Sanko Yume Minato Tower

Sanko Yume Minato Tower in Sakaiminato rises just 43 meters, a fact locals promote with cheerful self-deprecation. Its observation deck gives a full 360-degree view of the Yumigahama Peninsula, the Japan Sea, and Mt. Daisen in the distance. The building, designed by architect Hirofumi Sugimoto, pairs two steel core tubes with a curved timber-and-glass enclosure connected by tension cables. The main attraction is the third-floor Pan-Japan Sea Laboratory, which presents culture from six regions bordering the Sea of Japan including Mongolia, China, Russia, and Korea. A large costume room lets visitors try on traditional clothing from each region.