Nayoro Municipal Observatory Kitasubaru

In Nayoro City, on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, the Nayoro Municipal Observatory Kitasubaru opens its dome to the public for a look at some of the darkest skies in the country.

About Nayoro Municipal Observatory Kitasubaru

Opened in 2010, the observatory is run by the city of Nayoro and offers planetarium programmes alongside its telescope facilities, with staff sharing updates through social media, radio and messaging apps to keep the local community engaged with astronomy.

Notable moments

The observatory works alongside the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan's Ishigaki Island facility, and in April 2026 its Special Research Advisor Yasuo Sano announced a supernova discovery made from the site. Nayoro is also preparing for the annular solar eclipse expected to cross Hokkaido in 2030.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Nayoro City in northern Hokkaido, a region known for clear, dark winter skies far from major urban light pollution.

Visiting

The observatory welcomes visitors for planetarium shows and stargazing; check its official website or social media for current opening times and event schedules before you go.

See your named star from here

Hokkaido's dark skies make Nayoro Kitasubaru a fitting place to track down a star you've named. Every Star Register certificate includes the exact coordinates needed for a telescope like this one to find it. Browse the star catalogue or see our naming packages to name a star of your own.