Mt. Kagamiyama Observation Deck

Kagamiyama is a 284-meter-high mountain. From the observatory at the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of Karatsu Bay and Niji-no-matsubara.

During the daytime, visitors can fully enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. The beauty of the crystal clear sea and lush green islands unique to Saga is breathtaking. In particular, Niji-no-Matsubara, which can be viewed from this observatory, is popular and well-reputed among the locals. At night, the starry sky and illumination of the city unfold, overwhelming visitors with their mysterious charm.

It is also a popular spot for cherry blossoms and azaleas, and in spring, the 4-km trail becomes a tunnel of cherry blossoms.

Kagamiyama (Mt. Kagami)

Kagamiyama is a 284-meter-high mountain with a flat top. Kagamiyama is known for its trapezoidal shape, which is beautiful from any angle. It is also known as Mt.

At the top of the mountain is a spacious plaza, a perfect spot for relaxation. From here, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the city, the Nijinomatsubara pine grove, which is a special national scenic beauty spot, Karatsu Bay, and even the distant island of Iki.

The winding 5-kilometer road leading to the summit is popular as an ideal driving course.

Kagamiyama is also a mountain steeped in legend and has a long history, having been written about in the Manyoshu (The Anthology of Myriad Leaves). It is also famous as the setting of the tragic love story of Princess Matsuura Sayohime, who appears in “Hizen Fudoki” and “Manyoshu,

The name of the mountain is said to derive from the fact that Empress Jingu enshrined a mirror on the top of the mountain. The legend of Princess Matsuura Sayohime is also associated with Kagamiyama. It is said that Princess Sayohime bid farewell to Otomo Sayotehiko from the top of Kagamiyama while waving a ryofu, which gave rise to the mountain’s other name, “Mt.

The place where Princess Sayohime descended Kagamiyama in pursuit of her ship is Sayohime Iwa in Watada, Karatsu City, and other places associated with Princess Sayohime remain, such as Tajima Shrine in Yobuko Town.

In the Manyoshu (Anthology of Myriad Leaves), there is a song that says, “The name of the mountain is more than the name of a person far away, Matsuura Princess Sayohime, who swung a ryokin in love with her husband.

Kagamiyama is also famous for its cherry blossoms, azaleas, and other flowers. It is also known as a mecca for hang gliding, and now paragliding can also be enjoyed. It is worth seeing them soar comfortably amidst the vast sky and sea.

The summit is flat and trapezoidal in shape when seen from a distance. Along with Niji-no-Matsubara, it is a symbol of Karatsu City.

From the foot of the mountain to the summit, there is an automobile road and three walking trails. Recently, the 1,278-step Rainbow Staircase was built by volunteers. If accessed by car, the summit can be reached in about 10 minutes from the trailhead. If on foot, it will take from 30 to 60 minutes.

On the west side of the summit is the Kagamiyama Observatory, and on the east side is the Hihirifuri Observatory. From the observatory, you can see Nijinomatsubara, islands such as Takashima, Torishima, and Jinshujima in Karatsu Bay, and if weather permits, Himejima and Karasujima in Fukuoka Prefecture, as well as Iki in Nagasaki Prefecture. The view of Karatsu Castle, the city, and agricultural lands can also be seen from the top of the mountain.

Furthermore, there is a Kagamiyama Shrine, a radio tower, and a slope for hang-gliding at the summit. In May, azaleas are in full bloom, and the beautiful scenery can be enjoyed.

The name Kagamiyama is said to derive from the fact that Empress Jingu enshrined a mirror at the top of the mountain. The mountain is also known as “Mt.