Wouldn’t you like to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery of the metropolis of Osaka? We recommend the ″Five Observation Decks on Satsukiyama Driveway.” Satsukiyama Driveway has five observation decks from which you can see different views of Osaka. So, what kind of observation decks are each of the five observation decks? This time, we will introduce you to an easy-to-understand trip to see the spectacular views of Osaka from the five observation decks of Satsukiyama Driveway.
What is Satsukiyama Driveway?
Satsukiyama Driveway is a toll road located in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture. Satsukiyama is read as ″Satsukiyama”. The name comes from the fact that you can drive through the mountains of Mt. Satsuki. The official name is “Satsukiyama Park Main Route”. The driveway is a winding road with a series of S-shaped curves running through the Satsukiyama mountains.
What is Mt. Satsuki?
Satsukiyama is a mountain that spreads out almost in the center of Ikeda City. It is a symbol of Ikeda City. The altitude is 315.3m, and the altitude point is the Hinomaru Observation Deck near the summit. Since there are no obstacles in the surrounding area, you can see almost the whole of Osaka, including Ikeda City, Itami City, Osaka Plain, and Osaka Bay. Satsukiyama Driveway runs through the mountain.
5 observation decks in Satsukiyama Driveway
Here we will introduce the five observation decks located within Satsukiyama Driveway.
❶Observation Tower
The first observation deck from the Satsukiyama Driveway entrance is Ichiboudai.
The location is just beyond the tollgate on Satsukiyama Driveway. Its characteristics are that it is located at a low altitude, and there are many trees blocking the view, so it is difficult to see far. It is recommended as a place to take a break. There is a parking space for one car, an arbor, and benches on the premises.
❷Xiu Observation Tower
The second observation deck from the Satsukiyama Driveway entrance is Shubodai. As the name Shubodai suggests, it is the most scenic spot on Satsukiyama Driveway. If you go to the stone monuments of ″Torii” and “Hidebodai”, you can see a panoramic view of Ikeda City, Hanshin Expressway, Inagawa River, etc. The bench is also a romantic space where lovers can talk about their love at a popular night view spot. However, you can only park one or two cars.
❸May Taiwan
The third observation deck from the Satsukiyama Driveway entrance is Satsukidai.
It is an observation deck at an altitude of 190m, and is a scenic spot overlooking Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture. It has the widest field of view among the observation decks on Satsukiyama Driveway, offering up to 100 degrees of visibility. The recommended points are that the restrooms are the cleanest in Satsukiyama Driveway and that the lights are on even at night. Therefore, this observatory is especially recommended for women.
❹May Flat Observation Deck
The fourth observation deck from the Satsukiyama Driveway entrance is Satsukidaira Observation Deck. If you go down the narrow path beyond the parking lot, you will reach the spectacular view spot of Satsukidaira Observation Deck. Because the scenic spot is far from the parking lot, it is also known as a hidden scenic spot. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Ikeda City, the Hokusetsu area, Osaka Plain, and Itami Airport. Satsukidaira Observation Deck is a recommended spot to enjoy the night view of Osaka. However, there are no street lights, so be sure to bring a flashlight if you visit at night.
▲You will be walking on a road with no street lights, so a flashlight is essential at night.
▲You can also see planes taking off.
▲You can also see the view of Osaka’s skyscrapers.
❺ Hinomaru Observatory
The fifth observation deck from the Satsukiyama Driveway entrance is Hinomaru Observation Deck. It is located at the highest altitude of Satsukiyama Driveway. Hinomaru Observation Deck is an observation deck where you can enjoy the view from the top floor while climbing a spiral slope. It is also recommended as a night view spot and a place for daytime hiking. There are also play equipment such as slides. There is a parking lot for 30 cars and a restroom.
Satsukiyama Driveway access information
Here you will find detailed information about access to Satsukiyama Driveway. The address of Satsukiyama Driveway is “Ayaba 2-chome to Hata 3-chome, Ikeda City”.
❶Route from Ikeda City Hall to Satsukiyama Driveway by car
| Ikeda City Hall ⇒ Prefectural Route 9 ⇒ Satsukiyama Driveway |
The total travel distance is approximately 1.6km, and the travel time is approximately 6 minutes.
Summary
This time, we introduced how to completely conquer Osaka’s spectacular views from the five observation decks on Satsukiyama Driveway. Satsukiyama Driveway is the perfect driving course. Additionally, the five observation decks along the course offer spectacular views of Osaka day and night. When you visit Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, we recommend that you stop by the five observation decks along Satsukiyama Driveway.
▲Official website
Basic information of Satsukiyama Driveway
Here we will introduce basic information about Satsukiyama Driveway.
❶Year of opening
It opened in 1958. It was one of the first paid driveways built in Japan.
❷Location, total length, entrance, exit
The location is a road with a total length of about 2.8 km from Ayaba 2-chome to Hata 3-chome in Ikeda City in the Satsukiyama mountains. The entrance is a toll booth at the foot of Mt. Satsuki, and the exit is a general road that connects to Meiji-no-Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park and Minoh River Dam.
❸Owner
The owner is Ikeda City.
❹Fees
The prices are as follows.
Ordinary car: 300 yen
Large car: 700 yen
Motorcycles and mopeds are not allowed throughout the day.
Bicycles and pedestrians are allowed to pass, and there is no charge.
❺Business hours/holidays
Business hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The road will be closed outside of these hours.
We are open all year round.
❻About the observation deck
There are a total of five observation decks within Satsukiyama Driveway. From the entrance of Satsukiyama Driveway, these are Ichibodai, Shubodai, Satsukidai, Satsukidaira Observatory, and Hinomaru Observatory. Each observation deck has different characteristics, so we recommend stopping by each one when visiting Satsukiyama Driveway.
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