Complete Guide to Stargazing Spots in Nagano｜Information and recommended areas to enjoy the beautiful starry sky

Because of its rich natural environment and high altitude, Nagano Prefecture is home to some of the best stargazing spots in Japan.

Especially on clear nights, there are many spots where you can enjoy a star-filled sky that you can hold in your hand, and many people from all over the country come to enjoy stargazing and star gazing.

In this article, we will introduce recommended stargazing spots in Nagano Prefecture, how to access them, and tips for stargazing.

What is the charm of the starry sky in Nagano?

Because of its high elevation and clean air, Nagano Prefecture has less light pollution than urban areas, making the starry sky very beautiful.

Nagano Prefecture is also very popular as a tourist destination because it is surrounded by mountain ranges and has many high elevations.

With numerous locations for stargazing scattered throughout the area, this is the perfect place to travel to enjoy the starry night skies.

Stargazing in Nagano is not just for star gazers, but also for those interested in constellations and celestial bodies, as many places have facilities for observing the movement of celestial bodies, looking for shooting stars, and other astronomical observations.

Five recommended stargazing spots in Nagano

Nagano has many great spots for stargazing. Here are some of the best places for stargazing.

Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau

Utsukushigahara Plateau is located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters and is one of the most famous stargazing spots in Nagano Prefecture.

Surrounded by plateau vegetation, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery during the day and star-filled skies at night. The weather in Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau is especially clear most of the time, making it an ideal place for stargazing.

Attraction of the Starry Sky

The Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau is ideal for stargazing, as the Milky Way, summer constellations, and winter constellations are clearly visible from the plateau.

Utsukushi-ga-hara is also known for the Utsukushi-ga-hara Starry Sky Festival, an astronomical observation event held every year in August.

There are also stargazing events that beginners can participate in, perfect for those who want to deepen their knowledge of the starry skies.

2. lake Suwa (Suwako)

The area around Lake Suwa has a wide open night sky, making it an ideal area for stargazing.

The stars reflected on the surface of the lake and contrasting with the nearby mountains create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere.

There are many sightseeing spots, hotels, and hot spring resorts around Lake Suwa, so you can relax along with stargazing.

Attraction of the Starry Sky

The stars reflected on the lake surface are fantastic and can be enjoyed together with the beautiful night view.

The area around Lake Suwa in particular is a great place to observe constellations and shooting stars.

It is also an ideal spot for photography at night, when there are few lights in the surrounding area and the starry sky stands out even more.

3. the Shiga Highlands

Shiga Kogen is a ski resort located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, but it is also known for its star gazing during the summer months.

Because of the high altitude, the air is clean and the stars are very clear.

Attraction of the Starry Sky

The starry sky seen from Shiga Kogen is especially beautiful during the winter season and is ideal for observing the Milky Way and meteor showers.

There is also an astronomical observatory in the vicinity, where visitors can enjoy the starry sky with an expert guide.

Nobeyama Plateau

Nobeyama Kogen is located at an altitude of over 1,300 meters and is known as one of the best places for star gazing in Nagano Prefecture.

In particular, it is located in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture and offers a spectacular starry sky on a clear night.

Attraction of the Starry Sky

Nobeyama Kogen is also famous as a Mecca for astronomical observation.

Especially at "Nobeyama Observatory," visitors can learn in-depth knowledge about the stars through astronomical observation sessions and starry sky commentary. For astronomy fans, this is a place where they can have a valuable experience.

5. the Takabotchi Plateau

The Takabotchi Plateau is a 1,600-meter-high plateau with a spectacular view of the Northern Alps.

The starry sky seen from here is very clear and vast.

Attraction of the Starry Sky

From the Takabotchi Plateau, the winter starry sky is especially beautiful, and the Milky Way and constellations can be clearly seen.

Because there are few artificial light sources in the surrounding area, the night sky is wide open, making it an ideal place to observe shooting stars and constellations.

Tips for Stargazing in Nagano

Here are some tips for stargazing in Nagano to enjoy a more beautiful night sky.

1. enjoy the different constellations according to the seasons

The constellations that can be observed in Nagano's starry sky change with the seasons.

For example, summer is the season when the Milky Way is beautifully visible, and in winter Orion shines in the night sky. Enjoy the seasonal changes in the starry sky and discover its different charms.

2. use astronomical observation tools

In Nagano, astronomical observing sessions and star tours are often held, so observing constellations and planets through an astronomical telescope with a professional guide is also recommended.

You can bring your own telescope, but there are also facilities where you can rent one locally.

3. be careful what you wear at night

Because of the high elevation of many places in Nagano, temperatures can drop at night.

It can get cold, especially in the fall and winter, so please make sure you are prepared for the cold and enjoy stargazing in comfort.

summary

Nagano Prefecture has many spots where you can enjoy beautiful starry skies.

The high elevation and low light pollution make it an ideal place for stargazing and astronomical observation.

Visitors can enjoy different constellations for each season and enjoy the stars in the clear air.

We hope you will enjoy the beautiful night sky of Nagano by referring to our stargazing spots and tips for observation.