Okinoshima Observation Spots
There are two observation areas on Mt. Tomi (182 m), the highest point on Jinoshima, with sweeping views of the Genkai Sea that extends to the west of the Kyushu coast. Okinoshima Observatory faces Okinoshima, a sacred island worshipped since ancient times. Around the region, places with views of Okinoshima are considered yohai, or spots for remote worship of the island deities, since visitors are not permitted on Okinoshima itself. Local people and hikers still come to these spots to pay their respects to the island.
There are English signs at Okinoshima Observatory to help visitors locate the island on the horizon. Next to the observation area are traces of stone walls, believed to be the remains of an Edo-period (1603–1867) guard house and watchtower, built for observing ships and spotting whales.
A second observation spot on the Mt. Tomi hiking path, Oshiki Observatory, is a clearing with views toward Kitakyushu.