Last Updated: 21/06/2023
When people visit Japan, many are often kept occupied by the blissful islands, rare wildlife, picturesque nature parks, history, modernity, and watersports. Often, people forget to look up at the sky, yet the country is home to some of the most beautiful stargazing spots in Japan. When the sun takes its leave, it’s not time to head indoors; it’s time to set up camp at an observatory and marvel at the show put on by Mother Nature.
The Japan sky is full of astronomical treasures, offering sparkling gems and constellations to bewilder the mind and nourish the soul. It affords mesmerizing views of the Milky Way from various stargazing spots around Japan and even harbors snippets of our neighboring galaxy, Andromeda, from strategic vantage points. In August, the country also enjoys the wondrous Perseid meteor shower, while Japan is also known for its vivid “blood moons” and famous constellations such as the Southern Cross. Distant planets like Jupiter can be observed on powerful Newtonian telescopes, as can Saturn’s four rings, among other celestial attractions.
If you do not know where to look, we offer great suggestions so that you do; there are many excellent stargazing spots around Japan! For a beautiful night among the stars, you need not look any further than our list!
1. Okinawa main island: Moonlight over the sea
Known for its pristine beauty, the main island of Okinawa presents a stunning night sky glittering with stars after a captivating sunset. If fortune favors you, you might even witness a shooting star streaking across the dark expanse. Don't forget to make a wish if you spot one!
Choose From Three Locations in Okinawa and Go For a Memorable Starry Sky Photoshoot
Okinawa
Enjoy the Beautiful Sunset and the Shining Starry Sky Over the Sea with Night Snorkeling and Cave Exploration Tour
Onna, Okinawa
Make Memories of a Wonderful Trip Under the Starry Night Sky
Itoman, Okinawa
Observe the Starry Sky in Nakijin and Take Memorable Photos with Your Friends and Family in a Professional Photography Session
Nakijin, Okinawa
Experience photo shooting under a sky full of stars and the stunning milky way
Kouri, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa
2. Ishigaki Island, Okinawa: The Southern Cross delight
Ishigaki island offers a refreshing break from city life, and also affords a front-row seat to breathtaking constellations such as the Southern Cross. It’s named as such because of four bright stars that take the shape of a cross!
Visit the Shooting Star Hill in Ishigaki Island for an Amazing Night Tour Experience
Hirakubo, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Enjoy an Exciting Guided Night Tour in the Subtropical Jungle of Ishigakijima and Watch the Starry Sky
Uehara, Taketomi, Okinawa
Go on a Night Adventure in Ishigaki Island and Explore on a Canoe or SUP
Misakicho, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Starry Sky Night Snorkel Tour in Ishigaki Island
Arakawa, Ishigaki, Okinawa
3. A Milky Way night on Iriomote & Yaeyama Island
Iriomote and Yaeyama Islands, recognized as Japan's first International Dark Sky Place, host a phenomenal celestial spectacle. This distinction marks them as protected sites due to their exceptional starry skies and rich nocturnal life. As night falls, these islands illuminate under the awe-inspiring display of the Milky Way!
Enjoy the Milky Way Starry Sky in an Observation Mystery Night tour
Taketomi, Okinawa
See the Beautiful Starry Sky on a Night Canoeing Tour in Iriomote Island
Taketomi, Okinawa
Explore the Bright Night Sky of Iriomote Island and the Subtropical Jungle Creatures in a Guided Night Tour
Uehara, Taketomi, Okinawa
4. Showers of stars at Miyakojima Island
A feast of stars awaits on Miyakojima island, made possible by a double delight of the Southern Cross and the Milky Way. Miyakojima Island is famous for its top-notch stargazing spots, and its sea also affords an excellent vantage point and night tours!
Take Great Photos with the Perfect Starry Sky with Friends and Family in Miyakojima
Miyakojima, Okinawa
Miyakojima Starry Sky Photo Shoot Tour (Watch the Beautiful Night Sky and the Milky Way)
Miyakojima, Okinawa
Starry Sky Night Adventure in Miyakojima: Paddle on the Calm Sea of Miyakojima on a Canoe or SUP
Miyakojima, Okinawa
5. Tokyo: The city of a million stars
Away from the light pollution of Tokyo, Ogasawara ensures a magical night with stars as many as the grains of sands on a beach. Having won three titles of Japan’s best night sky view, namely in 2018, 2012, and 2011, visitors are assured of a wonderful night!
