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Area/Joudodaira

Joudodaira Observatory
(Fukushima City)

Joudodaira Observatory

Joudodaira Observatory is the highest public observatory in Japan, situated at an elevation of 1,600 meters in the Bandai-Asahi National Park. The after-sunset sky, colors of the clouds and changes in light are unique to mountainous area characterized by clean air. The low level of light pollution makes the area conducive for viewing a beautiful starry sky. Also, the probability of encountering shooting stars rises in the summer when the meteor shower activities become lively. The dome measuring 5.5m in diameter is equipped with a reflecting telescope of 40 cm in diameter and a solar telescope. It is a star watching point loved by astronomy fans around the country.

DATA

Opening hours: 10:00-17:00
Night-time opening hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays between mid May and end of October (Closed on rainy and cloudy nights); 20:00-22:00 (June,

July, August); 19:00-21:00 (May, September, October)

* Excluding evenings when the Bandai-Azuma Skyline is closed
Address: Joudodaira Area, Washikurayama, Tsuchiyuonsen-machi, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima-ken
Tel: 0242-64-2108
Fax: 0242-64-2108
Website: Joudodaira Observatory Website
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  • Joudodaira Observatory
  • Joudodaira Observatory

MESSAGE

The Joudodaira Observatory organizes guided snowshoe trekking tours and guided alpine skiing tours in the snow-lingering spring season coinciding with the opening of the Bandai-Azuma Skyline in April. It also provides guided nature tours when alpine plants bloom and guided trekking tours in the autumn foliage season along with a nature photography class.
Given the observatory’s high elevation, visitors can enjoy a starry sky even during the rainy season because it is above the clouds on most days. We’dlike to remind you to bring warm clothes on your visit since the temperature is usually 10 degrees lower than the lowlands regardless of the season.

Naoki Toyoshima, Observatory Director

Naoki Toyoshima, Observatory Director
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