Winter stargazing: its features, attractions and recommended spots
This time
Winter starry sky
Featured!
About the characteristics of the winter starry sky and the appeal of stargazing in winter
We'll introduce them all at once.
Popular tourist destinations
Okinawa main island
&
Remote Islands
or
Kanto
,
Kyushu
,
Hokkaido
etc.
Recommended stargazing tours by area
We've also picked out some other items!
This winter, why not try something a little more romantic while traveling or visiting your hometown?
Stargazing
Why not give it a try?
table of contents
- 1 What are the characteristics and attractions of the winter starry sky?
- 2 Winter stargazing: Recommended tours / Okinawa Main Island
- 3 Winter stargazing: Recommended tours / Okinawa remote islands
- 4 Winter stargazing: Recommended tours/Kanto
- 5 Winter stargazing: Recommended tours/Kyushu
- 6 Winter stargazing: Recommended tours/Hokkaido
- 7 Enjoy stargazing in the winter!
- 8 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What are the characteristics and attractions of the winter starry sky?
In the following
The characteristics and charms of the winter starry sky
Explanation!
Before checking out the recommended spots, let's get some background information.
The starry sky looks beautiful in winter
Winter is the season when the stars look beautiful
!
In winter, when the air is dry, the light from the ground is reflected and the atmosphere becomes hazy.
Astronomical Observation
Reduces water vapor that can interfere with
Especially on the Pacific coast, The seasonal winds from the land make the sky even clearer, allowing you to see the stars more clearly than in other seasons. .
The stars appear to twinkle and shine.
"
Blink
"
This phenomenon is unique to winter
.
It occurs when the jet stream blowing over Japan in winter acts as a lens.
There are many bright stars (first magnitude stars) in winter
The brightest star in the night sky " First Magnitude Star " Another characteristic of the winter starry sky is that it is filled with!
The total number of first magnitude stars visible in Japan is
16 pieces
.
Half of these, eight first magnitude stars, can be seen in the winter sky.
.
- Betelgeuse
- Rigel
- Sirius
- Procyon
- Pollux
- Capella
- Aldebaran
- Canopus
The famous " Winter Triangle " is made up of three stars: Betelgeuse, Procyon, and Sirius. is!
Of the above, Canopus cannot be observed from northern Japan due to its latitude. Even if you can observe Canopus in Japan, you will not be able to see it unless you can see all the way to the horizon. .
When actually searching for Canopus, It's easy to find it by looking for the lower part of the Winter Triangle, right on the horizon. !
You can see the constellations unique to winter
In the winter starry sky, Lots of seasonal constellations, including first magnitude stars ! Famous winter constellations is as follows:
- Orion
- Taurus
- Gemini
- Canis Major
- Canis Minor
- Auriga
Of the Winter Triangle mentioned above,
Betelgeuse is in Orion, Procyon in Canis Minor, and Sirius in Canis Major.
is formed.
Why not start by looking for constellations using the Great Triangle, which is easy to find, and observe the winter constellations?
Winter stargazing: Recommended tours / Okinawa Main Island
Winter starry sky in Okinawa The most prominent constellations that can be seen are: !
- Phoenician
- Clock
- Reticle seat
- Scyther
- Capricorn
- Tomoza
- Lashinbanza
- Hola
- Carina
- Southern Eleven
Closer to the equator than Honshu
Okinawa main island
.
If you look near the southern horizon, you can observe constellations of the Southern Hemisphere that you can't see from Honshu!
The Southern Hemisphere's distinctive constellation, Crux Austrinus, is best seen from December to June.
If you want to enjoy the starry sky in winter on Okinawa's main island,
Guided stargazing tour
is recommended
.
Not only can you simply enjoy the starry sky, but you can also learn some trivia about the stars from your guide's commentary.
A great thing about this app is that even people who don't know much about stars can easily find the stars and constellations they want to see.
.
