Akiyoshidai Karst Observatory

Akiyoshidai Karst Observatory is a viewpoint where you can take in sweeping views of the landforms and grasslands of Akiyoshidai, one of Japan’s largest karst plateaus. Akiyoshidai was designated a Quasi-National Park in 1955 (Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park) and later a Special Natural Monument in 1964. The observatory’s second-floor viewing area is circular, offering a 360-degree panoramic vista. Surrounded by mountains, trees, forests, and rolling hills, the scenery is especially striking on clear days, when the contrast between the blue sky, lush greenery, and the exposed rocky surfaces scattered across the plateau is truly beautiful. For accessibility, the observatory also has a wheelchair-friendly ramp, making it convenient to visit. Access to Akiyoshidai Karst Observatory: by car, it’s about 8 minutes from “Akiyoshidai IC” on the Ogori-Hagi Road. By public transportation, it’s about a 1-hour taxi ride from Yamaguchi Ube Airport. From JR Sanyo Shinkansen “Shin-Yamaguchi Station,” it’s about 30 minutes by taxi, or take a bus for about 43 minutes to “Akiyoshido” bus stop, then walk about 30 minutes to the observatory.