Minamiaso Luna Observatory

Minamiaso Luna Observatory sits in the hot-spring town of Minamiaso, in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, where a hotel, planetarium and stargazing deck share the same hillside. Visitors mix geothermal baths with guided looks through a telescope after dark.

About Minamiaso Luna Observatory

Minamiaso Luna Observatory is part hotel, part stargazing venue, built around the volcanic scenery of the Aso region. Alongside its lodging and geothermal baths, the property runs a planetarium seating around 30 people and offers astronomer-guided tours of the night sky.

Telescopes & research

Guests can join sessions at a large telescope for guided observations of the night sky, led by resident astronomers, before or after a planetarium show.

Location & getting there

The observatory is set near the Shirakawa Springs in Minamiaso-mura, Aso District, in Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's Kyushu island — a mountainous, sparsely lit area that favours dark, clear skies. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your route.

Visiting Minamiaso Luna Observatory

The site combines overnight stays with stargazing programmes, including a French-inspired restaurant using local Aso ingredients and outdoor "star glamping" experiences. Because it operates as a hotel with scheduled sky-watching sessions, it's worth checking the official website for room and programme availability before travelling.

See your named star from here

Once you've named a star through Star Register, its coordinates can be requested by any astronomer with a telescope — including the guides at Minamiaso Luna Observatory. Bring your certificate details along on a stargazing session, or browse the catalogue to see how the position is recorded.