the cafe

Day and Night: Beauty Around the Clock

While the observation deck is closed at night, the top of Mt. Mikasa transforms into an enchanting spot after dark. Visitors can marvel at the deep blue Sea of Okhotsk under a blanket of stars, creating a magical nighttime experience unlike any other.

Team Nicerio visits Mikasayama Observatory

Team Nicerio visits Mikasayama Observatory

Team Nicerio visits Mikasayama Observatory



Ella rang the Bell of Hope

On July 16, 2023, my daughter and I visited Mikasayama Observatory for the first time during the second day of our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5, which was my 622nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. This destination was supposed to be the highlight of our visit to Esashi, as it’s known for its amazing panoramic view and also the café inside the observatory. Sadly, fog blanketed the mountain, and we weren’t able to fully appreciate the view from the observatory. Regardless, we enjoyed the unique drinks that we ordered in the café, which still made our visit worth it.

Mikasayama Observatory Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and enjoy the view from the observatory, but it’s highly recommended that you bring cash when visiting, as the food and drinks in the café are worth trying.

Mikasayama Observatory Operating Hours

Opening Hours for Mikasayama Observatory

May: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

June to August: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

September and October: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Note:

Closed: From November to April

The observatory is closed every Monday.

If Monday is a public holiday, it will be closed on the following Tuesday instead.


Why visit Mikasayama Observatory?

Mikasayama Observatory is the best place to view the town of Esashi. It promises a delightful experience that blends natural beauty with modern convenience. Don’t miss this remarkable attraction on your next visit to Esashi!


Getting to Mikasayama Observatory

 

The best way to reach Mikasayama Observatory is by private or rental car, as it is located at the outskirts of the town and it's mostly an uphill walk. 

From Asahikawa Station Platform 8 in Asahikawa City, board the Limited Express Esashi (Esashi - Asahikawa) of the Soya Bus Company going to Esashi Terminal. This line operates once a day.

Fare:
One way - 5,000 yen
Round Trip - 9,000 yen 

Take note that a reservation is required. You may want to see the updated information on the Soya Bus Official Website by clicking this LINK.

Once you reach Esashi Terminal, ride the taxi or walk uphill for about 3.5 kilometers to the observatory.

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating

Location: Uennai, Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido 098-5827, Japan

Comments

Post a Comment

Please Follow my Official FB Page

The Backpack Adventures

Please Follow my Family FB Page

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 45

Image
Weekend 45: September 10-11, 2022 Day 313: September 10, 2022 Saturday - 9.9-11 Family Road Trip D2 Good morning everyone! Thankfully, it didn't rain last night but condensation made the inside of our tent wet giving us that Hamatombetsu rainy day camping experience once again. Regardless, the sun came up and helped us dry our tent anyway.  Sato Auto Campground of Firefly We bought breakfast at Seicomart Numata We parked near Numata Agricultural Cooperative Agricultural Warehouse Numata Shrine We left the Sato Auto Campground of Firefly a little before 7AM. We then drove to Numata ( 沼田町 ) town proper to buy breakfast at Numata Seicomart before heading to Numata Shrine to pay respects and offer some prayers.  Totoro Pass Catbus From there we drove south passing through  Fukagawa City  ( 深川市 ). We made a brief stopover at  Totoro Pass  to see the famed  Catbus .  Driving through Route 38 Originally, our plan was to spend most of the day in Ashibe...
Keep reading

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declinin...
Keep reading

Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park - Cavite

Image
Located in the vicinity of Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon in the province of Cavite, Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park mark the supposed place where Andres Bonifacio and his brothers Procopio were executed in 1897. Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park History We learned from the previous post about Bonifacio Trial House the story of the trail leading up to the last days of Andres Bonifacio . Since I did not fully elaborate on his death, I think it is very relevant to talk about it now in relation to our featured destination - The Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park . Check out the images on the BAYANI Check out the images on the KKK A perfect angle to see the KKK and Bayani I'm wondering if that face is scared, shocked, or excited... The statue of Andres Bonifacio wearing a very fashionable camisa de chino Our local guide showed us the way to the peak of Mt. Nagpatong After his...
Keep reading

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp - Batangas

Image
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas  One of the best places to go camping...  ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide...
Keep reading

Gifu Castle - Gifu

Image
Located in the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Castle ( 岐阜城 )  is a mountaintop castle that stands as one of the symbols of the city.  Gifu Castle  ( 岐阜城 ) Gifu Castle History Built by the Nikaido Clan during the Kamakura Period sometime between 1201 to 1204, Gifu Castle was once called Inabayama Castle by its original owners. It was a formidable castle which overlooks the surrounding countryside of then Mino Province. On September 13, 1567, the castle and its defenders under the leadership of Saito Tatsuoki of the Saito Clan came under siege by the numerically superior army of Oda Nobunaga.  Gifu Castle - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Gifu Castle as displayed at Mt. Kinka Ropeway Station Make sure to get some brochures at Kinkazan Ropeway Station We rode the ropeway up Mt. Kinka Despite its strategical and strong position on top of Mt. Inaba, the castle still fell to the hands of Oda Nobunaga due to his cunning strategy of sending in si...
Keep reading

