Tsubetsu Toge Observatory

At 947 meters, this mountaintop observatory is the highest overlook above Lake Kussharo, and it is the only point in Hokkaido from which three national parks are visible simultaneously: Akan-Mashu below, Daisetsuzan's mountain ranges to the west, and the Shiretoko Peninsula reaching into the Sea of Okhotsk. The exterior resembles a European castle, and a spiral staircase leads up to the rooftop observation deck. The second floor has regional maps and informational materials. The mountain road is open June through October only, closed in winter due to heavy snow. Parking is free. On clear days the panorama is as wide as anything in Hokkaido.