Nakagoya Astronomical Observatory “Subaru Dome”
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Nakagoya Astronomical Observatory, known as the Subaru Dome, sits at around 1,000 metres elevation in Misato, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, home to one of the largest telescopes in the region.
About Nakagoya Astronomical Observatory “Subaru Dome”
The observatory is located in Nakagoya, in the town of Misato in Higashi Usuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, at an elevation of roughly 1,000 metres. It was previously recognised as one of the best stargazing spots in Japan under the government's “darkness of the night sky” continuous star observation programme.
Telescopes & research
The observatory's main instrument is a 600mm Ritchey-Chrétien telescope, the largest of its kind in Miyazaki Prefecture. On clear nights it is used to observe seasonal constellations, planets, galaxies, star clusters and the Milky Way. The site also includes a kiosk and training facilities for visitors and groups.
Location & getting there
Nakagoya sits high in the hills of Misato, Miyazaki Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan, benefiting from its elevation and distance from major city lights.
Visiting Nakagoya Astronomical Observatory “Subaru Dome”
The observatory welcomes visitors and groups to its stargazing sessions and training facilities; check current opening hours and any booking requirements with local Miyazaki tourism resources before travelling.
See your named star from here
With its dark, elevated setting and a telescope built for serious stargazing, the Subaru Dome is a great place to look for a star you've named through star-register using the exact coordinates on your certificate. Explore our star-naming packages or browse the star catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
