Hakka Touge Observatory

Hatsuka-toge Observatory is a circular viewpoint located at an elevation of 631 meters on the southern shore of Lake Towada, at the end of the Jukai Line. Known as one of the best viewpoints for Lake Towada sightseeing, it offers a spectacular panorama: below you is Nishi-ko, to the right you can see the beautiful, varied inlets of the Nakayama Peninsula, and beyond that rises Mt. Okura, shaped like an upside-down bowl. Straight ahead, you can look out over the ridgelines of the Towada caldera’s outer rim mountains, and behind you, the Hakkoda Mountain Range is also visible. Access is about a 30-minute drive from Kosaka IC on the Tohoku Expressway, located along the route when heading toward the Towada IC area. The scenery as you drive up the winding switchbacks toward Hatsuka Pass is also wonderful, making it a drive course packed with highlights. The observatory is well equipped with restrooms, a shop, and souvenir stores that are not easily affected by bad weather. It is also recommended to take a break while enjoying the sweeping view of Lake Towada from the viewpoint. There are two platforms—the First Observatory and Second Observatory—and the First Observatory is said to have the better outlook. In summer, the greenery feels fresh, and in autumn, the fall foliage delights visitors.