Observe Ogasawara's and Japan's Best Starry Sky Using a Large Reflecting Telescope
Chichijima, Ogasawara, Tokyo
6. Nagano’s famous Perseid meteor shower
In mid-August, Nagano is the place to be for the Perseid meteor shower. Streaks of debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet race across the upper atmosphere giving viewers many opportunities for wishes!
Enjoy the Artistic Fireflies of Rainbow Colors on Lake Aoki and the Superb View of the Perseid Meteor Showers from a Canoe in Nagano
Omachi, Nagano
7. Memorialize The Heavens: Get a Stunning Starry Sky Photography Session at Kanucha Resort
At Kanucha Resort, a professional starry sky photographer will take one of the most memorable remnants of your trip. Experience a relaxing and lavish stay at Kanucha while taking in the stunning starry skies.
Enjoy Stargazing at Kanucha Resort (with all-you-can-drink & photo shooting)
Nago City, Okinawa
8. Watch Andromeda at Shiretoko, Hokkaido
Cape Puyuni in Shari, Shiretoko, ensures views of the Andromeda galaxy through the powerful lens of a Newtonian telescope. Weather and season permitting, you may also catch a glimpse of the Saturn rings, Jupiter, and the occasional meteorite or shooting star!
Stargazing Experience Using a Reflecting Telescope at the World Heritage Site of Shiretoko
Onnebetsumura, Shari, Hokkaido
Observe Countless Stars Straddling the Darkness of the Night Sky of Shiretoko (Shuttle bus service available)
Utorohigashi, Shari, Hokkaido
9. Stargazing in Chiba: Visit ichinomiya-starry sky park
Plan an unforgettable trip to the surfing mecca "Ichinomiya" Chiba. Enjoy an amazing night with starry sky views and nice sandy beaches. Pose like a model and get your photos taken.
Pose Like a Model and Get Your Photo Taken Under The Starry Sky
Ichinomiya, Chōsei District, Chiba
10. Beautiful starry skies at Kagoshima
Kagoshima stands as a prime location for appreciating celestial events, having been a vantage point for observing the penumbral and total lunar eclipses. Its clear, star-studded skies, adorned with dazzling constellations, make it an appealing destination for any stargazing enthusiast.
Take a Walk Under the Night Glittering Starry Sky of Yoron Island
Yoron, Kagoshima
11. Star tour at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi
Experience the mesmerizing beauty of the cosmos during a star tour at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi. This remarkable activity allows you to explore the star-studded night sky against the backdrop of Japan's iconic mountain.
In conclusion, the magic of the night sky unfolds spectacularly in the picturesque locales of Okinawa, Ishigaki, Iriomote, Yamanashi, and Miyakojima. These spots are the sparkling jewels in Japan's celestial crown, offering an unmatched stargazing experience. Whether you're tracing the intricate patterns of constellations or marveling at the majestic sweep of the Milky Way, these places promise a night of astronomical wonder. So, set out on a nocturnal adventure and let the stellar beauty of Japan's sky take your breath away!
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat makes these places prime stargazing spots in Japan?
AThese locations are known for their clear skies, low light pollution, and strategic positioning, providing optimal conditions for stargazing and capturing stunning views of the Milky Way and various constellations.
QWhat can I expect to see on a stargazing tour in these places?
AYou can expect to see a myriad of stars, the Milky Way, and possibly even shooting stars. Guided tours often include educational talks about constellations and astronomical phenomena.
QAre these stargazing spots accessible year-round?
AWhile each location has specific times that are best for stargazing, generally, these places are accessible year-round, weather permitting.
QDo I need any special equipment for stargazing?
AWhile not necessary, a telescope or binoculars can enhance your experience. Some guided tours provide telescopes for visitors to use.
QAre guided night tours available at all these places?
AYes, guided night tours are available at most of these places, providing a rich and educational stargazing experience.
QAre these spots suitable for amateur stargazers?
AAbsolutely! These spots offer remarkable views for both amateur stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike.
QIs there any preparation required for stargazing?
ACheck the weather forecast for clear skies, dress warmly, and if you're going on your own, consider bringing a star map or a stargazing app to help identify constellations.