Usui Pass Observatory (Miharashidai)
碓氷峠見晴台
A viewpoint on the Nagano–Gunma prefectural border at about 1,200 metres, with views of Mount Asama, Myogi, and the Southern Alps all at once.
The Miharashidai observation point sits on the summit of Usui Pass along the old Nakasendo road. From the grounds you can see the peaks of Mount Asama and Myogi, and on clear days even the Yatsugatake and Southern Alps. A line running beneath your feet marks the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures. There is also a poem monument commemorating a visit by the Indian poet Tagore. Admission is free. Next to it are the Kumano Kotai Shrine and a teahouse famous for its chikara mochi rice cakes, so you can visit them together. A seasonal red bus runs from Karuizawa Old Town in about 15 minutes (roughly April to November), or you can hike up in about an hour along the old Usui Pass trail.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Kumano Kotai Shrine
- Shaw Memorial Chapel
- St. Paul's Catholic Church
- Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza
- Karuizawa New Art Museum
- Yagasaki Park
- Former Mikasa Hotel
- Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort