Noboryo Pass

In short

Noboryo Pass is a mountain pass located along the road connecting Mitsune and Sueyoshi on Hachijojima Island. It was named after the appearance of the pass road, which, when viewed from below, resembles a dragon ascending into the sky. The observation deck near the summit is known as one of the island's top scenic spots, competing for first or second place on Hachijojima, and is the only location on the island selected among the "New 100 Views of Tokyo."

• ​Mt. Hachijo-Fuji and Hachijokojima Island​​: Mt. Hachijo-Fuji towers directly in front of the observation deck, with Hachijokojima Island floating offshore.
• ​Ports and Towns Below​​: You can look down upon Sokodo Port, Kaminato Port, and the town of Mitsune, and watch ships arriving and departing from the ports as well as airplanes taking off and landing.
• ​Dusk Scenery​​: At twilight, you can enjoy the silhouette of Mt. Hachijo-Fuji appearing like a shadow play alongside the glowing town lights.

History and Highlights

Noboryo Pass is a mountain pass situated along the metropolitan road leading from the Mitsune district on the eastern side of Hachijojima Island to the Sueyoshi district in the island's southern part. The reading is "Noboryo Pass," and it is also referred to as "Noboryu Pass." It received this name because when looking up at the road ascending the pass from below, it looked just like a dragon climbing into the sky. The zigzagging pass road was likened to that figure. However, it is said that trees along the roadside have now grown thick, making it impossible to see the dragon-like shape of the road from below today.

The observation deck is located at the highest point of the road that circles the island. This observation deck is renowned as one of the finest scenic spots on Hachijojima Island, contending for first or second place, and was selected as one of the New 100 Views of Tokyo. It is the only place on the island to be chosen for the New 100 Views of Tokyo. Noboryo Park has been developed at the pass, featuring an observation deck, restrooms, and a parking lot.

From the observation deck, Mt. Hachijo-Fuji and Mt. Kando stand directly ahead, while Hachijokojima Island can be seen offshore. Below, a panoramic view of Sokodo Port, Kaminato Port, and the urban district of Mitsune unfolds. You can also look down upon Sokodo Port, Sokodo Beach, and Hachijojima Airport, allowing you to watch boats coming and going at the ports and planes taking off and landing.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Gaze at Mt. Hachijo-Fuji and Hachijokojima Island​​: Standing on the observation deck, Mt. Hachijo-Fuji rises in front of you, with Hachijokojima Island floating offshore. Alongside the observation decks at Hachijo-Fuji Fureai Pasture and Osaka Tunnel, it is a fine spot for commemorative photos.
• ​Look for Island Silhouettes on Clear Days​​: On clear days, you may sometimes spot Miyakejima Island and Mikurajima Island across the sea.
• ​Town Lights at Twilight​​: At dusk, you can enjoy the view created by the silhouette of Mt. Hachijo-Fuji, resembling a shadow picture, and the evening lights of the town.

Tips for Exploring

The observation deck at Noboryo Pass is about a 15-minute drive from Sokodo Port. The pass road can be ascended from either the Mitsune side or the Sueyoshi side. Along the way on both the Mitsune and Sueyoshi sides, there are wall decorations shaped like dragons. At the observation deck, first take in the view of Mt. Hachijo-Fuji and Hachijokojima Island in front of you, then turn your gaze to the ports, the airport, and the townscape of Mitsune below. If you cross the pass and head down toward Sueyoshi, you will find Miharashi-no-Yu, an open-air bath overlooking the sea. For more details on Mt. Hachijo-Fuji, please also refer to the guide for Mt. Hachijo-Fuji.