Sokodai Observatory
Overview
The Sokodai Observatory is 680 m above sea level and is about fifteen minutes by car from the Akankohan Eco-museum Center on National Highway Route 241, the road leading to the town of Teshikaga. Sokodai means “two lakes observatory.” Lake Penketo is to the right, and with Lake Panketo to the left. The two lakes are located in the mountain range that forms the outer rim of the Akan Caldera.
The original Lake Akan was formed approximately 150,000 to 100,000 years ago. Approximately 10,000 to 6,000 years ago, Mt. Oakan was created through volcanic activity in the middle of the enormous Old Lake Akan, dividing it into the three separate lakes visible today: Lake Akan, Lake Panketo, and Lake Penketo.
In autumn, this observatory offers a spectacular view of the forest as it changes color. The view is especially serene early in the morning when wisps of fog pass through the valley.