What is the best time to visit Ooya Campsite for stargazing?

The campsite offers year-round operations, but the optimal stargazing conditions depend on clear skies and minimal light pollution. The Ministry of the Environment recognized Yabu City as the "number one place to see the stars shining brightest" in summer 2004, suggesting summer months provide excellent viewing opportunities. Special night lifts operate on weekends for "starry sky hikes" to the summit, allowing visitors to reach the Star Plaza observation area regardless of season. Winter months offer crisp, clear skies but require preparation for cold mountain conditions, while summer provides warmer temperatures and extended operating hours for activities.

What activities are available besides stargazing?

The facility transforms seasonally to offer varied experiences. Summer activities include "Water Mountain" and "Sledding Pocha" where visitors jump into pools on sleds, plus summer skiing on slopes open Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Year-round family activities feature trampolines and sledding areas popular with children. During winter, the site operates as a ski resort with multiple lifts and slopes. The on-site hot spring facility is available for all guests after outdoor activities.

Can I make reservations and what contact information should I use?

Advance reservations are recommended, particularly during peak seasons and weekends when the special night lifts operate for stargazing tours. Contact the facility directly at 079-669-1576 to inquire about availability, make bookings, and confirm seasonal operations. The campsite address is 99-2 Wakasugi, Oyacho, Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture. Given the remote mountain location and limited public transportation options from nearby stations, confirming transportation arrangements when booking is advisable.

Hyogo

Wakasugi Kogen Ooya Campsite, Yabu

Q: What types of accommodation are available and what are the costs?

Lodges, log houses, and trailer houses are available for accommodation all year round. American-style trailer houses can be privately rented from 17,000 yen, offering a self-contained camping experience. Other accommodations start from 4,250 yen per person, making them suitable for budget-conscious travelers or groups. Each accommodation option provides access to the campsite's facilities, including the on-site hot spring baths for post-activity relaxation.

Q: How do I get to Ooya Campsite from major cities?

By car, the campsite is located approximately 150 minutes from Osaka and Kobe, and 120 minutes and 75 kilometers north from Himeji. For those using public transportation, express buses operate from Osaka (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes) and Kobe (approximately 2 hours) to Yoka Station. From Yoka Station, visitors will need to arrange onward transportation by taxi or rental car to reach the campsite, as it's located in a mountainous area approximately 45 minutes from the station.

4.1 (314)Rv ParkCampgroundLodgingServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 29, 2026

Wakasugi Kogen Ooya Campsite is located in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture, positioned in the rural northern part of the prefecture. The facility operates year-round as both a campsite and ski resort, adapting to seasonal demands. In 2004, the Ministry of the Environment designated this location as "the best place to see the stars", establishing its reputation as a premier stargazing destination in Japan.

The site's primary draw is its exceptional dark sky conditions, earning it recognition as "the best campsite in Japan for viewing the starry sky". The "Star Plaza" observation area offers a 360-degree view of the sky where visitors can see the Milky Way under favorable conditions. On weekends, a special night lift operates to facilitate "starry sky hikes", allowing visitors to reach the summit for nighttime observation sessions.

Visitors can choose from multiple accommodation options including lodges, log houses, and trailer houses available year-round. American-style trailer houses can be privately rented from 17,000 yen, while other accommodations start from 4,250 yen per person. The facility provides on-site hot spring facilities for guest use. Family activities include trampolines and sledding areas, with summer additions of "Water Mountain" and "Sledding Pocha" where participants jump into pools on sleds. Summer skiing operates on a slope open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

The campsite is located at 99-2 Wakasugi, Oyacho, Yabu City. Visitors can reach the site by car in approximately 150 minutes from Osaka and Kobe, or 120 minutes and 75 kilometers north from Himeji. Express buses operate from Osaka (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes) and Kobe (approximately 2 hours) to Yoka Station, with onward transfer required to reach the campsite.

Hours

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 79-669-1576

Website

ooyaski.com

The area

Address

99-2 Ōyachō Wakasu, Yabu, Hyogo 667-0323, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 79-669-1576

Website

ooyaski.com

What other travelers are saying about Wakasugi Kogen Ooya Campsite, Yabu

Nice place, beautiful skies. The scenery is really beautiful. Kids activities offered for additional cost - trampoline, sliding etc. The toilets were clean. The hot spring was really nice, it would be better if it were open longer (closes at 9 pm, you can only enter by 8 pm).

Nina K

Aug 11, 2019

We used Site G, a site in the forest where sunlight filters through the trees. There's ample space to set up a tent and tarp. The entrance is on a slope, so cars must park about 5 meters away, but it seems like you can park almost side-by-side at other sites. There are steps, so it's good to have a sense of distance between the sites. I wish there were more sinks and they were taller. Having a bath on-site is also a nice feature, and the water was great. There are also other options, such as sites on the slopes and deck sites in the parking lot. There were many people doing grass skiing, so it created a lively atmosphere. It was cloudy when we visited, but if the weather was nice, it would be fun to go on a stargazing hike. The reception staff were cheerful and made a good impression.

76a qcx

Oct 14, 2025

This was our second time camping in the highlands, and our first time at this particular location. A fellow camper friend found it for us! The starry sky was truly beautiful. The stars shone brightly, and we could clearly see the Big Dipper and the Summer Triangle, making stargazing a real treat. It was so beautiful that we've added stargazing to our list of favorite camping activities! We were in a free tent site (anywhere within the designated area), but the ground was quite sloped, and there were only about two flat spots, which was a bit disappointing. I think there would be more options if you're camping solo. Another issue was driving in the tent pegs. The ground was very hard, a mix of rocks and soil, and the pegs wouldn't go in... It took a long time to drive in the pegs, and we were exhausted by the time we finished. This experience taught us that strong pegs specifically designed for hard soil are necessary. It was a wonderful memory! I was also happy to find ice cream for sale. The ice cream tasted great while enjoying the mountain breeze. Next time, I'd like to take a leisurely stroll around the area.

ゆゆゆ

Sep 23, 2025

I visited for the first time in search of coolness amidst the scorching heatwave. I booked a site with a spectacular view, which was spacious and offered facilities not available at other sites. It was hot during the day and humid at night, with rain forecast for the evening, but I still had a pleasant stay. I was impressed by the starry sky I was able to see after the rain. I'd like to visit again at a better time.

RYOKO YAMAGUCHI

Aug 24, 2025

I used it for summer camping, and just as the reviews said, the starry sky was beautiful! It seems like you could take beautiful pictures if you set the camera properly, but it was hard to get good results with my smartphone. Because it's a campsite at a ski resort, there aren't many flat areas to pitch a tent, so you have to think about which way you want to sleep. The route is through the mountains, so if you're prone to motion sickness, be careful.