Kirosan Observatory Park
亀老山展望公園
A lookout on a 307.8m summit at the south tip of Oshima, Shimanami Kaido, looking straight down on the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and its swirling strait.
A mountain overlooking the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido
Mount Kiro (Kirosan) is a 307.8m peak at the southern tip of Oshima, an island in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Oshima lies along the Shimanami Kaido, the chain of bridges linking Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari, and the summit area is part of Setonaikai (Seto Inland Sea) National Park.
From the lookout at the summit you can see the whole of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, which spans the water between Oshima and Imabari. Made of three suspension bridges in a row, it was the world's first triple suspension bridge. The Kurushima Strait beneath it is one of Japan's three great fast-current straits, famous for its rushing tides. On clear days you may even see Mount Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan. In 2017, "the Kurushima Strait seen from the summit of Mount Kiro" was chosen as one of the Shikoku 88 Scenic Views.
The "invisible lookout" designed by Kengo Kuma
The lookout was designed by the architect Kengo Kuma and completed in 1994. The structure is buried into the mountain with trees planted on top, so that from a distance it barely stands out at all.
You walk along a narrow passage between walls, climb to the top of the stairs, and suddenly a panorama of the Seto Inland Sea opens up. As you walk around the viewing areas, linked by wooden bridges and stairs, you can enjoy the scenery from slightly different angles.
A night-time sky walk
On 25 March 2026, the park began lighting up after dark as the KIROSAN NIGHT SKY WALK. The lights come on after sunset, and you can enjoy them together with the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, which is lit up on a regular basis, and the night view of central Imabari. Lighting times change with the seasons, so check the Imabari City website.
Getting there
By car, it is about 10 minutes from the Oshima-minami interchange on the Shimanami Kaido (Nishiseto Expressway), and about 20 minutes from central Imabari. Entry to the park is free, and there is a free car park.
The nearest local bus stop is about a two-hour walk away, so going by bus is not realistic. If you are cycling across the Shimanami Kaido, one option is to start from the rental cycle terminal at the Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan roadside station (michi-no-eki, a rest stop with local shops). According to Imabari City, allow about 40 minutes for your visit.
Tips
- From 24 September 2026 until 10 January 2027 (planned), part of the car park cannot be used because of construction work. If you are driving, be prepared for the possibility that you may not be able to park.
- You have to climb to a summit 307.8m high, so if you are going by bike, allow plenty of energy and time.
- The view is completely different by day and by night. Try arriving in the late afternoon and staying from sunset through to the night view.
Sources
Updated 29 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
