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Concrete Meiji Centennial Observation Tower with stacked platforms shaped like a pine tree at Futtsu Cape
Photo: 次田和宏, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chiba · viewpoint

Meiji Centennial Observation Tower, Futtsu Park

富津公園 明治百年記念展望塔

A pine-shaped tower at the tip of Cape Futtsu in Tokyo Bay, looking across to Kanagawa, central Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. A top sunset spot.

View from the tower along the narrow Futtsu Cape with roads, pine woods and sea on both sides
Photo: 690 Noda, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sun low over Tokyo Bay seen from the top of Futtsu Cape, with the pine-covered cape below
Photo: Shift, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pine-tree tower at the tip of Cape Futtsu

The Meiji Centennial Observation Tower stands in the prefectural Futtsu Park in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, at the very tip of Cape Futtsu, which juts out into Tokyo Bay. It was completed in 1971 to mark 100 years since the first year of the Meiji era (1868).

Its shape is modelled on the goyomatsu, the Japanese white pine, whose needles grow in bundles of five, and its viewing platforms are stacked one above another like branches, giving it a look all its own. The top level is 21.8m high.

Views across Tokyo Bay

From the top you can see across Tokyo Bay to Kanagawa Prefecture on the far shore, central Tokyo, and the hills of the Boso Peninsula. On days when the air is clear, Mount Fuji stands out sharply, and the tower has been chosen as one of the Kanto region's 100 best views of Mount Fuji.

On clear days you can also see the First and Second Kaiho, sea forts built in Tokyo Bay between the Meiji and Taisho eras (roughly the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries). There is a constant stream of ships coming and going across the bay, something you only get at a spot like this, and the sunsets here are famous too.

Getting there

By car, it is about 20 minutes from Kisarazu-minami IC on the Tateyama Expressway via National Route 16 and a prefectural road. The closest car park to the tower is Futtsu Park's No. 3 car park (about 100 spaces for regular cars, free).

By train, take a bus from Aohori Station on the JR Uchibo Line to the last stop, Futtsu Koen (Futtsu Park), then walk about 20 minutes. The tower is open every day of the year.

Tips

  • It is a famous sunset spot, so aim to arrive a little before the sun goes down.
  • It takes about 20 minutes on foot from the bus stop to the tower. Allow time for walking through the park when you plan your trip.
  • Large coaches cannot use the No. 3 car park, so they use car parks No. 1 and No. 2.

Sources

Updated 29 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.

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