Koyama Astronomical Observatory, Kyoto Sangyo University
Image: Wikimedia Commons
The Koyama Astronomical Observatory sits on the campus of Kyoto Sangyo University in Japan, home to the largest telescope at any private university in the country.
About Koyama Astronomical Observatory
Opened in 2010 and affiliated with the university's Koyama Space Science Research Institute, the observatory centres on the Araki Telescope, a 1.3-metre reflector used for both research and public outreach.
Telescopes & research
Astronomers at Koyama use the Araki Telescope with the WINERED instrument for near-infrared, high-dispersion spectroscopy, and the site is also a hub for industry-academia collaboration on new astronomical instrumentation.
Location & getting there
The observatory is part of Kyoto Sangyo University's campus in Japan. Check the official observatory website for directions and access details before you travel.
Visiting Koyama Astronomical Observatory
The university runs public observation sessions, planetarium programmes, and astronomy courses. Availability varies by season, so confirm current dates and booking requirements on the observatory's website before planning your trip.
See your named star from here
Because any point in the sky can be located by its coordinates, staff with access to a telescope like the Araki can be asked to point it toward the right ascension and declination of a star named through Star Register. Browse the full night sky in our star catalogue to see what's visible from Japan.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
