Midorigaoka Park Observatory

Tomakomai all around

Karin Wu Sep 14, 2013 - 1 min read

The observatory is a part of Midorigaoka Park

The small shop on the first floor with Hokkaido related goods

Train conductor hats in the kids educational playroom

Explanatory guides on each of the four sides of the tower point out important landmarks

From certain views, Tomakomai looks like an ordinary Japanese city

The long straight streets of Hokkaido set it apart from the rest of Japan

For locals, a favorite activity is to look for your own house! Can you see it?

Seeing the ocean was my favorite part of the view

So grab a seat and a cup of coffee and enjoy away!

A half hour drive from New Chitose Airport, Midorigaoka Observatory is excellent for looking out over Tomakomai and the surrounding areas, even out to the ocean. And it’s perfect for tourists like me with a limited budget – it’s free! Found in Midorigaoka Park, the observatory has a small shop, an educational playroom for kids, and of course, the observatory deck on the top floor. With explanatory boards that point out important buildings and landmarks to look out for, as well as chairs and even a coffee machine, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.

Karin Wu @karin.wu

Hi! I'm Karin Wu and I'm currently living and working in Tokyo. I took part in the photojournalism internship for JapanTravel in 2013, and I now contribute every so often when I can get out on the weekends. Writing is a passion of mine, and this site gives me not only an additional excuse to expl...