Omigawa, Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture
Exploring Kamomegahana Observatory (Lover's Cape) Sasa Dango with Views of the Red Yoneyama Bridge and Sea of Japan
On a July afternoon, I'm heading to Kamomegahana Observatory in Kashiwazaki. From there, you can take in Mt. Yoneyama, the red Yoneyama Bridge, and rocky reefs along the coast. I've packed sasa dango for the trip and want to stop for a snack with a sea view.
On a sunny July afternoon, I set off for the cape with sasa dango packed for the trip. Let's take a break and look out over the coast, from the red Yoneyama Bridge to the rocky reefs closer in.
SummerA sunny July afternoon
Unwrapping Sasa Dango by the Sea
On a sunny afternoon in July, I parked in the car park and headed for Kamomegahana Observatory. I was wearing a pale blue checked top and white shorts, with my sunglasses pushed up on my head. When I walked up to the wooden fence, the Sea of Japan opened up before me.
In the distance, a red bridge crosses the green coastline. So this is what Yoneyama Bridge looks like from here. The coast stretches out from the foot of the mountain, and as I let my gaze travel along it beneath the bridge, the rocky reefs closer in come into view.
I took out the sasa dango I'd brought and untied its string. As I opened the bamboo leaf, the scent of mugwort drifted up. I'd packed this snack so I could eat it with a sea view, and now it was finally time.
One bite, and sweet bean paste peeked out from the chewy dough. I took my time savouring the sweetness and the bamboo-leaf aroma. With the wide-open sea in front of me, I got completely absorbed in the little treat in my hands.
I watched as I ate: waves hit the rocks below, frothing white before they drew back. It's lovely to see the bridge in the distance and the waves right below me in the same view. Heart-shaped plaques lined the wooden fence. Maybe I'll watch the waves until I finish my sasa dango.
I folded the bamboo leaf closed, then looked back toward Yoneyama Bridge. I drove here, got out of the car, and took in the coast below the bridge and the rocks closer in as I ate my sasa dango. I could watch those waves break against the rocks and slide back out to sea forever. I want to stop here again on my next coastal drive.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
A local treat to try on the road
Niigata Sasa Dango
A Niigata specialty of sweet bean paste wrapped in mugwort dough and then in bamboo leaves. I'd like to pack some before setting off and enjoy it at the lookout. I'm already looking forward to the bamboo-leaf scent when I unwrap it and that first chewy bite.
Highlights
Mt. Yoneyama and the Red Yoneyama Bridge
The view of Mt. Yoneyama and Yoneyama Bridge is a classic Kashiwazaki scene. I love tracing the coastline with my eyes once I've picked out the red bridge.
Views from the Cape to the Rocky Reefs
From this lookout, you can take in the entire Fukuura Coast. I'd like to take my time watching not just the distant mountain and bridge, but also the waves rolling in against the rocks closer in.
Route and walk details
Walking path around Kamomegahana Observatory
Sea of Japan, Fukuura Coast, Mt. Yoneyama, and the red Yoneyama Bridge
Once you've parked, take a walk to enjoy the cape's views. If I'm stopping here on a coastal drive, I'd bring sasa dango along for a snack break.
More Spot Guides
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