Miwa observatory

Miwa observatory is listed here in Gunma Prefecture, Japan — coordinates that align with the Gunma Astronomical Observatory, a large public facility built into the mountainside above Takayama Village.

About Miwa observatory

The public observatory at this location — built by Gunma Prefecture on Komochiyama, above Takayama Village — is known for one of the largest telescopes open to visitors in Japan and was designed by the noted architect Arata Isozaki.

History

It opened in April 1999, built to commemorate Gunma Prefecture's population reaching two million.

Telescopes & research

Its main reflecting telescope ranks as the fifth largest in Japan and the third largest that visitors can actually use themselves, rather than one reserved for staff-only research.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on the Komochiyama mountainside above Takayama Village, Gunma Prefecture. The village has enacted a Luminous Environment Ordinance to protect dark skies around the site — one reason it draws more night-time visitors than any other observatory in Japan. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your route.

Visiting Miwa observatory

The observatory is open to the public for night-time telescope viewing; check the official website for current hours and any booking requirements before you travel.

See your named star from here

With one of Japan's largest publicly accessible telescopes and genuinely dark skies overhead, this is a serious place to go looking for a named star. Check the catalogue for its coordinates before your visit.