Mt. Kano Kujukutani Observatory Park

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Mt. Kano Kujukutani Observatory Park

Acclaimed sea of clouds, starry night skies and dazzling first sunrise of the year await at this mountain lookout point.

4.07 2

Last update :
Head Editor : Kimitsu City

Billowing in the Bōsō Hills, Mount Kano is the second-highest peak in Chiba prefecture, ranked in at a staggering 379 meters high. The southside opens to the wide Kujukutani Valley, a scenic area shaped by natural erosion. True to its name, the landscape features countless overlapping mountains and valleys, creating one of the most beautiful views in the region.

Travelers to the mountain summit will find an observatory park known for sweeping panoramas over Kujukutani. Specifically, the acclaimed “sea of clouds” phenomenon is known to form in early mornings from September to December. As layers of mist drift through the valleys, the mountain ridges emerge in the full drama of billowing waves. Many say the area just before sunrise looks like an ink painting, while the post-sunrise glow gives a hue that is just as unmissable. The best conditions for this famed phenomenon include a mix of a clear morning following rainfall, calm winds overnight, and a temperature difference of more than 10°C from the previous day, making it all the more special to witness.

Beyond the sea of clouds, visitors can enjoy autumn foliage, night views, and star-filled skies depending on the season and time of day. On New Year’s Day, the park becomes a popular spot for viewing the first sunrise of the year, so expect heavy traffic in the surrounding area.

Highlights

  • A park located at the summit of Mount Kano, the second-highest peak in the prefecture.
  • One of Bōsō’s most scenic spots, known for its layers of overlapping mountains and valleys.
  • The sea of clouds that often appears in the early mornings from autumn to winter is a breathtaking sight.
  • Visitors can enjoy different views depending on the season and time of day, including nightscapes, starry skies, and autumn foliage.
  • On New Year’s Day, the park is crowded with visitors who come to watch the first sunrise of the year.

Photos

  • The sight of mountain ridgelines emerging through the mist is truly breathtaking.
Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

    The sight of mountain ridgelines emerging through the mist is truly breathtaking. Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

  • The sea of clouds illuminated by the morning sun has an almost divine beauty.
Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

    The sea of clouds illuminated by the morning sun has an almost divine beauty. Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

  • The park is also a popular spot for enjoying nightscapes and starry skies.
Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

    The park is also a popular spot for enjoying nightscapes and starry skies. Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

  • Visitors can admire the stunning landscape of countless mountain ridges, true to the name “Kujūkudani.”
Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

    Visitors can admire the stunning landscape of countless mountain ridges, true to the name “Kujūkudani.” Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

  • The park features rest areas such as gazebos and restrooms.
Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

    The park features rest areas such as gazebos and restrooms. Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

  • In autumn, the park is adorned with spectacular foliage.
Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

    In autumn, the park is adorned with spectacular foliage. Photo provider: Kimitsu City, Chiba

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Sorry, we don’t.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

There is no city-provided Wi-Fi available.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Q

Are there restrooms available?

A

Yes. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are also available.

Q

Are there any smoking areas?

A

Not available.

Reviews

2

Partially translated by AI.

  • The view is so open, with layers of misty valleys that look just like an ink painting. It feels especially dreamy if you come in the morning or at sunset. Perfect spot to relax and snap some photos!

  • Mt. Kano Kujukutani Observatory Park is absolutely gorgeous! Standing on the observation deck, you see layers of valleys that look like a painting. On clear days, the drifting mist makes it feel almost magical. Early mornings or evenings are super romantic—great for photos and just chilling out. The air is so fresh, it really helps you unwind.

Details

Name in Japanese
鹿野山九十九谷展望公園
Postal Code
292-1155
Address
119-1 Kanozan, Kimitsu City, Chiba
Telephone
0439-56-1325 (Kimitsu City Economic Development Division Tourism Development Team)
Closed
Free to walk
Business Hours
Walk anytime
Admission
Free
Access
(1) From JR Uchibō Line Sanukimachi Station, take the Nittō Kōtsū Bus for 30 minutes and get off at “Jinnoji” bus stop, then walk for 10 minutes.
(2) About 15 minutes by car from Tateyama Expressway Kimitsu Smart Interchange.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)