Tokigawa Town Star and Green Creation Center

Tokigawa Town Star and Green Creation Center sits atop Mount Dodaira in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, on the site of a historic astronomical observatory that's now open for stargazing and overnight stays.

About Tokigawa Town Star and Green Creation Center

The center occupies the summit of Mount Dodaira, at an elevation of 876 metres, and combines lodging with astronomy. It was originally built in 1962 as the Dodaira Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, before being repurposed for public use.

History

Dodaira Observatory was established in 1962 and, at the time, housed a 91cm reflecting telescope that was the largest built in Japan. The site was later converted from a research observatory into a public stargazing and lodging facility.

Telescopes & research

The original 91cm reflecting telescope remains on site and is used for bimonthly public stargazing events, which require advance reservation.

Location & getting there

The center sits atop Mount Dodaira in Tokigawa, Saitama Prefecture, roughly two hours from Tokyo by car, with panoramic views over the Kanto Plain from the summit.

Visiting Tokigawa Town Star and Green Creation Center

Visitors can stay in log houses, Mongolian-style tents, campsites, or renovated rooms inside the former observatory building. Bimonthly stargazing sessions using the 91cm telescope require reservations in advance, so check the current schedule before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

Few places pair overnight stays with an actual research-grade telescope like Mount Dodaira does. With a Star Register certificate, you'll have your named star's exact coordinates ready for the next bimonthly stargazing session. Choose a star-naming package or browse the catalogue of named stars.