First Sighting of Black Ships

The First Sighting of Black Ships (黒船見張所跡) on Mt. Nesugata is a quiet historical footnote tucked within a scenic walking route. While the replica cannon and informative sign offer some insight into Japan's late Edo Period, the site’s understated presentation and obscured view make it more of a mild curiosity than a headline attraction. Worth a glance if you're already at the summit. (3/5) Full Review The First Sighting of Black Ships – A Subtle Glimpse into a Defining Moment Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) One of the lesser-known but historically significant spots atop Mount Nesugata (寝姿山) is the First Sighting of Black Ships (黒船見張所跡)—a quiet, reflective attraction that leans heavily on context rather than spectacle. This isn’t the place for big, flashy Instagram moments, but for history buffs or those with a keen eye for nuance, it offers a modest payoff. You’ll likely stumble upon this location as part of your walk through the mountaintop paths. On the helpful maps sprinkled throughout the summit area, the label "Black Ship Watch Site" may catch your attention with a sense of intrigue. One imagines an impressive vantage point or dramatic historical recreation. What you find, however, is a simple open area with a modest replica cannon, a mini-cannon beside it, and a wall of interpretive signage—clear, well-written, and appreciated, but lacking in immersive design or presentation. The story it tells, however, is undeniably captivating. In 1849, an English survey ship named the Marina entered Shimoda Bay—an event that predated the famous arrival of Commodore Perry’s black ships. The Tokugawa shogunate, in response to this unexpected encounter, rushed to establish a lookout point at this very location, marking the site as an early moment of Japan’s forced reengagement with the outside world. The idea that you’re standing where officials once nervously monitored foreign vessels adds a layer of gravity, if only you take a moment to mentally place yourself in that bygone era. The drawback? The actual view is partially obscured by overgrowth, and the cannon—while historically symbolic—is visually unimposing. This is not a site that shouts for attention, but rather one that whispers its relevance. For casual tourists, it may come across as a bit underwhelming, especially compared to more polished or panoramic stops on the mountain. But it’s important to appreciate that not all meaningful sites need grandeur. In conclusion, the First Sighting of Black Ships site is more of a historical annotation than a main event. It enhances the overall Mt. Nesugata experience by offering a bit of Edo-period context, but is best seen as part of the whole rather than a destination unto itself. Think of it as a quiet reminder of how global history sometimes tiptoes in before it barges through the front door. Worth a thoughtful pause if you’re already enjoying the summit walk.