Nanao Mt. Jo Observation Platform
Near the top of Mt. Jo in Nanao, a two-story observation platform commands views of the Noto Peninsula, with the site of Nanao Castle to the west, Nanao Bay and Noto Island to the north, and Toyama Bay to the east. The seven-sided observatory is built around a central pillar. Each side faces one of the seven mountain ridges from which Nanao (nana means seven), derives its name. The observation deck is 380 meters above sea level and affords a magnificent view of the nearby Nanao Castle site.
On the second floor, a large panoramic photograph indicates the positions of major landmarks in the distance. Signs in Japanese around the central pillar tell the story of Nanao Castle and the Hatakeyama family who ruled the Noto Peninsula in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. There are explanatory signs about the castle and the family in English along the road between the entrance to the castle site and the observation platform.
The observation platform is about 700 meters from the castle site, along a narrow, winding road. There is a car park with toilet facilities and a small park next to the observation deck. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in the park. Entrance to the castle site and the observation platform is free and open 24 hours a day.