Godaisan Observatory - Image 1
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Godaisan Observatory Kochi Japan

3.4
·5 reviews·Kochi, Japan

Mt. Godai in Kochi offers serene temples, a beautiful botanical garden, and former observatory site with city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Clearer views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Godaisan Observatory - Image 1

Godaisan Observatory Kochi Japan

Best Time

Morning

Clearer views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Mt. Godai in Kochi offers serene temples, a beautiful botanical garden, and former observatory site with city views.

3.4
(5 reviews)

"The Makino Botanical Garden is a more rewarding experience than the observatory itself."

Vertical photo
TIP

Combine with Botanical Garden

Don't skip the Makino Botanical Garden; it's a more rewarding experience than the observatory alone. :seedling:

Explore the Temples

Wander through the temples on Mt. Godai for a peaceful and spiritual interlude. :temple_buddhist:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Observatory Deck

Capture sweeping vistas of Kochi City and the surrounding landscape from the observatory's vantage point.

Makino Botanical Garden

Makino Botanical Garden

Foot of Mt. Godai

Discover a diverse collection of plant species in this beautifully maintained garden, a highlight for many visitors.

Temples of Mt. Godai

Temples of Mt. Godai

Mt. Godai Slopes

Stroll through serene temple grounds, offering a peaceful spiritual experience amidst nature.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While the observatory offers panoramic views, the surrounding park and Makino Botanical Garden are best enjoyed during daylight hours. Consider visiting in the morning to avoid potential afternoon crowds and enjoy clearer skies for photography.

Beyond the Observatory

Many visitors find the observatory itself underwhelming. For a more rewarding experience, plan to explore the adjacent Makino Botanical Garden and the temples on Mt. Godai. This offers a richer discovery of the area's natural and spiritual beauty.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, fall foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ro-Ro Ferry service , Kochi #traveldiaries #sanchari #wanderlust #naturelove #kerala #godsowncountry #kochi #backwaters #ferry #fortkochi
@ranji.th
319K likes • 14.4M views

Combine with Botanical Garden

Don't skip the Makino Botanical Garden; it's a more rewarding experience than the observatory alone. :seedling:

Explore the Temples

Wander through the temples on Mt. Godai for a peaceful and spiritual interlude. :temple_buddhist:

Thank you so much Kerala for your special magic and huge love ❤️🙏🏽 God bless u all. See u again very soon ! More coming very soon 😍🔥#kochi #kerala #uniyettan #india #foryoupage #fyp #maasai #tanzania #kilipaul❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #fyp #tanzania
@kili_pl
6.3K likes • 107.5K views
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sena___1515
838 likes • 0 views

Check Observatory Status

The observatory building has been removed. Confirm current facilities before your visit. :information_desk:

Photography Opportunities

Capture stunning night views and landscapes, especially during autumn. :camerawithflash:

久しぶりの五台山で爆走するバンデ🐾 #デカポメ #ポメラニアン #ポメスタグラム #ポメラニアン大好き #ポメラニアンの日常 #仔熊犬連合 #ポメラニアンクリーム #五台山 #bigpomeranian #pomeranianlife #pomeranian #pomstagram
takimof
279 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Combine with Botanical Garden

Don't skip the Makino Botanical Garden; it's a more rewarding experience than the observatory alone. :seedling:

Explore the Temples

Wander through the temples on Mt. Godai for a peaceful and spiritual interlude. :temple_buddhist:

Check Observatory Status

The observatory building has been removed. Confirm current facilities before your visit. :information_desk:

Photography Opportunities

Capture stunning night views and landscapes, especially during autumn. :camerawithflash:

Consider a Day Trip

Combine your visit with other Kochi attractions for a full day of exploration. :bus:

What Travellers Say

3.4
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

While the former observatory building is no longer a feature, visitors can still enjoy the natural beauty and spiritual sites of Mt. Godai. The Makino Botanical Garden is a significant highlight, offering a rich botanical experience. Some visitors feel the area is less compelling without the observatory, but the gardens and temples provide a worthwhile alternative.

"To come here for this? Not worth at all. Nothing much. But what you can do is stroll down towards the Makino Botanical Garden, you will pass a temple. Continue to follow the signage to bring you to garden. Then, your discovery is perhaps a little worthy."

JooZoo WG

"When I went to Mt. Godai for the first time in a while, the building was gone."

