A collection of 3 splendid night views in Japan

1. Inasayama Observatory Park Nagasaki

Nagasaki, surrounded by mountains, is one of Japan’s Top 3 Night View spots together with Hakodate and Kobe. In 2012, Nagasaki was recognised as among the World’s Top 3 Night View spots alongside Monaco and Hong Kong. Enjoy the romantic art of lights!

The most popular viewing spot is at an altitude of 333m. The lights of the houses on the mountain slopes and of the city at the mountainʼs foot, enable you to enjoy a 3-dimensional night view. At the observatory, there are stair-like chairs and 170 LEDs embedded at your feet, so you can enjoy 30 different light shows.

What are the world’s 3 best night views?
The Night View Sightseeing Convention Bureau verifies and selects the best night views from the nominated views recommended by 3500 night view appraisers nationwide. Nagasakiʼs night view can be appreciated from 360°, and the cityʼs positive effort to promote its night view has been fairly evaluated and selected.

Access

Bus + Nagasaki Cable Car

From the Nagasaki Station bus stop, take the bus no. 3 or 4 (Shimo Ohashi, Kami Koebara, Aikawa direction) for 7 min. Get off at the cable car station. From there, walk to Fuchigami Temple cable car station. Take the cable car for 5 min to reach Inasayama Station. From Inasayama Station itʼs a 5 min walk to the Inasayama Observatory.

 

3 minutes from the bottom of the mountain to the mountaintop

 Nagasaki Cable Car: 095-861-3640 (Fuchigami Temple Station)
 Charge (to and from) ¥1230
 9 am – 10 pm (every 15–20 min)
 Early Dec (due to annual inspection) and during bad weather

By Car

 About 20 min from Nagasaki Station to the Inasayama Observatory.

 

Free Loop Bus

The bus stops at 6 hotels (Hotel Belle View, Nagasaki Dejima, Hotel Montre Nagasaki, ANA Crown Plaza Hotel Nagasaki Glover Hill, Hotel New Nagasaki, and Best Western Premier Hotel Nagasaki) then heads to the Nagasaki cable car Fuchigami Temple Station for free. Only hotel guests can use this loop bus. Tickets can be arranged by the hotel reception. (Booking ends once all tickets are booked).

 Going: 7 pm – 8.30 pm, every 30 min
Coming back: 8.30pm–10.10pm, every 30 min
(For the last trip, the interval is 40 min)
 15th Aug, early Dec, and during bad weather.

 

2. Roppongi Hills Tokyo

Tokyo City View Mori Tower Level 52

Enjoy today’s Tokyo with a panoramic view
An observatory floor that occupies the upper levels of Mori Tower. You can overlook Tokyo Tower and the famous Toranomon Hills. It is also recommended to visit the observatory from early to late evening.
 Admission ¥ 1,800
 10 am – 10.30 pm Last admission (last admission is open up to 12am on a day before Friday, Saturday, and holiday)
 Non-scheduled rest days.

Sky Deck Rooftop of Mori Tower

Tokyo’s best outdoor observatory That you can feel the sky
An observatory corridor located at 270m above sea level, the tallest outdoor observatory in Tokyo. You can enjoy the scenery as if you are a bird when you stand on top either one of the 2 observatory decks.
 Admission ¥500 (Additional fee on top of the admission fee ¥1,800 for Tokyo City View)
 11am – 7.30pm Last admission
 Non-scheduled rest days.
The observatory hosts stellar observation event, using astronomical telescopes during Tanabata week (early July) and any period when you can observe some meteor stream (Reservation required, fees apply)

The piture shown here is from pre-renovation days

3. Mount Hakodate Hokkaido

Gazing upon the night scenery of Mount Hakodate from a height of 334m is one of the highlights of Hakodate. Named the most beautiful night scenery in Japan, this place has received high praises from tourists, and people who enjoy night-watching. Besides the night scenery, the newly renovated gondola, and dining and bar spots provide great entertainment.

Mount Hakodate protrudes out from the Tsugaru Strait 334 m above sea level. It is also known as Mount Gagyu. There is an observation deck at the mountaintop that lets you enjoy the night scenery of Hakodate. The mountaintop is easily accessible by the rope-way or by bus.

Secured the top ranking in a JTB survey!
Hakodate was voted as the most popular place for night scenery. The contrast of the dark sea against the bright lights from the streets has received high praises. Many visit Hakodate for its night scenery.

Access

The rope-way is usually taken to get to the mountaintop, but you can also get there by bus and taxi. However, during the winter, from mid Nov to end April, all roads are closed. If you’re traveling by bus or taxi, you will only reach the bottom/ foot of the mountain. Also, during the summer, from end April to mid October, ordinary vehicles are not allowed to travel from 5pm~10pm.

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Information provider: JTB Publishing Inc.
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