Ginganomori Observatory (Rikubetsu Town) — Enjoy Starry Skies at Japan's Largest Public Telescope

Overview

Ginganomori Observatory (Rikubetsu Space and Earth Science Museum) is a public astronomical observation facility located in Rikubetsu Town, Ashoro District, Hokkaido. In 1987, Rikubetsu was designated as a "Starry Sky Town" by the Environmental Agency (now Ministry of the Environment), and in 1997 it was also recognized as one of "10 Towns Friendly to Starry Skies." The town boasts one of Japan's finest starry sky environments.

The observatory features a 115cm reflective telescope, one of Japan's largest among publicly accessible facilities. Through this telescope, you can observe nebulae and galaxies that are invisible to the naked eye in remarkable detail.

Observation Environment

Rikubetsu Town is located in the inland region of Hokkaido, with no major cities nearby, resulting in extremely minimal light pollution. In winter, the continental high-pressure system brings clear skies with high frequency, and the temperature drop improves atmospheric transparency significantly.

Although the altitude is only about 340m, the flat surrounding terrain combined with the open landscape provides an unobstructed view to the horizon. On clear nights, the Milky Way appears distinctly, and low-latitude aurora can sometimes be observed.

Facilities and Equipment

In addition to the main 115cm reflective telescope, the observatory is equipped with two 30cm reflective telescopes, one 25cm reflective telescope, and a 4-unit solar telescope. During the day, you can observe sunspots and prominences, while at night, seasonal celestial objects are presented with explanations from professional staff.

The facility also houses a planetarium and exhibitions on space and earth sciences, ensuring enjoyable experiences even on cloudy nights.

Access and Visitor Information

The observatory is about 2 hours by car from Obihiro City and approximately 2.5 hours from Tokachiobihiro Airport. Public transportation access is limited, so rental car is recommended. Winter roads require caution due to icing.

The facility is open Wednesday through Sunday and holidays (closed Monday-Tuesday), with summer hours 14:00-22:30 and winter hours 13:00-21:30. While observation sessions don't require reservations, group visits should be notified in advance. Parking is free.

Observation Tips

Rikubetsu is one of Japan's coldest regions, with temperatures sometimes dropping below -20°C in winter. Bring thorough cold-weather protection: hand warmers, cold-weather clothing, gloves, and hat are essential. Bring lens cloths as eyepieces may fog up.

Summer is relatively comfortable for observation, ideal for Milky Way watching. Don't forget insect repellent. Spring and autumn offer excellent conditions for observing galaxies and star clusters.