Nokogiriyama Nihonji Temple Observatory

Nokogiriyama Nihon-ji Observatory is a viewpoint at the summit of Mt. Nokogiri, which sits on the border of Kyonan Town and Futtsu City, at an elevation of 329 meters. It’s famous for “Jigoku Nozoki (Hell Peek),” where you look down from the tip of a rock ledge that juts out over a sheer cliff. Although there are handrails, the path narrows as you approach the very end, creating the sensation of floating in midair. From the tip, you can enjoy panoramic views from Tokyo Bay to the Boso Peninsula, and on clear days you may even see as far as the Miura Peninsula and Mt. Fuji. This rock ledge became a scenic spot thanks to the playful spirit of stonemasons who once worked in Nokogiriyama’s stone quarries, and quarry “trade names” are still etched into the rock surface today—take a look if you’re brave. At the observatory, you can also buy gelato called “Jigoku Ice,” a black-and-vanilla ice cream made with bamboo charcoal to evoke ‘hell.’ Access is about 5 minutes by bus from JR Uchibo Line Hota Station. There is also a ropeway, which is recommended; if using the ropeway, get off at Hamakanaya Station.