While exploring around Otaru Station on an electric bicycle, I spotted a spot called "Asahi Observatory" on the map. However, I saw that the entrance to climb up was a bit far from the station and that the road was quite steep, so I decided to skip it. But by chance, I came across a sign that read "Asahi Observatory Direction Mountain Path Approx. 750m". Peeking down the narrow path, it looked pretty rugged—the kind of place locals probably don't use much, lol. But I decided I had to try it, parked my bike on the side, and set off. It took a little over 15 minutes one way, I think. The vegetation was thick and wild, and the slope partway up was really steep. But the view of Otaru city below, seen after working up a sweat, was pretty fantastic.
Sunrise Observatory