88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Laguna

Image
Updated: October 30, 2020 Our adventure today will take us  46.11 kilometers south from kilometer 0 in Manila. The historic atmosphere still lingers due to the historical landmarks that you can see all around this place. One of the most famous landmarks this city has to offer is the Rizal Shine or more popularly known as Rizal's house. However I'm not here to give you a history adventure but instead, I will tell you the different side of this city. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa Calamba City in the province of Laguna is a city that has more resorts than the number of days in a year. Because of the fast-growing number of resorts (661 and counting), this city earned the nickname Resort Capital of the Philippines.  88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Calamba, Laguna Travelers and resort seekers who didn't read my blog  The Adventurer's List  would surely be unprepared for what's to come. It would surely take a day for you to choose and pick the most suitable reso...
Keep reading

Kyoto Station - Kyoto

Image
Kyoto Station  ( 京都駅 ) is one of Japan's largest train station buildings. It serves as the main gateway for locals and foreigners coming in and out of the city. It is l ocated in the heart of Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan . Kyoto Station  ( 京都駅 ) Kyoto Station History Kyoto Station opened for service on February 5, 1877, by decree of Emperor Meiji . In 1889, its railway connected to Tokyo giving way to the present-day Tokaido Main Line. In 1895, the station became a terminal to the Nara Railway (present-day Nara Line) connecting Kyoto with the southern regions of Kyoto Prefecture and Nara City. Then in 1897, the station became a terminal to the Kyoto Railway (present-day Sagano Line) connecting Kyoto Station with the northern regions of Kyoto Prefecture.   First Kyoto Station building* Second Kyoto Station building* Third Kyoto Station building* The station got a facelift in 1914 and a Renaissance-inspired facility replaced the old station. This new...
Keep reading

Naruto Whirlpools - Tokushima

Image
Located in the picturesque Naruto Strait, nestled between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, the captivating phenomenon known as the Naruto Whirlpools ( 鳴門の渦潮 ) has become a prominent attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide. These mesmerizing tidal whirlpools have transformed the region into a thriving tourist destination, captivating the hearts and minds of all who witness their awe-inspiring power. Naruto Whirlpools  ( 鳴門の渦潮 ) Naruto Whirlpools Details Naruto Whirlpools occur when the tide moves large amounts of water in and out of the narrow strait. According to experts, the water rushes through Naruto Strait at a speed of about 13 to 15 kilometers per hour. They also say that the water flows in and out of the strait twice a day due to changing tides. During spring tide, the water current sometimes reaches up to 20 kilometers per hour. With this speed, the whirlpools sometimes get as big as 66 feet in diameter. Speaking of the spe...
Keep reading

Kamiokoppe Railway Museum - Hokkaido

Image
Kamiokoppe Railway Museum ( 上興部鉄道資料館 ) is a former railway station that is repurposed into a museum. It is located at 351-1 Kamiokoppe in the village of Nishiokoppe, Mombetsu District, in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Kamiokoppe Railway Museum Kamiokoppe Railway Museum Details Step back in time and explore the rich history of Hokkaido’s railway system at the Kamiokoppe Railway Museum . Formerly called the Kamiokoppe Station , this museum preserves the original station building and tracks, offering a unique look at the region’s transportation heritage. Kamiokoppe Railway Museum - Nishiokoppe village, Hokkaido Prefecture A Preserved Slice of History The Kamiokoppe Railway Museum is housed in the station building, which was constructed when the Kamiokoppe Line was closed. The museum showcases a fascinating collection of over 100 informative panels and displays, chronicling the history of the line from its opening in November 1926 to its closure in 1989. It’s an excellent stop for...
Keep reading

10 Things to Do on Yagishiri Island

Image
10 Things to Do on Yagishiri Island Yagishiri Island ( 焼尻島 ) lies 23 kilometers northwest of Haboro, within the Rumoi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . It is one of two islands governed by the town of Haboro. The island's name is believed to originate from the Ainu terms " Ehanke-shiri " (nearby island) or " Yanke-shiri " (landing island). Yagishiri is renowned for its yew forest, locally known as Onko, and its sheep farm. For those planning to visit this beautiful island to see what it has to offer, here are  10 things to do on Yagishiri Island : Yagishiri Island Welcome Post 1. Take a picture of the Yagishiri Island Welcome Post . It is located near the Yagishiri Ferry Terminal. It's a fun and memorable way to start your adventure on the island.    Yagishiri Itsukushima Shrine 2. Visit the Yagishiri Itsukushima Shrine ( 焼尻島厳島神社 ) , the main shrine of Yagishiri Island. You can visit at any time of day to offer your prayers and pay your respects. ...
Keep reading