Weather Station Observation Deck

In short

Weather Station Observation Deck is an observatory located on an elevated area in the west of Chichijima Island, known as a famous sunset-viewing spot. Its name comes from the meteorological observatory that was once located here. From this elevated vantage point overlooking the ocean, you can also enjoy whale watching from land and gaze at the starry sky.

• ​Sunset on the Horizon​​: Over the horizon of the Pacific Ocean, the setting sun illuminates the sea's surface. It is also famous as a location where the "green flash," in which the sun momentarily glows green, can be easily seen.
• ​Whale Watching from Land​​: From January to April is the best season for land-based whale watching. If you are lucky, you might spot a humpback whale breaching.
• ​A Sky Full of Stars​​: After the sun goes down, a sky full of stars appears overhead. The starry sky of Ogasawara has been chosen as the best in Japan three times in the past.

History and Highlights

​Weather Station Observation Deck​ is an observatory located west of Futami Port, the gateway to Chichijima Island. It sits on Mount Funami facing the sea south of Mount Mikazuki, at an elevation of 150 meters. Because it is situated on high ground facing west, it is known as a famous spot for sunsets.

The name "Weather Station" originates from the meteorological station that was located here until the Chichijima Meteorological Observatory was relocated to Nishimachi, Chichijima in 1995 (Heisei 7). Today, a wooden deck stands where the station building once was.

From the observation deck, you can look out over the sea on the west side of Chichijima Island. You can enjoy the varied expressions of Ogasawara, including the deep azure sea known as "Bonin Blue." Because it is at the tip of a protruding cape, on clear days you can even see Hahajima Island beyond Minamijima Island.

On the topographic maps of the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, this whole area is marked as Mount Funami. On the other hand, the elders of Chichijima Island call it "Lion's Head."

Along the roadway from Futami Port to the observation deck are the ruins of the Chichijima Fortress Omura Second Battery. This is where two cannon guns were installed in 1940 (Showa 15) to protect Futami Port. Underground caves and pillboxes also remain, but entering the buildings is prohibited due to the danger.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Sunset and Green Flash​​: Over the Pacific horizon, the setting sun illuminates the water's surface. The phenomenon where the sun momentarily flashes green as it sinks below the horizon is called the "green flash." While this site is famous for providing good opportunities to see it, it is a rare phenomenon that even locals have rarely witnessed. When the sky turns red, not only tourists but also island residents gather here.
• ​Whale Watching from Land​​: Situated on high ground overlooking the sea, this spot is ideal for whale watching from land from January to April. Ogasawara is the birthplace of whale watching in Japan. A telescope or binoculars are needed to distinguish the spouts of whales from the hill. If you are lucky, you might see humpback whales breaching or slapping the water surface with their tail fins.
• ​Starry Sky​​: Once the sun sets, a sky full of stars reveals itself. The stars are so vivid that the Milky Way can be seen here even outside of summer, when it is typically most visible. The starry sky of Ogasawara was selected as the best in Japan three times, in 2011, 2012, and 2018.

Walking Tips

It is within walking distance of Futami Port, taking about 35 to 40 minutes on foot. From here, entering the Mount Mikazuki Trail and walking for about 10 to 15 minutes leads to a viewpoint at the 174.6-meter peak, where you can look down on Futami Port below. Depending on the guide, the name "Mount Mikazuki Observation Deck" refers either to this peak viewpoint or to the Weather Station Observation Deck. The Mount Mikazuki Trail is a military road dating from the pre-war era of the Chichijima Fortress. From the Weather Station Observation Deck, it is about 880 meters east-southeast to Omura Coast, and about 1.3 kilometers northeast to Miyanohama Beach.