Mt. Mitake Observatory

The observatory near the summit of Mt. Mitake on Oshima Island looks out over the Genkai Sea toward the islands of Okinoshima, Iki, and Tsushima. The summit has long served as a site for remote worship of Okinoshima, an island considered sacred and closed to general visitors. English signage at the observatory introduces artifacts found there dating from the fourth century, including gold rings, bronze mirrors, and pottery from as far as ancient Persia, all believed to be offerings for safe sea travel. The observatory sits on one of the Kyushu Olle hiking routes, with the 11-kilometer Oshima course taking around four to five hours.