The Ohatayama Observatory is located about a 10-minute drive from downtown Nakatombetsu. Nakatombetsu was once a town with a thriving forestry industry, and wooden structures have been erected in various parts of the town to commemorate this history. One of them is a two-story covered observation deck from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Nakatombetsu's urban area with the surrounding mountains in the background. The city can be seen completely, so even a first-time visitor with a map in hand can find a store, a courthouse, an elementary school, and so on.