Kirosan Observatory Park

Kirosan Observatory Park is located in Imabari city, in northeastern Ehime Prefecture. This observatory park is located on Kirosan mountain, the most famous viewpoint on Oshima, through which the Shimanami Kaido expressway passes on its way to connect Hiroshima and Ehime prefectures.
The observatory, located at an elevation of 307 meters, was designed by the architect Kengo Kuma. To preserve the scenery of Kirosan mountain, the observatory is designed to integrate with its surrounding nature. From the top, you can see a 360° panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. The beautiful scenery is said to be the most beautiful along the Shimanami Kaido. To ensure a full view of every angle, great care was put into making each deck a slightly different height. The complex design of this observatory has won it high praise in the architectural world.
Although the Seto Inland Sea is famous as a calm ocean, when you look down from the decks, you will be awed by the powerful whirlpools appearing on the surface.. Only from the observatory you can see how difficult it is for boats to pass through this area. At night, you can see the light up of the world's first triple suspension bridge, Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, and nightscapes of Imabari city.