What other travelers are saying about Bisei Observatory
This is the place to be if you want to see stars. There is an observatory open to public that you can enter buy purchasing tickets. There is also an open field outside the observatory with tables and chairs that you can sit to enjoy the star filled skies. The car park is about 5-10 minutes away. You need to park and walk uphill to this place but it's worth it
I brought the family up to the mountains to catch sight of shooting stars on a freezing 0°C night. There weren't as many shooting stars as I hoped and they were so fast and it was a full moon night so we couldn't see the sky full of stars as I wished. I caught sight of one, a really obvious one. One blink and it was gone but it felt like watching a football game cos everyone were gasping in awe every time someone spotted a shooting star. We also saw Saturn (with its rings!) and Jupiter through the giant telescope and lay shivering on thin mats on the field (unprepared) with many others (who came prepared with thick mats and blankets). It was tiring getting up there and back but hey that's a crazy happy core memory. Star gazing in Bisei, the town of beautiful stars in the mountains of Japan. Disconnected from the world I know, yet connected to the world we all share. Mother Earth.
Go when the moon is not full so the sky is darker and you can see more stars. We were very fortunate to catch the shooting stars as the clouds cleared despite the full moon because the next night was cloudy. Stay a night or two at Hoshizora Pension Comet, it is the nearest hotel to the observatory. The staff can help to arrange taxi service to and fro the observatory if you don't drive.
We arrived on a Saturday night to join the star gazing party that was held at the observatory. Do note that the car park does get full and if you arrive around 8pm+ then you might have to park at a slightly further away car park, with the walk to the observatory extended for maybe about 5-10 minutes.
We saw Saturn from the huge telescope in the observatory that night. Then, we camped out at the huge space outside the observatory along with the many other people who came to observe the Geminid meteor shower! As foreigners, we really enjoyed the experience. Every time a meteor appears, people would scream excitedly! Do take note that if you are coming on regular days to star gaze, try to arrange a day where the moon is not yet fully visible. Although we could still see the brighter constellations, the full moon dimmed out the many stars in the sky :(
Very good place for anyone interested in the stars or space. Words cannot explain the beauty of starry sky. Plus, located on the top of a mountain, night breeze is another special treat in hot and humid summer.
Bisei Observatory is located in an officially designated "Star-Watching Town" with strict light pollution controls. The area has some of the clearest skies in Japan, making it ideal for astronomical observation and research.
Yes, visitors can observe through the 101cm reflector telescope during guided sessions. Staff astronomers operate the equipment and assist with viewing planets, nebulae, and galaxies. Advance reservations are required and sessions depend on weather conditions.
Over 400 asteroids have been discovered at the observatory since it opened in 1987, with most discoveries occurring during the 1990s.
Yes, the observatory offers programs for all ages including an exhibition hall with meteorites and astronomical displays. Reduced admission rates apply for children and students at 300 yen for adults.
Yes, a car is necessary as public transportation is limited. The observatory is 15 kilometers from Ibara Station and takes about 60 minutes by car from Okayama City via Route 313.
