A Drive to the Kanpuzan Rotating Observatory Looking up at the grassy hill, then taking a bite of Anpura Mochi

I parked at Kanpuzan on a June afternoon. I’d driven with the top down, so I could still feel the wind in my hair. When I closed the door and looked up, I saw a round observatory on top of the grassy hill. My eyes followed the stairs leading up to it, and I could hardly wait to see what kind of sea view there was from the top.

I’d heard the observation room takes 13 minutes to make a full turn. I wouldn’t have to walk around in circles; the view would slowly shift around me instead. I thought I was looking out to sea, then realized the land was spreading out before me too. I wanted to stay a little longer. Even waiting to see what would come into view at the window next became part of the fun.

The summit is covered in lawn, with nothing to block the view. As I traced the distant coastline, I felt as if I could see far beyond the road ahead. I was moved by the thought that I’d driven all the way here myself.

For a break, I tried Anpura Mochi. The word “anpura” means potato in the Oga dialect. When I first heard the name, I pictured a sweet mochi. But one bite of the mochi with sesame-miso sauce and I immediately wanted another. I came away with a new local word and a snack I knew I’d remember.

I went back to the car, still holding my skewer, and looked up at the hill once more. The observatory had looked so far away a moment ago, but I’d been right up there. I’d been about to take a bite, but the building and the stairs caught my eye and my hand just stopped. I wanted to eat and take in the view at the same time. I couldn’t decide where to look first.

After my last bite, I set down the empty plate. I’d already seen the view from the top, but I still wanted to remember the shape of the grassy hill. Heading back down the slope, I kept my eyes on the road and my hands on the wheel, feeling the breeze coming in through the window. On my next trip to Oga, I’d like to make time for another break like this.