Mount Washu (Washuzan) Second Observation Deck
鷲羽山 第二展望台
A viewpoint taking in both the Seto Ohashi Bridge, linking Honshu and Shikoku, and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Close to the car park and famous for sunsets.
The signature view of one of Japan's first national parks
Mount Washu (Washuzan) is a 133m hill on the Kojima Peninsula at the southern tip of Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. Its name comes from the way it looks from the north-east, like a washi (eagle) spreading its wings. In 1934 it became part of Setonaikai National Park, one of Japan's very first national parks, and it is regarded as one of the park's classic scenic spots.
There are several viewpoints on the hill. The Second Observation Deck is next to the Washuzan Rest House, and it is where most people stop first. It sits lower than the summit and gives an angled view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge from the north-east.
A panorama of the bridge and the islands
From the deck you can see the Seto Ohashi Bridge linking Honshu and Shikoku, and the Shiwaku Islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea. On clear days you can see all the way across the water to Shikoku.
Mount Washu is a famous sunset spot, chosen as one of Japan's 100 best places to see the setting sun. In the evening you can watch the bridge and islands turn the colours of the sunset. On some days the Seto Ohashi Bridge is lit up, so the night view after dark is another highlight.
Walking to the summit and the First Observation Deck
If you have time, it is well worth walking along the nature trail to the Washuzan Visitor Center (the First Observation Deck) near the summit, which has exhibits and a viewing terrace. A loop taking in the viewpoints takes about 60 minutes, including breaks.
The rest house has space for a light meal or a break. Opening hours may change, so check before you go.
Getting there
By train, go to JR Kojima Station and take a local bus (Shimoden Bus) to the Washuzan Daini Tenbodai stop. The ride takes about 30 minutes, and the deck is about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
By car it is about 10 minutes from the Kojima IC on the Seto-Chuo Expressway. There is a large free car park next to the deck.
Tips
- If you want to see the sunset, aim to arrive a little before sunset. The time of sunset varies a lot with the season.
- Local buses are not very frequent, so it is reassuring to check the time of your return bus first. On some days a sightseeing bus runs timed to the sunset.
- The Seto Ohashi Bridge is not lit up every night. If you are going for the night view, check the illumination dates in advance.
Sources
Updated 29 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
