Rokko Shidare Observatory on a beautiful day (Dec 2025)

Made the trek up from Arima Onsen to the top of Mt. Rokko via the ropeway, and I swung by the observatory at the top. It's a very interesting structure, surrounded by mini art installations, but unfortunately wasn't 100% open – some parts were under repair. The second and third shots are from the interior; the top is open to let rain into the middle.

Be careful if you ride the rope slide thingy on the way in, btw. No guardrails on that, I bonked myself pretty good trying to hang on and failing like the klutz I am.

Photos taken with my Nikon Z6ii and edited with Lightroom.

by hyouko