Aburayama, Fukuoka City
Aburayama Katae Observatory A hot dog, then up the steps to the city lights
Once I'd parked, I took a little break with a hot dog. The sky beyond the trees was beginning to darken, and I settled my coat around me again. That's what I like about Katae Observatory: after a small break like this, you can go and see the city at night.
Read about my trip and the views I found at Aburayama Katae Observatory in the twilight of early autumn, in September.
AutumnEarly autumn, at twilight in September
A hot dog, then up the steps to the city lights
After sunset, I stood beside my red car in the car park. In one hand was a hot dog, a sausage tucked into a bun. I folded the paper down a little and took a bite, which reminded me how hungry I was. A snack after the drive up a mountain road makes me want to take my time. With my coat still open, I decided to rest here first.
Trees surrounded the car, and I could see a curved concrete wall and some steps. Instead of looking for city lights as I ate, I decided to enjoy the bun in front of me for now. I called to my driving friend, 'Let's head up when we've finished.' I wanted to enjoy our break in the little car park first, then our time on the viewing terrace.
Once I'd put away the hot dog wrapper, I climbed the steps to a place overlooking Fukuoka. Katae Observatory is partway up Aburayama, and apparently it offers a 120-degree panorama centred on the city. While there was still a little light in the sky, I watched more and more city lights come on. Just facing another way made the view so different from the car park a moment ago.
I'd heard that on clear days you can see as far as Uminonakamichi, across Hakata Bay. As night deepened, my eyes went to the city lights rather than the outline of the sea. I'd come here after spending time in Tenjin, and now I was looking at that same city from a distance. My friend and I stayed a little longer, talking about places we recognised.
A stall near Katae Observatory is also listed as selling hot dogs. A little meal to enjoy on an evening trip, followed by some time looking at the view. Even on a busy day, it would be lovely to have a break that unfolds like this. Drawing the sleeves of my coat close against the September night breeze, I found myself wanting to stay a little longer.
Back down the steps, my red car was waiting in the tree-lined car park. The city at night and the hot dog I'd eaten beside the car. Even somewhere close by can give you new memories of a trip. On the way home, I'd follow the Aburayama sightseeing road we'd driven up earlier, back into the city we'd been looking down on.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Hot dogs
A snack sold at the stall near the observatory. Taking a break in the car park and slowly enjoying a bite of sausage in a bun feels good too.
Highlights
A 120-degree view across Fukuoka
Partway up Aburayama, the view opens towards the city and Hakata Bay. After my hot dog and the climb up the steps, I couldn't stop watching more city lights appear. It was interesting to look from a distance at the city where I'd just been spending time in Tenjin.
A little hot dog break
Apparently there's a stall selling hot dogs near the observatory. After enjoying a snack, set aside a little time to take in the view from the terrace.
Driving and walking details
To Katae Observatory via the Aburayama sightseeing road
- Approximate drive from Tenjin
- About 30 minutes by car from Tenjin
- Elevation of Aburayama
- 597 m (Aburayama summit)
Follow Route 202 towards Ropponmatsu, then take the Aburayama sightseeing road to the observatory partway up the mountain.
About 30 minutes is the estimated journey time from the Tenjin area; 597 m is the elevation of Aburayama's summit. Katae Observatory is partway up the mountain.
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