From the observatory at the top of the mountain, you can see Kitakyushu, a city of one million people. It is one of the best nightscapes in Fukuoka Prefecture, selected as one of the “New Three Great Nightscapes of Japan,” and is also called the “#10 billion Nightscape. Sarakura, with its glittering and romantic nightscape, is a popular date spot for couples.
Sarakura is a 622-meter-high mountain in Kitakyushu City, designated as a national park and a symbol of Kitakyushu City. Blessed with abundant nature and close to the city center, it is also loved by citizens as a spot where they can casually enjoy mountain climbing.
After arriving at the Sarakurayama Cable Car Sanroku Station, visitors can take the cable car and slope car to the summit in about 10 minutes. The cable car is 1,100 meters long from Sanroku Station to the top of the mountain, making it one of the longest in western Japan! You can enjoy a 6-minute air walk with a view of the Kitakyushu city area from the all-glass windows of the car.
After departing from the cable car, visitors can board the “Slope Car,” a small monorail that takes approximately 3 minutes to reach the summit and observatory station.
The Slope Car is equipped with seats facing outward for a better view, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery. At night, the interior of the car is dimly lit, accentuating the glittering night view. The platform of the slope car is covered with “phosphorescent stones” that glow in the dark, creating the illusion of a starry night sky! You can enjoy the fantastic scenery from the moment you step off from the car.

From the observation platform, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and sigh in awe at the beauty of the “10 billion dollar night view”. In addition to the night view, the sunset is also recommended as the entire area is tinted in orange.
There is also a restaurant on the observatory, where you can enjoy a meal while admiring the panoramic view through the large windows.
Not only is this a great place for diner, it is also highly recommended for lunch time as well, as the view during the day is spectacular!
Kitakyushu City is also an industrial area, and “Night view of factory cruises” are held on a regular basis. You can enjoy seeing the incredible factories at night, which is usually difficult to see, and has an otherworldly vibe from the sea.
Please visit this cruise when sightseeing at Sarakurayama.
Be sure to take the dramatic glowing night view as one of your wonderful memories of Fukuoka.

There is a free shuttle bus from JR Yawata Station to Sarakurayama Cable Car Sanroku Station (about 10 minutes).
You can also take a cab there in about 5 minutes.
*Please check the cable car and free shuttle bus timetables along with the restaurant holidays on the official website.

Sarakura Mountain Railway Co.
Location: 1481-1 Oaza-Okura, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka 805-0057
phone number: 093-671-4761
Cable car operating hours:
April-October: 10:00-22:00 (last uphill run at 21:20)
November – March: 10:00 – 20:00 (last time up: 19:20)
Slope car service ends 10 minutes before the last cable car service.
*In case of stormy weather such as typhoons, there is a possibility that the operation hours may be changed or the service may be suspended.
Closed: Tuesdays (except national holidays, April 30, 2024, August 13, and December 24),
and 5 days from June 3 to June 7, and 12 days from February 17 to February 28, 2025.
http://www.sarakurayama-cablecar.co.jp/

Cover photograph provided by　福岡県観光連盟