Kochiyama Observatory

From the three-story observatory at the 280-meter Kochiyama peak above Koniya port, the view takes in the forested islands of Kakeromajima, Ukejima, and Yorojima across the Oshima Strait, plus pearl cultivation racks and fishing boats below. On clear days, Tokunoshima is visible 46 kilometers away. The observatory is known for sunset views of the sea and mountains turning gold together. From mid-January, hikanzakura cherry trees in the nearby parking lot garden bloom for two to three weeks, making this one of the earliest cherry blossom spots in Japan.