Tokyo-Dodaira observatory

Tokyo-Dodaira observatory refers to the former research site atop Mount Dodaira in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, a peak once home to one of the country's most notable amateur-scale telescopes.

About Tokyo-Dodaira observatory

This entry corresponds to the same mountaintop site now run as the Tokigawa Town Star and Green Creation Center. Originally built in 1962 as the Dodaira Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the facility later shifted from research use toward public stargazing and lodging.

History

Constructed in 1962, the observatory was equipped with a 91cm reflecting telescope, the largest in Japan at the time of its installation, positioned at the 876-metre summit of Mount Dodaira.

Telescopes & research

The original 91cm reflector is still in place and is now used for bimonthly public stargazing sessions rather than professional research, with reservations required to attend.

Location & getting there

The site sits at 876 metres on Mount Dodaira, in Tokigawa, Saitama Prefecture, roughly a two-hour drive from Tokyo, with wide views across the Kanto Plain.

Visiting Tokyo-Dodaira observatory

The former observatory building now houses guest rooms alongside log cabins, Mongolian-style tents, and campsites. Bimonthly stargazing sessions with the 91cm telescope require booking ahead, so check the current schedule before travelling.

See your named star from here

A 91cm telescope built to explore the sky is still doing that job today, just with visitors instead of researchers behind it. With a Star Register certificate, you'll have your named star's exact coordinates ready for your next visit. Choose a star-naming package or browse the catalogue of named stars.