Godaisan Observatory

Godaisan Observatory sits atop a forested hill overlooking Kochi City, offering a panoramic sweep that takes in the Shimanto River plain, the city's compact downtown, and the vast Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon. The hilltop is accessible by car or a scenic drive up winding mountain roads, and a short walk from the parking area leads to the viewing platform. Sunset is the most rewarding time to visit, when the sky above the Pacific turns brilliant shades of orange and pink. The nearby Chikurinji Temple (No. 31 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage) and the Makino Botanical Garden share the same hilltop, making it easy to spend a full morning or afternoon exploring the area.