Translation guide
A raised platform or area designed for viewing scenery, cityscapes, or events. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 展望台 (てんぼうだい), but other terms exist depending on the setting.
A designated viewing platform, often in a tall building, tower, or scenic area, for enjoying panoramic views.
The standard term for an observation deck or viewing platform. Used for both indoor and outdoor decks in towers, buildings, and scenic spots.
東京タワーの展望台から富士山が見えます。
You can see Mt. Fuji from the observation deck of Tokyo Tower.
あのビルの展望台は夜景がきれいです。
The observation deck of that building has a beautiful night view.
Refers specifically to an observation floor inside a building, often an indoor space.
スカイツリーの展望フロアはとても混んでいました。
The observation floor of Skytree was very crowded.
Often used for outdoor observation decks, like on a ship or an open-air platform.
船の展望デッキからイルカが見えました。
We saw dolphins from the ship's observation deck.
A designated area at an airport for watching planes take off and land.
The standard term for an airport observation deck, literally 'send-off/welcome deck'. Often used for plane spotting.
空港の送迎デッキで飛行機を眺めました。
We watched the airplanes from the airport observation deck.
Also used for airport observation decks, though 送迎デッキ is more specific.
展望デッキから飛行機の離陸を見ました。
We watched the planes take off from the observation deck.
A simple raised platform or lookout point in a natural setting, often for enjoying scenery.
A viewing platform or lookout point, often in a park or on a mountain, emphasizing the good view.
山の見晴らし台で休憩しました。
We took a break at the observation deck on the mountain.
Also used for natural lookout points, though 見晴らし台 may sound more rustic.
An open area on the roof of a building used for viewing.
Specifically a rooftop observation deck.
デパートの屋上展望台は無料です。
The rooftop observation deck of the department store is free.
A more general phrase for a rooftop viewing space, not necessarily a formal deck.
ホテルの屋上の展望スペースから花火を見ました。
We watched fireworks from the hotel's rooftop observation space.
展望台 is the most versatile and can be used for both urban and natural settings. 見晴らし台 emphasizes the view itself and is more common in natural or park settings.
展望台は有料ですが、見晴らし台は無料です。
The observation deck is paid, but the lookout point is free.
At Japanese airports, the observation deck is usually called 送迎デッキ. It's a popular spot for plane enthusiasts and families.
From this observation deck, you can see the whole lake.