Guided tour with taxi transportation
You can also visit hidden stargazing spots known only to locals!
If you want to take home a beautiful memory of the starry sky,
Stargazing and photography by a photographer are included in the package.
We recommend taking part in a starry sky photo tour.
That's right.
It's difficult to capture a beautiful starry sky using a smartphone camera.
If you choose a plan with a photographer/guide, you can take memorable photos with the best angle.
.
A commemorative photo with the magnificent natural scenery as a backdrop will be a memorable one for the couple or family!
Depending on the plan, you can enjoy special benefits such as free transportation and camera rentals.
!
Check out the plans and take part in a tour that's perfect for couples or families.
A star guide will explain the stars and the universe in an easy-to-understand way, tell you about the charm of the stars, and escort you to a special place in Kanucha, a planetarium in the middle of nature. It is the largest hotel in the prefecture and is the gateway to Yanbaru. Although there are lights on the base, the environment is unique and you can relax, so from April to October, you can enjoy the beach from 20:00 to 21:30.
This plan does not support English.
☆Head to romantic spots recommended by local islanders☆☆We'll give you a special introduction to stargazing spots that we don't really want to tell you about☆☆Okinawa has more than just blue skies and blue seas☆☆You can also see beautiful starry skies~You'll definitely be enchanted by the Okinawan night sky☆☆Everyone from couples to families can enjoy it☆※Once you arrive at the spot, you're free to do as you like.
[Okinawa, Kouri Island] Commentary by Dr. Black Hole! A starry sky photo tour
This is a tour to take commemorative photos under the starry sky on Kouri Island in the northern part of Okinawa's main island. The tour guide is a space expert who studied black holes during his university days! The night sky is a natural planetarium, and he will use a laser pointer to explain in detail which stars are in which constellations, so you can enjoy more than just taking photos. Afterwards, we will carefully edit the photos and send them to you.
★Enjoy the beautiful sunset over the sea and the sparkling starry sky♪★Explore the cave and see the mysterious glowing bioluminescent plankton♪★Free photo shoot♪Complete and comfortable shopping facilities♪Enjoy a night out under the twinkling stars♪A mysterious night tour that feels out of the ordinary! The world that unfolds beyond the sugarcane fields is the natural beach of Onna Village, where sea turtles also come to lay their eggs. Relax in the colors of the sunset sinking into the horizon.
Starry sky photography is popular on remote islands. But did you know you can take it on the main island too? In the northern part of the main island, you can even see the Milky Way with the naked eye! You can also take photos at two basic locations, including a secret beach, for a completely private shoot for one group! Enjoy the starry sky and capture your memories. We are open after midnight. If you would like to take photos late at night,
Winter stargazing: Recommended tours / Okinawa remote islands
Okinawa remote islands
is a popular spot where you can enjoy the starry sky just like on the main island!
The event will be held at
Ishigaki Island
or
Miyakojima
etc.
Okinawa remote islands
These are all the most popular islands.
Remote islands, with less artificial light, offer a clearer view of the stars than areas closer to cities.
.
The constellations that can be observed on Okinawa's remote islands in winter are the same as those on the main island!
Not seen in Honshu,
Okinawa
It's nice to be able to see the unique constellations.
In Okinawa Islands, Simple stargazing tour In addition, Jungle Tour or Starry sky photo experience Set tours that combine other activities such as the above are gaining popularity. .
Naturally, the jungle tour takes place at night.
The night jungle is filled with endemic creatures and plants that don't live on Honshu.
is!
Don't miss the giant coconut crab with its blue shell.
Winter in the tropics with kids Stargazing Enjoy the adventure of searching for unique and colorful creatures!
If you want to take some memorable photos with your partner or family, you can do so here just like on the main island. Photo tours are highly recommended If you choose a plan that allows you to receive photos carefully selected by a professional photographer, you can avoid the hassle of retaking and editing!
