Drive Tourism and Date-Recommended Scenic Spot “Seitōji-san Observatory”

Japan has many breathtaking scenic spots. Among them, the Seitōji-san Observatory in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, is highly recommended both for drive tourism and for dates. In this article, we explain where the Seitōji-san Observatory is located and what kind of spot it is. We also introduce other recommended attractions near the Seitōji-san Observatory.

Where is “Seitōji-san Observatory”?

The Seitōji-san Observatory is located on Seitōji-san, which straddles the boundary between Sakaide City and Utazu Town in Kagawa Prefecture. You can reach the observatory in about 10 minutes by car from Utazu Station or about 15 minutes by car from Sakaide Kita Interchange. With convenient access by car and free parking available, it is an excellent destination for drive tourism.

“Seitōji-san Observatory” as a “Lovers’ Sanctuary”

Seitōji-san Observatory was recognized in 2006 as the first “Lovers’ Sanctuary” in Shikoku. This designation came about because the Seto Ohashi bridges connect Honshu and Shikoku, making the area known as a place where couples can strengthen their bond.

There is a legend that if you lock a padlock onto the fence and throw the key into the sea, your love will be fulfilled. As a result, many “vows padlocks” bearing the hopes of visiting couples are attached to the fence at the observatory.

Additionally, Seitōji-san has a wedding venue called “Saint Angelina.” This ocean-view wedding venue, with its outdoor chapel, offers a romantic atmosphere where some couples even hold their weddings while hanging their padlocks on the fence. A large blue cross is installed at the observatory, evoking a sacred atmosphere appropriate for weddings.

At Saint Angelina, specially made heart-shaped padlocks are also sold, so if you visit on a date, be sure to attach one to the fence. Of course, you may also bring your own padlock. Although the site is known as a sanctuary for lovers, its stylish atmosphere makes it a recommended destination for female friends and families as well.

The Best Feature of the “Seitōji-san Observatory”: Its Night View

During sunny days, the Seitōji-san Observatory offers clear views of the Seto Inland Sea along with the industrial areas and townscape, with the Seto Ohashi bridges appearing to stretch toward the sky in a breathtaking display.

However, the recommended time to visit is for the night view. On weekend evenings and during the New Year holidays, the Seto Ohashi bridges are lit in a warm orange, and the factory districts and city lights sparkle brilliantly.

You can also see the lights of the town in Okayama Prefecture, connected by the Seto Ohashi bridges, creating a romantic scene that is perfect for a date. In the evening, as the sun sets over the sea and darkness gradually falls, watching the city lights come on is a truly enchanting experience.

The adjacent Tokiwa Park is a famous cherry blossom spot

At Seitōji-san Observatory, there is an adjoining park called Tokiwa Park. Covering the entire mountaintop, Tokiwa Park is home to about 500 cherry trees, creating a cherry blossom tunnel in spring. The combination of the Seto Inland Sea and the cherry blossoms produces a unique and unparalleled spectacle that you can’t see anywhere else.

In addition, the cherry trees are illuminated at night, so you can enjoy them along with the night view—a highly recommended experience.

On the mountaintop, there is also a rare ancient burial mound called Sekiseki-zuka Kofun, which was constructed by stacking stones. The many stones piled up to a height of 2 meters create an imposing sight.

In spring, be sure to visit both Seitōji-san Observatory and Tokiwa Park.

◎ Operating Hours Notice for “Seitōji-san Observatory”

When visiting the Seitōji-san Observatory, it is recommended to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Tokiwa Park during the day in spring and then the observatory’s breathtaking night view from the evening onward.

The observatory’s operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, which is a bit short. If you wish to enjoy the night view at a leisurely pace, it’s best to arrive early. Please be especially mindful of the closing time.
(As of October 2, 2018, the observatory is currently closed for renovations.)

*The information in this article is as of April 2020.

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Drive Tourism and Date-Recommended Scenic Spot “Seitōji-san Observatory”