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Yokoyama Observatory Deck: Panoramic Views of Ago Bay

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Ago Bay and the Ise-Shima National Park from Yokoyama Observatory's easily accessible viewing decks.

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The Yokoyama Observatory Deck offers stunning panoramic views of Ago Bay and the Ise-Shima National Park from five wooden viewing platforms. It's a popular spot easily accessible by car or public transport, featuring a cafe and walking trails.

A brief summary to Yokoyama Observatory Deck

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the parking lot near the observatory fills up quickly.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails between the viewing decks.
  • Visit the Yokoyama Visitor Center to learn about the area's natural and cultural history.
  • Enjoy a drink or snack at Cafe Mirador while taking in the views.
  • Check the weather forecast before visiting to ensure clear views of Ago Bay.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kintetsu Ugata Station, take the Yokoyama VIEW Taxi to the Yokoyama Observatory. The taxi ride is approximately 10 minutes. As of March 2025, the one-way fare is ¥500 per car. Alternatively, you can walk from Kintetsu Ugata Station, which takes approximately 40 minutes.

  • Car

    From the Shiroki IC of the Daini-Ise Road, it takes approximately 25 minutes by car to reach Yokoyama Observatory. There are three parking lots near the observatory. The closest parking lot (P2) has 28 spaces, including two for visitors with disabilities, but it fills up quickly on weekends and holidays. Additional parking is available at the Yokoyama Visitor Center (P1) and Sozo-no-Mori Yokoyama Parking Lot, a 15-minute walk to the observation deck. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Yokoyama Observatory Deck

Yokoyama Observatory Deck, situated on Mount Yokoyama in Shima, Mie Prefecture, is a celebrated vantage point offering unparalleled views of Ago Bay and the surrounding Ise-Shima National Park. The bay, known for its intricate ria coastline and pearl cultivation, presents a captivating landscape dotted with around 60 islands and peninsulas. The observatory features five wooden decks, each providing unique perspectives of the area. The main attraction, Yokoyama Tenku Cafe Terrace, stands 140 meters above sea level, offering expansive views of Ago Bay. Other terraces include Komorebi Terrace, providing a shaded view within the forest, and Soyokaze Terrace, which offers gentle breezes and unobstructed views of the cobalt ocean. The Miharashi View Point, the highest point at 180 meters, offers even more elevated perspectives. A cafe, Mirador Shima, serves drinks and snacks using local ingredients. Visitors can explore a network of walking trails connecting the viewing decks. The trails are well-maintained and offer a pleasant experience even in warmer months. The Yokoyama Visitor Center, located near the base of the observatory, provides insights into the natural and cultural history of Ise-Shima National Park. The area's history is intertwined with pearl cultivation, pioneered in Ago Bay by Kokichi Mikimoto. Visitors can observe pearl farming rafts dotting the bay, a testament to the region's rich maritime heritage. The forests of Yokoyama were traditionally managed as a satoyama, reflecting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

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