Rikubetsu Astronomical Observatory

Rikubetsu Astronomical Observatory rises from the Forest of Rikubetsu in Hokkaido, Japan, its 360-degree dome-shaped observation room built around one of the country's largest public telescopes.

About Rikubetsu Astronomical Observatory

The observatory's centrepiece is a 115-centimetre reflecting telescope, one of the largest instruments at any public observatory in Japan. Rikubetsu itself is known as Japan's coldest town, and its skies have earned it recognition from Japan's Ministry of Environment as one of the country's "Top 10 Starry Sky Towns."

History

The observatory opened in 1991 and has since become a landmark stargazing destination in Hokkaido.

Location & getting there

Rikubetsu Astronomical Observatory sits within the Forest of Rikubetsu, in Hokkaido, northern Japan, an area known for exceptionally cold, clear nights that favour astronomical viewing.

Visiting Rikubetsu Astronomical Observatory

The observatory is open Wednesday to Sunday, 14:00-22:30 from April to September (plus May 3-5 and August 14-16), and 13:00-21:30 from October to March; it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, except during those holiday periods, and over December 28 to January 3. Admission is 300 yen for adults and 200 yen for children during the day, rising to 500 yen and 300 yen respectively for evening sessions. For enquiries, call +81 156 27 8100.

See your named star from here

With one of Japan's largest public telescopes and some of its darkest, coldest skies, Rikubetsu is an excellent place to seek out the coordinates of a named star. Look up its position in our star catalogue before you visit.