Silo Observatory

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 Updated

Panoramic Views of Lake Toya

Silo Observatory is located off the shores from Lake Toya, providing tourists and travelers with superb panoramic views of Lake Toya, Mt. Usu, Nakajima Island, and Mt. Showa from the observation decks. Guests can also see Mt. Yotei, the Niseko mountain range, and Mt. Kurogatake. The observation deck has it's own small area for dogs to play and the charming Cafe Balher is right next to the platforms. Cafe Balher is a must for their parfaits made with fresh, Hokkaido soft-serve ice cream. During the year, there are plenty festivals and events to enjoy from the viewing platforms of Silo Observatory. Some events include Lake Toya's firework shows, the Hokkaido Marathon, and the Lake Toya Tsukiura Wine & Gourmet Festival. There's also a helipad at the observatory used for helicopter and sky cruising during select seasons. Famed as one of Hokkaido's top photography spots, the observatory is a can't miss attraction when traveling through the nature filled prefecture of Hokkaido.

Great Dining Options

During your adventures at Silo Observatory, be sure to explore one of the delicious restaurants onsite. The second floor of the observatory's main building boasts a wide dining area, often filled with tour groups and travelers stopping for the local specialties of Hokkaido. The restaurant can seat up to 216 guests (54 tables; each seat 4) and offers a variety of Hokkaido cuisine. This includes sea-food platters and hot-pot, sukiyaki, bento lunch boxes, shabu-shabu, teppan-yaki, and Jingisukan Hokkaido BBQ. The 2F dining also offers group cooking experiences teaching classes such as: jam making, soba making, ice-cream making, cheese making, and pizza making. These classes do require a reservation made at least one week in advanced to enjoy these interactive Japanese experiences.

Local Specialties of Hokkaido

While the second floor is dedicated to restaurant space, the first floor offers a wide range of famous Hokkaido souvenirs and confectioneries. Some snacks include Lake Toya's own Wakasa Imo cakes, small-bean cakes meant to be reminiscent to the flavors of a cooked sweet potato. Sweet Potatoes weren't as common in Hokkaido, but that didn't stop the locals from finding a way to enjoy a snack that tastes like sweet potatoes. The first floor also has dairy products from Bokka no Sato, a dairy farm that produces high quality yogurt and milks. Other popular Hokkaido snacks like Shiroi Koibito cookies and premium Royce Chocolates.

Looking forward to exploring the island of Hokkaido? Join Japan Deluxe Tours on our fully guided Hokkaido Tour packages available year round, or contact your travel agent to arrange a custom private tour through Japan's northern island.