Kurofune Observatory — Attraction in Shimoda

Kurofune Observatory (黒船展望台) on Mount Nesugata offers more of the same beautiful bay view—but from a slightly fresh angle. It’s not a destination in itself, but as part of the broader summit walk, it adds charm, context, and another fun photo op. (3/5)

Full Review: Kurofune Observatory – A Quiet Addition to the Mount Nesugata Experience Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

If Mount Nesugata is a layered cake of scenic viewpoints, history, and quiet strolls, then the Kurofune Observatory (黒船展望台) is one of its lighter tiers—pleasant, simple, and complementary rather than standalone.

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Shimoda Ropeway Summit Station, this observation deck delivers another beautiful angle of Shimoda Bay, with a few unique details to distinguish it from the other nearby viewpoints. In truth, the view doesn’t change drastically between the multiple lookout points on Mount Nesugata, but even so, each location adds its own subtle texture. At the Kurofune Observatory, that texture includes a dramatic replica anchor, bolted to the platform, which functions as both a directional marker and a solid photo backdrop. It’s a thoughtful detail: inscribed around it are names and compass directions to global landmarks like New York City, Tokyo Skytree, Mount Fuji, Taipei, and the Maokong Gondola—a quirky touch that ties local scenery into a more international narrative.

Then there’s the “Black Ship” sighting element, which thematically echoes the area's history with the arrival of foreign ships during the late Tokugawa period. Spotting a refurbished historic-style ship sailing the bay, even if it’s a replica or sightseeing vessel, provides a fun nod to the past and adds a sense of continuity to your exploration. And for those who want a closer look, there are the ubiquitous 100-yen binoculars—a tourist staple from Tokyo Tower to seaside lookouts around the world. Familiar, yes, but sometimes that’s the point.

The Kurofune Observatory is not a blockbuster attraction. It’s modest, quiet, and mostly serves as an extra waypoint on the broader circuit of Mount Nesugata’s summit offerings. Taken in isolation, it might not warrant a stop, but when folded into the complete Mount Nesugata experience—alongside the Shimoda Ropeway, the First Black Ship Sighting site, and The Royal House restaurant—it does just enough to earn a place in your visit.

Final verdict? A respectable 3 out of 5. Not a must-see, but certainly not a waste of time either. If you're already on the mountain, it’s worth the few minutes it takes to enjoy the view, snap a photo, and appreciate the quiet charm this spot brings to the...

山頂ロープウェイ駅から、寝姿展望台→石割楠→黒船展望台という順路で10分ほど歩くと着きます。下田港と太平洋の絶景は素晴らしいですが、寝姿展望台から見る景色とあまり変わりないように思います。

黒船展望台には、「地球が丸く見えませんか？」と書かれた錨があり、記念写真を撮るのに最高のスポットです。写真を撮った時は逆光だったせいもあり、錨に書かれた文字は残念ながら写りませんでした。

この展望台の入口には、「拳をなでると幸運が訪れる！？」と書かれた坂本龍馬君の親しみやすい像があります。自分も龍馬君の拳をなでましたが、皆さんがなでるので拳のあたりは黒...

やっぱり眺望がめちゃくちゃ良くて感動したよ！海も見えるし、遠くの景色も一望できて、まさに絶景って感じ。天気が良かったから、青い海と空が広がってて、写真もいっぱい撮っちゃった。ちょっとした休憩スポットとしても最高だし、景色を楽しみながらゆったりできるのがいいよね。夜に行けば夜景もきれいだろうし、また違った雰囲気も味わえそう。とにかく、景色重視の人には絶対おすすめの場所だよ！眺めを楽しむだけでも十分価値あるし、...