Have you ever dreamed of lying under a starry sky, away from city lights? There are some truly incredible places in Japan where the night sky looks magical. Here are 10 must-visit spots for stargazing that will leave you speechless – let's dive in!
Hokkaido – Lake Kussharo (Kussharo-ko)
Located in Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido, Lake Kusharō is the largest caldera lake in Japan. Because it is so far from any cities, the skies here remain extremely dark – many say you can see more stars with the naked eye than anywhere else in Hokkaido.
The lake, its small island in the middle, and the surrounding mountains (Mashu-dake and Shari-dake) create a surreal background. The best views come from Bihoro Pass or Tsubetsu Pass – at night, the entire sky lights up, and it is absolutely breathtaking.
There are several open-air hot springs along the lake, so you can soak while gazing at the stars. Even in summer, nights can get cool, so pack warm layers!
Address: Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido
By train: About 15 min by car from JR Kushiro Line Kawayu-Onsen Station
By car: Around 2 hours from the Ashoro IC on the Eastern Hokkaido Expressway
Iwate Prefecture – Jodogahama (Pure Land Beach)
Jodogahama, located within the Sanriku Reconstruction National Park and Sanriku Geopark, is a stunning place to experience nature at its finest under the stars.
During the day, you find turquoise waters, white sand, rocky cliffs, and green pine forests. At night, the same rocks turn into dramatic shadows while countless stars shine overhead.
It's great all year round, but winter brings the cleanest air and brightest stars – highly recommended. They also run guided night tours where a local guide shares stories while you enjoy the sky. Perfect for first timers!
Address: Hitachihama-cho 32, Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture
By bus: From JR Yamada Line or Sanriku Railway Miyako Station, take the bus to Oku-Jodogahama (about 1 min walk)
By car: 8 min from Miyako-kou IC or 10 min from Miyako-kita IC on the Sanriku Coastal Road
Tochigi Prefecture – Senjogahara Plateau
Senjogahara gets its name from an old legend about a battle of the gods at Lake Chūzenji. With almost no buildings or trees blocking the view, this is one of the best places in Japan for an open night sky.
Great viewing spots include the "Sanbonmatsu parking lot" (the starting point for the disembarkation) and the Senjogahara Observatory, which overlooks the plateau. It's an easy walk, and you can easily catch the Perseids or the Summer Triangle.
There are hiking trails too, so stargazing while walking is a fun option.
Address: Nakamiyori, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
By bus: From JR or Tobu Nikko Station, bus to Sanbonmatsu (1 min walk)
By car: About 35 min from Kiyotaki IC on the Nikko-Utsunomiya Road
Chiba Prefecture – Inubosaki Lighthouse
Located at the easternmost tip of Kanto, Inubosaki Lighthouse is a historic 1874 building that was designed by a British engineer and was designated a National Important Cultural Property.
With wide open views facing the Pacific Ocean, sea breezes keep the air clean, making the sky incredibly clear. At night you get a full 360° panorama of the stars.
Bring a star chart or app to see the Spring Triangle, Summer Triangle, Autumn Square, and Winter Triangle – it's so much fun!
Address: Inubosaki, Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture
By train: About a 10-minute walk from Choshi Electric Railway Inubosaki Station
By bus: From JR Choshi Station, bus to Inubosaki (8 min walk)
By car: 50 min from Itako IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway or 1 hr from Yoko-shiba-Hikari IC
Nagano Prefecture – Utsukushigahara Highlands
Utsukushigahara, located at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters in central Nagano, is the endpoint of the scenic Venus Line drive.
The top spot is Michi-no-eki Utsukushigahara Highlands – during the day, you can see the Northern Alps, and at the galaxy feels close enough to touch. On a lucky evening, you may even see a sea of clouds glittering under the stars.
Hotels and villas are scattered around, so it's easy to stay overnight for stargazing – also great for families with children.
