Kaiyodai, Observation deck in Nakashibetsu, Japan.
Kaiyodai is an observation deck at 271 meters (889 feet) elevation that opens up a 330-degree view across the vast grasslands and mountains of eastern Hokkaido. The site includes a viewing hall, a cafe offering local dairy products, and parking for numerous vehicles.
The third mayor of Nakashibetsu created this observation point in connection with the installation of an NHK television relay station in the region. The project grew from a need to connect the developing infrastructure with public access to the landscape.
A gallery displays photographs by local artists, while informational panels share details about the region's wildlife and how the landscape changes through seasons. You can learn about the natural world that defines this part of Hokkaido during your visit.
The viewing hall is open from late April through October 31st, with a cafe serving local specialties and ample parking available. Weather conditions at this elevation can be quite different from what you experience in town, so it is worth planning accordingly.
On clear days, visitors can witness a rare optical phenomenon where temperature differences between air and water cause the sun to appear distorted into a square shape. This spectacle is brief and requires good timing combined with just the right atmospheric conditions.
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