Satsukiyama Driveway

The Satsukiyama Driveway opened in 1958, making it one of the earliest toll roads in Japan. It runs from Ayaha 2-chome to Hata 3-chome in Ikeda City. Although it is a toll road for cars, bicycles and pedestrians can pass for free. Several observation points are set up along the route. Among them, Shūbōdai Observatory—about five minutes from the tollgate—is a popular night-view spot selected as one of the “100 Best Night Views.” From Shūbōdai you can look down on the illuminated Shin-Inagawa Ōhashi (Big Harp) bridge over the Inagawa River and the lit-up Hanshin Expressway. Other night-view points include Satsukidai (with views of Kawanishi City in Hyogo), Hinomaru Observatory (overlooking the Osaka Plain), and the scenic Satsukidaira Observatory (and the plaza below it), where you can see not only the Osaka Plain but also Itami Airport. If you’re going on foot, you might try the Ichibōdai viewpoint near the tollgate for a night view. If you drive, note that the road is closed at night (22:00–5:00). In spring you can enjoy cherry blossoms, and in autumn the fall foliage, from your car window as well.