Address: Utsukushigahara Highlands, Takeishi Kamihoniri, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
By car: 1 hr from Okaya IC (Nagano Expressway), 1 hr 10 min from Tomi-no-Yama IC (Josshin-Etsu Expressway), or 1 hr 30 min from Suwa IC (Chuo Expressway)
Nagano Prefecture – Achi Village
The village of Aichi in southern Nagano was officially named Japan's No. 1 stargazing site by the Environment Ministry. People on social media are excited to see the Milky Way clearly with their own eyes.
A 15-minute cable-car ride takes you to the summit of the Fujimi-Dai Plateau. The air there is very clean, far away from city lights, and they even turn off most of the lights at night so the stars can keep shining.
They regularly host “Tenku no Rakuen – Japan’s Best Stargazing Tour” at an altitude of 1,400 meters – a truly special experience.
Address: Achi Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture
By bus: From Matsumoto Station, Achi Hishin Bus to Achi (about 1 hr 50 min)
By car: 10 min from Iida-Yamamoto IC or Sonohara IC on the Chuo Expressway
Nara Prefecture – Odaigahara
Straddling the Nara-mi border, Odaigahara's highest peak is Hinode-ga-dake at 1,695 metres. This is a fantastic walking area with dramatic cliffs and beautiful valleys.
The best places to see the stars are at the observatory, which can be reached after a 45-minute walk from the parking lot, or continue a 15-minute walk to the Hinode-ga-dake viewpoint – the sky sparkles like a jewel box.
Note: The Odaigahara driveway to the parking lot is closed in winter (late November to late April).
Address: 660-1 Oozumi, Kamikitayama Village, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture
By bus: From Yamato-Yagi Station (Kintetsu), bus to Odaigahara (1 min walk)
By car: About 2.5 hours from Hari IC (Meihan National Road) or Mihara IC (Minami-Hanna Road)
Okayama Prefecture – Bisei Astronomical Observatory
Bisei Town in southwestern Okayama was the first place in Japan to implement light-pollution regulations. Bisei Observatory is dedicated to keeping the skies dark and beautiful.
There is a 101 cm telescope inside the dome, and staff guide you to view nebulae and star clusters that are invisible to the naked eye.
With no tall buildings nearby, you can also enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea. There are binoculars and telescopes on the roof deck for everyone to use.
Address: 1723-70 Okura, Bisei-cho, Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture
Hours: Tue–Wed 9:30–16:00; Fri–Mon 13:45–16:00 & 18:00–22:00 (last entry 21:30). Hours may change on event days.
Closed: Thursdays, the day after holidays, year-end/New Year, and occasional maintenance days.
By bus: From Yagami Station (Ibara Railway), bus to Bisei Clinic-mae (30 min walk)
By car: About 40 minutes from Kasaoka IC on the Sanyo Expressway
Oita Prefecture – Kuju Highlands
Kuju Highlands Inside the Aso-Kujju National Park, the main peak of the Kuju Mountains stands at an altitude of 1,000 meters on the southern slopes of Mount Kuju.
There are spectacular star views almost anywhere on the plateau, but the area around "Hoshi Furikan" (Starfall Hall) in the center is the best – you get a full 360° view of the sky wrapped around you.
Photography fans love to visit Kuju Flower Park to take pictures of the Milky Way with seasonal flowers. They also regularly organize stargazing photo events – perfect for creating lasting memories.
Address: 3987 Kuju, Kuju-machi, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture
By train: About 30 min by car from JR Hohi Line Bungo-Taketa Station
By car: Around 1 hr from Kuju IC on the Oita Expressway
Okinawa Prefecture – Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island is a popular vacation spot, and stargazing is one of its biggest attractions. This island has many amazing views.
Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, made up of coral reefs and islands, is Japan's first International Dark Sky Place. Tomatorizki Observatory is one of the most famous places.
In the center of the island, Banna Park is another great option for southern Ishigaki. You can also see spectacular skies over Kabira Bay, Hirakubosaki Lighthouse, and Nagura Bay. Plus, there are plenty of guided stargazing tours to make it easy and fun.
Address: Banna Park, 961-15 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
By car: About 25 minutes from New Ishigaki Airport