あき

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なかなか

What People Like

Makino Botanical Garden
Temple grounds
City views

What People Dislike

Observatory building removed
Nothing much at observatory site

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

To reach the Godaisan area, you can take a bus from Kochi Station towards Godaisan or the Makino Botanical Garden. Some visitors also mention using ferry services in Kochi, though this is more for general city exploration than direct access to the observatory. :bus:
TikTok

Yes, buses are available from Kochi Station that stop near Mt. Godai and the Makino Botanical Garden, making it accessible via public transport. :bus:

While the observatory building itself is gone, driving to the Mt. Godai area is possible. Parking availability might vary, especially during peak seasons. :car:

Many visitors recommend combining a visit to the former observatory site with the Makino Botanical Garden and the temples on Mt. Godai for a comprehensive experience. :walking:
Reddit

The area is part of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage route, with temples scattered across Mt. Godai, offering a spiritual journey for those interested. :walking:
Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The observatory building has been removed, so there is no specific ticket required for the observatory site itself. However, the Makino Botanical Garden has an admission fee. :ticket:

As the observatory building is no longer present, there are no specific opening hours for it. The surrounding park and temples are generally accessible during daylight hours. The Makino Botanical Garden has its own operating hours. :clock:

The Mt. Godai area itself, including the temples, is generally free to access. The Makino Botanical Garden, however, does have an admission fee. :moneywithwings:

Information on online booking for the Makino Botanical Garden is not readily available, but tickets can typically be purchased at the garden's entrance. :ticket:

The Shingujinja shrine on Mt. Godai hosts seasonal festivals, such as the Autumn Grand Festival, which can be a unique cultural experience. :calendar:
Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

While the observatory building is gone, the surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially capturing the city views and the natural beauty of Mt. Godai. :camerawithflash:
Instagram

Yes, night photography is popular in Kochi, and the views from the Mt. Godai area can be stunning after dark, offering city lights and starry skies. :nightwithstars:
Instagram

Many visitors enjoy capturing the serene temple grounds, the diverse flora in the botanical garden, and the scenic vistas. Portrait photography is also seen in the area. :camerawithflash:
Instagram

Consider visiting during autumn for pleasant weather and potential fall foliage. Experiment with different angles to capture the expansive views and the spiritual ambiance of the temples. :map:
Instagram

Yes, photography is generally permitted at the temples on Mt. Godai, allowing you to capture their architectural beauty and serene atmosphere. Please be respectful of worshippers. :pray:

🎫 🌳 Nature & Gardens

The Makino Botanical Garden is a significant attraction on Mt. Godai, featuring a wide variety of plant species. It's often recommended as a highlight for visitors. :seedling:
Reddit

Absolutely. Mt. Godai offers a natural environment with walking paths, temples, and the botanical garden, making it ideal for leisurely strolls and enjoying the outdoors. :hiking_boot:

The garden boasts a diverse collection of plants, including many native to Kochi and Japan, offering a beautiful display throughout the seasons. :flowerplayingcards:

Yes, the temples, the botanical garden, and various viewpoints offer beautiful scenery. The area is also known for its autumn colors. :map:

The Makino Botanical Garden and the open spaces on Mt. Godai can be enjoyable for families. The garden offers educational opportunities about plants. :child:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Mt. Godai will find the Makino Botanical Garden particularly engaging for children. It offers a chance to explore different plants and enjoy open spaces. While the observatory building is gone, the garden and the general atmosphere of Mt. Godai provide a pleasant outing. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as facilities might be limited. :child:
Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those who love nature, Mt. Godai offers a refreshing escape. You can enjoy leisurely walks through the Makino Botanical Garden or explore the paths connecting the various temples. The area provides scenic views and a chance to immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna. :hiking_boot:
Instagram

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find ample opportunities on Mt. Godai, especially for landscape and night photography. The city views, temple architecture, and the beauty of the botanical garden offer diverse subjects. Autumn is particularly recommended for its pleasant light and potential for colorful foliage. :camerawithflash:
Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Godaisan Observatory: A Shift in Perspective

Originally, the Godaisan Observatory offered panoramic views of Kochi City. However, it's important to note that the observatory building itself has been removed. This means visitors can no longer access the structure for elevated views. Despite this change, the Mt. Godai area remains a significant destination due to its other attractions.

Travelers who visited before the removal of the building might have different expectations, but current visitors should focus on the surrounding natural and spiritual sites. The shift in focus from a man-made structure to natural beauty is a key aspect of visiting Godaisan today. :information_desk:
Reddit

Exploring the Makino Botanical Garden

The Makino Botanical Garden is a major draw on Mt. Godai and is often cited as a more rewarding experience than the former observatory. Named after the renowned botanist Tomitaro Makino, the garden showcases a vast array of plant species, many native to Kochi and Japan. It's a place for leisurely walks, appreciating seasonal blooms, and learning about local flora.

Visitors often recommend dedicating ample time to explore the garden's diverse sections. It provides a tranquil escape and a beautiful backdrop for photography. The garden's accessibility and well-maintained paths make it suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families. :seedling:
Reddit

The Spiritual Side of Mt. Godai

Mt. Godai is also home to several temples, making it a significant site for the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage. These sacred sites offer a peaceful and spiritual dimension to the visit. Walking among the temple grounds provides a sense of calm and an opportunity for reflection.

One notable shrine is Shingujinja, which hosts seasonal festivals. The pilgrimage route itself winds through the mountain, offering a unique cultural and spiritual journey for those who wish to undertake it. The combination of natural beauty and spiritual heritage makes Mt. Godai a multifaceted destination. :temple_buddhist:
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