There are also compact plans that last less than an hour, so you can take a quick photo before or after dinner. .
In the following,
Recommended stargazing and set tours on Okinawa's remote islands
is currently being posted.
Transportation service
or
Coupon present
We also have a wide range of plans with special benefits, such as
!
Why not get in touch with your family or partner and book a great deal to enjoy the starry skies of Okinawa's remote islands in winter?
★Over 300,000 people have participated! A safe and secure tour! ★Recommended for beginners! ★Equipment rental is free♪★Encounter nocturnal creatures unique to the tropics! ★If the weather is good, you can also enjoy the natural planetarium! ★Participants receive special benefits (coupons that can be used at restaurants, information on hidden spots)! Head out to Ishigaki Island at night to see creatures unique to the subtropics.
This plan does not support English.
Ishigaki Island is less affected by city lights. It is an island where the sky is filled with stars, something you can't see in the city. In March 2018, part of Ishigaki Island was certified as Japan's first starry sky protected area (International Dark Sky Association). Why not soothe your soul with Okinawa's unique sanshin while gazing at the beautiful starry sky? You can enjoy a starry sky guided tour and live sanshin performances by a certified starry sky guide.
★Over 300,000 people have participated! A safe and secure tour! ★An activity recommended for beginners! ★Meet nocturnal creatures unique to the tropics! ★If the weather is good, you can also enjoy the natural planetarium! ★Participants receive special benefits (coupons that can be used at restaurants, etc., information on hidden spots)! ★Overwhelming satisfaction! Head out to Miyakojima at night and experience the creatures and attractions unique to the subtropics.
The night view of Miyakojima is exceptional. Why not take a photo of the starry sky while gazing at the Milky Way in summer and Orion in winter, and make it a page in your memories of the island? Perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers! You can even take a photo with your beloved dog! Let's have fun taking photos together♪----------------------------------
This plan does not support English.
A photo tour in Nishi-Ishigaki National Park, the first starry sky conservation area in Japan. Experience the world of a natural planetarium! Recommended for those who want to go by themselves, but don't know the best places to go... Want beautiful photos of the starry sky! Make memories with friends and family! A perfect keepsake for couples! [Tour Schedule] *Basically, the tour is based on a local meeting.
Winter stargazing: Recommended tours/Kanto
Winter Kanto So, In the southern sky, you can find the major constellations such as Orion and Taurus. .
Winter in Kanto
Stargazing Tour
If you want to join,
Kujukuri area on the east coast of Chiba
is recommended!
On site,
Enjoy taking commemorative photos with the sea and starry sky as your backdrop
Starry sky photo plan is popular
is.
Not only can you take family photos, but it's also recommended to take romantic photos with your partner or use it for marriage proposals!
If you want to enjoy stargazing during your winter trip, why not go a little further?
Izu Oshima
or
Ogasawara Islands
It is a must to visit remote islands such as
.
There are tours available, such as stargazing tours where you have a high chance of seeing shooting stars, and set tours that allow you to enjoy the starry sky in combination with a night jungle tour.
It's sure to be a rich and extraordinary experience, combining the beautiful starry sky that can't be seen in the city with the charm of a remote island.
!
In the following,
Chiba
or
Izu Oshima
・
Ogasawara Islands
Stargazing tours you can join
is currently being posted.
Depending on the plan
Transportation service
is also available.
Even a simple stargazing tour,
Photo shoot and gift photo service included
If so, you can get some great commemorative photos at a great price!
Discuss your travel destination and experience with your family or partner and check out the plans below that interest you.
We will escort you to a place in Chiba called "Ichinomiya" where you can see the starry sky and take as many photos as time allows. You can pose like a model or show off your memorable photos. Couples, spouses, families, and friends can join us and we will have fun taking photos while explaining the stars and the sky. Surprise (
[Stargazing Tour] Observe the best starry skies in Japan in Ogasawara!
