Kagiyama Observatory
Also written: 鏡山展望台 · 镜山展望台
From the 284-meter summit, a vast panorama including Niji no Matsubara, Karatsu Bay, and on clear days even Iki Island unfolds.
An Illustrated Japan / Saga / Famous Views
About this place
At 283.56 meters, Mount Kagami in Karatsu, Saga is a trapezoidal sacred hill also called Hirefuri-yama. According to legend Empress Jingu enshrined a mirror on the summit to pray for victory in Korea, and Matsura Sayohime waved her scarf to her departing lover from here. The western Kagami Observatory offers a full 360-degree vista over Genkai Quasi-National Park. Below spreads Niji-no-Matsubara, one of Japan's three great pine groves, a Special Scenic Spot with about one million black pines stretching 500m wide and 4.5km long in a graceful arc along Karatsu Bay. You can see Takashima, Torishima, Kamitsushima and on clear days Iki Island, plus Karatsu Castle and patchwork paddies. The summit hosts Kagami Shrine and a small pond where carp feed, and azaleas bloom in May. Access is 10 minutes by car from the foot or 30-60 minutes walk via winding trails or the 1,278-step Rainbow Stairs maintained by volunteers. A beloved lovers' sanctuary and photo spot where city, farm and sea interweave. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience.
