Prefectural Gunma Observatory — Attraction in Takayama

This national facility hosts two large telescopes which the public can get a view of the night sky through on throughout the week. During the day there are tours of the large telescopes and the exhibits outside. There are also interesting exhibits about the work of astronomy which will inspire any 10 year old child.

It's a 10 minute walk from the car park to the domes along a scale model of the solar system. Bear bells for your safety are provided. There is an intercom for requesting a ride up the hill for those that cannot cope with steps.

It's a lovely place with friendly and accommodating staff who aren't afraid of trying to speak with foreigners (in Japanese). There's space to eat a pack lunch (no food sold on site, but there are drinks machines). Groups can book private nights with the on-site smaller telescopes.

This is a small but very well run facility. For the day time you'd...

This Observatory is a little difficult to get to from Tokyo but its totally worth the trip. The trek up the mountain to the observatory is fun. But air is a little light, so tread carefully. Approaching the building is exciting, the outside of the premises has constellation themed structures. I know them from many Japanese tv programs, but seeing them in person was way cooler. The observatory features a very inexpensive tour of the museum floor that will take you up to their telescope that has been in operation since 1997. You can also walk around the outside of its dome and get a wonderful view of the structures outside and all the surrounding towns. A must see if you are in Gunma or passing through, Please visit this location for some great views and...

We reached at around 6 PM. If you reach a bit earlier you'll get a better look at the installation outside the observatory. There is even a Jantar Mantar model. We had a session where they explained the stars and constellations to us. After this we could watch the night sky with the stars and constellations in the humongous telescopes. There are so many installation for visitors to see and educate themselves. The walk through the steps in the woods to the observatory...