This tour allows you to take your time observing the stars using a large reflecting telescope.
[Tokyo/Ogasawara/Chichijima] Starry sky! Animal watching & seaside stroll night tour
This plan does not support English.
On moonless nights, the sky is filled with stars. Depending on the season, observing the Milky Way and planets will surely be a wonderful memory. When the moon is shining, you can also observe it with a telescope. Night tours are not just about stargazing, but also observing nocturnal animals and taking a walk along the beach at night. - Schedule for the day - 1. Boninble
[Tokyo/Izu Oshima] Stargazing tour (about 1.5 hours) "Regional coupon available plan"
This plan does not support English.
Izu Oshima, with its few street lights, allows you to enjoy an amazing starry sky. On nights without moonlight, you can even see the Milky Way with the naked eye! You can enjoy a special experience that you would never get in the city center while lying down on a field bed, enjoying a relaxing time accompanied by a detailed starry sky guide. There is a high chance of seeing a shooting star during the viewing.
Winter stargazing: Recommended tours/Kyushu
Kyushu
The winter stargazing tour will be held in
Kagoshima
・
Amami Islands
!
On site
Kanto
In addition to being able to see similar constellations, you can also spot the winter first magnitude star Canopus just above the southern horizon.
Other than the simple stargazing plan,
A unique set plan that includes a buggy ride from the meeting point to the observation point
is popular
!
The clear starry sky and night forest path that can only be found on remote islands.
buggy
Why not enjoy the luxury of an extraordinary experience as you speed along on this light and airy train?
It's also fun to listen to the calls of wild birds while traveling and get into the spirit of adventure. .
[Kagoshima/Amami Oshima] Stargazing tour by four-wheeled buggy (OK for 1 person)
This plan does not support English.
[National Travel Support, Kagoshima Trip 4th Edition Electronic Coupons Available] *Only when paying on-site ◆From late June to the end of September, you can observe the yellow fireflies on the forest roads. Fireflies fly around the buggy. A must-see! ◆Why not go stargazing on a four-wheeled buggy? First, move to a high place where you can see the whole sky, and look at the stars up close with binoculars while listening to an explanation of the constellations.
Take a walk under the night sky of Yoron Island. The glittering starry sky is dazzling, unlike that of the city.
Winter stargazing: Recommended tours/Hokkaido
Winter Hokkaido So, Nature spots registered as World Heritage sites Shiretoko You can join a stargazing tour at .
The constellations that can be observed are the winter constellations of the Northern Hemisphere, including Orion!
During the tour, in addition to stargazing with the naked eye,
You can also enjoy stargazing using a telescope.
.
Basically, there is no movement during the tour!
You can sit back and relax while watching the stars and gazing at the stars.
It is also recommended to participate with small children.
is.
Children under 120cm tall can borrow step stools for free!
In addition to stargazing with the naked eye, we will also observe the heavens using a Newtonian reflecting telescope with a focal length of 800 mm and an aperture of 200 mm. What you can see will vary depending on the conditions of the day, from stars to the moon and comets. If the weather is good, you can often see shooting stars. You can participate empty-handed, or bring your own camera and telescope!
Enjoy stargazing in the winter!
This time Winter Stargazing & Stargazing Tour We featured it here!
There are many spots across Japan, including remote islands, where you can enjoy the beautiful winter starry skies.
Use this special feature as a reference and enjoy the winter starry sky when you're traveling or visiting your hometown!
*The content of this article is current as of December 2024.
![Images of illumination date spots in Kanto [2024-2025]](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/kanto-christmas-lights_thumb.jpg)
![Images of the recommended illumination rankings nationwide [2024-2025 latest]](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/nationwide-christmas-lights_thumb.jpg)
![Winter x Events | Snow Festivals, Rime-covered Trees, Ice Falls, and Illuminations [Nationwide] 2024-2025 Images](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/nationwide-winter-event_thumb.jpg)