While Wakayama Prefecture is often associated with the ocean, its mountainous terrain actually offers numerous stunning night view spots from elevated locations. Thanks to the area's geography, these spots provide unobstructed panoramic views, making them incredibly popular among both local and out-of-prefecture visitors. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of Wakayama's most beloved night view destinations.
1. Forest Park Rainforest Observatory
If you're looking for a night view in Wakayama Prefecture, the "Forest Park Rainforest Observatory" in Shinrin Park is highly recommended. After a 3-minute walk along a pitch-black path from the parking lot to the north side, you'll be surprised by the breathtakingly beautiful night view that suddenly unfolds before your eyes. You can enjoy a clear view of Wakayama City and Kainan City, the main parts of Wakayama Prefecture, and the distant sea and the Ferris wheel at Marina City, creating a romantic atmosphere.
There are benches on the wooden observation deck, so you can sit down and slowly enjoy the night view. Since the stairs from the parking lot are completely dark, a flashlight or a smartphone light app is essential.
Name: Forest Park Ame no Mori Observation Deck
Address: 106 Omyojin, Yamada, Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture
2. ENEOS Wakayama Refinery
With the recent popularity of factory night views, more and more people are visiting Wakayama Prefecture to see the night view of the "ENEOS Wakayama Refinery." While it's common to view factory night views from a distance, the ENEOS Wakayama Refinery in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture, allows you to enjoy the factory night view at an extremely close range.
Not only can you observe the details of the factory, but depending on the time of day, a local train may pass right by! It feels like you're looking at a diorama of a futuristic city. As with many narrow roads in Wakayama Prefecture, this area is not accessible to large vehicles over 180 cm wide, so it is recommended to visit by a small car or motorcycle that can make tight turns.
Name: ENEOS Wakayama Refinery
Address: 1000, Hajimacho Hama, Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture
3. Kinokawa Service Area (Downhill Bound)
Located at the border of Wakayama Prefecture, where the Hanwa Expressway enters from the Osaka direction, Kinokawa Service Area is known as one of the best spots in Wakayama Prefecture to enjoy a night view. Especially on the downhill side, there are well-equipped observation facilities, so you can park your car and leisurely enjoy the night view of Wakayama Prefecture.
Since it is located within a service area, restaurants, cafes, and restrooms are also available, making it a safe and comfortable place for people of all ages. If you are visiting Wakayama Prefecture via the Hanwa Expressway, please stop by and enjoy the night view!
Name: Kinokawa Service Area (Southbound)
Address: Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture (Hanwa Expressway Kinokawa Service Area)
Official Website: https://w-holdings.co.jp/sapa/2096.html
4. Saishoga Mine Observatory
"Saishoga Mine Observatory" is located at an altitude of 285 meters. It is a popular spot where you can enjoy a 180-degree panoramic night view centered on the Kinokawa River, which flows through Wakayama Prefecture. There are two observation decks in the park: the summit observation deck, which you can reach by walking uphill from the parking lot, and the second observation deck, which is located downhill. The parking lot is spacious, making it recommended for those who want to enjoy the night view from their car.
The paths to both observation decks are paved and safe, but some parts are dark, so a flashlight is recommended.
Name: Saisho-ga-mine Observatory
Address: 744 Takefusa, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture
5. Katsuragiyama Observatory
The "Katsuragiyama Observatory" is also popular among Wakayama Prefecture residents. It is famous as an observatory from which you can get a clear view not only of Wakayama Prefecture but also of the illuminated Kansai International Airport and its connecting bridge, as well as the night views of Kobe and Awaji Island. On clear days, be sure to head to Katsuragiyama Observatory. Located at an altitude of 858 meters, this is the largest-scale night view spot in Wakayama Prefecture, and many people visit even on weekday nights.
Since the altitude is high, be sure to wear warm clothing, especially in the summer. The area around the observatory is dark, so a flashlight is recommended if you are visiting with your family. When traveling from within Wakayama Prefecture, it is easy and safe to take the Kii-Senkogen Skyline.
Name: Mount Katsuragi Observatory
Address: Kirihata, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture
6. Jizomine Temple/Gosho-no-shiba
"Jizomine Temple / Gosho-no-shiba," selected as one of Wakayama Prefecture's Top 100 Sunset Spots, is a night view spot located on Fujishiro Pass in Hainan City. If you follow the sign that says "峠の地蔵さん" (Mountain Pass Jizo Statue) northward, you will find a parking lot. Be cautious as the road becomes extremely narrow at some points, causing visitors from outside Wakayama Prefecture or those unfamiliar with driving to feel uncertain.
Since there is a few minutes' walk from the parking lot, a flashlight is essential! As it's a hidden gem, there are few people, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the night view. Hainan Port spreads out below, providing an excellent location to simultaneously enjoy the industrial night view and the marina city's illuminations.
Name: Jizōhō-ji Temple / Gosho no Shiba
Address: Tachibana-moto, Shimotsu-cho, Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture
7. Sky Park
"Sky Park," located in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture's leading hot spring area, is a popular night view spot for both Wakayama residents and tourists. Even though there are fewer streetlights at night, you can easily find it by remembering that it's on the left side after climbing the hill from the Shirahama Beach direction.
Overlooking the view is Tanabe Bay, Shirahama's hot spring district, and Shirahama Airport. As it's a small town, there is less light, but conversely, you can get a panoramic view of the entire town. This is a recommended spot where you can enjoy the night view even from inside your car, although it's a bit far.
Name: Sky Park
Address: Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
◎ Summary
How was it? This time, we introduced places with beautiful night views in Wakayama Prefecture. Although Wakayama Prefecture is often considered a rural area in the Kansai region, there are many night view spots that make the most of its rich nature. In other words, because there are few obstructions, you can enjoy panoramic night views that are second to none! Please come and see the night view in Wakayama Prefecture.