Iwatesan Yakehashiri International Exchange Village Galaxy Station - Lava Flow and Starry Sky Harmony
Overview
Iwatesan Yakehashiri International Exchange Village is a comprehensive leisure facility at the northeast foot of Mt. Iwate in Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture. Within the grounds, the "Galaxy Station Observatory" offers celestial observation via telescope.
The Yakehashiri lava flow, designated as a National Special Natural Monument, was formed during Mt. Iwate's 1719 eruption. The unique landscape where black lava plains and starry sky interweave exists nowhere else.
Observation Environment
Located in Hachimantai City's mountainous area approximately 30 kilometers from Morioka city center. The lava flow's surrounding has few street lights, with dark skies spreading particularly toward the northeast. At approximately 560 meters elevation, favorable nights reveal the Milky Way to the naked eye.
Mt. Iwate's majestic silhouette with starry sky as foreground is popular for celestial landscape photography, attracting starscape enthusiasts from across Japan.
Facilities and Equipment
Galaxy Station Observatory features a 20-centimeter refractor telescope with periodic celestial observation events. The facility includes campgrounds, cottages, and hot spring facility "Yakehashiri-no-Yu," providing accommodations for stargazing enjoyment.
The campground offers grass and auto sites, with camping experiences viewing stars from tents.
Access
About 15 minutes by car from Nishine IC on the Tohoku Expressway with convenient access. About 40 minutes from central Morioka.
Observation Tips
The lava flow walking path entrance offers the most open observation point. The black lava ground poorly reflects heat, with minimal ground air currents providing stable observation. Summer campgrounds are busy—watch for head lamp light. Use red-filtered lighting showing consideration.
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