Akaiwa Observatory

Akaiwa Observatory is situated on the cliffs above the striking Akaiwa, a 48-meter-tall vertical rock formation that emerges directly from the ocean. This location is particularly significant as a breeding ground for various seabirds, most notably the Oloron (guillemot), which breeds exclusively on Akaiwa within Japan. The surrounding cliffs also host the world’s largest colony of Rhinoceros Auklets, numbering approximately 800,000. Visitors can witness the spectacular sight of these birds returning to their colony in the evenings. The observatory provides a unique opportunity to observe these rare species in their natural habitat.