Bisei Observatory

The Bisei Observatory is located in Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, situated in the town of Bisei, which is renowned for having some of the clearest skies in Japan. Established in 1987, the observatory was built to take advantage of the area's exceptional astronomical observation conditions, with minimal light pollution and stable atmospheric conditions. The facility is operated by the Bisei Astronomical Observatory and has become an important center for both professional astronomical research and public education about space science.

The observatory gained international recognition in the 1990s when astronomers working here discovered numerous asteroids. The 101cm reflector telescope, one of the largest publicly accessible telescopes in Japan, serves as the main observation instrument. Bisei's contribution to asteroid research has been particularly significant, with the facility playing a role in the discovery of over 400 asteroids. The town of Bisei itself has been officially recognized as a "Star-Watching Town" and has implemented strict light pollution controls to preserve the quality of its night skies.

Visitors to Bisei Observatory can participate in daytime solar observations and nighttime stellar viewing sessions, weather permitting. The facility offers guided observation programs where staff astronomers assist visitors in using telescopes to view planets, nebulae, star clusters, and distant galaxies. An exhibition hall displays meteorites, astronomical instruments, and educational materials about space exploration.

Special viewing events are organized during significant astronomical phenomena such as meteor showers and planetary alignments. Photography enthusiasts often visit to capture images of the Milky Way and deep-sky objects under the pristine conditions. The admission fee is 300 yen for adults, with reduced rates for children and students.

The observatory is located approximately 15 kilometers north of Ibara Station on the JR Hakubi Line. Visitors traveling by car from Okayama City can reach the site in about 60 minutes via Route 313. Limited public transportation serves the area, making a rental car or taxi the most practical options for accessing the observatory.