満天の星に包まれる｜のりくら観光協会公式サイト

The clean air, moderate altitude of 1,200 to 1,800 meters above sea level, and the full sky of stars seen in Norikura Kogen, far from the city and surrounded by mountains, are breathtaking. Experience the true number of stars in this place where you can find the Milky Way even with the naked eye.

❶ The starry sky on the day of the new moon

No matter how suitable Norikura Kogen is for star gazing, when the moon is bright, only stars with strong light can be seen because they are drowned out by the light of the moon. If you are planning to visit Norikura for star gazing, the best time to visit is one week before and after the new moon. Deciding when to stay in Norikura according to the phases of the moon is one of the best travel choices.

Have you ever heard of the new moon wish? It has been believed since the beginning of time that if you make a wish on the new moon, it will come true, and the new moon has such magical power. Please look up at the starry sky of the new moon with your best wishes.

❷ The Milky Way visible to the naked eye

Generally speaking, the Milky Way may be associated with "Tanabata" (Star Festival). This is because the Milky Way is most easily visible at the height around Tanabata (from the end of the rainy season to around the Bon Festival). At Norikura Kogen, the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye regardless of the season, as long as the conditions are right.

The Milky Way, especially in winter, is so delicate and faint that it is very rare to see it with the naked eye anywhere in the world. Children who grew up in Norikura Kogen, where the Milky Way can be seen as a matter of course, realize for the first time when they leave their hometown that the starry sky of Norikura is something special and not taken for granted.

❸ Recommended stargazing spots

You can stargaze anywhere in Norikura Kogen, but here are some recommended stargazing spots that have particularly open skies and are easily accessible at night.

1. parking lot of Norikura BASE Iwaya Recreation Land

The paved footing makes it easy to walk at night, and the high elevation makes it easy to see the lights of the plateau. You can observe them right after getting out of your car.

2. star gazing hill

This stargazing spot is located along the road into Ichinose. It is located higher than the roadway, and there are benches for visitors to lie down and look at the stars. The area is thickly wooded, so you can enjoy the starry sky in a natural atmosphere.

*It is difficult to find for those who go there at night for the first time, so it is recommended to go for a preliminary inspection during the daytime.

3. Sanbon Falls Parking Lot

It will be the highest point that can be reached by car at night, far from the lights in the plateau, and you will be able to see a large number of stars.

4. Norikura-dake

If you stay at the Hut on the Shoulder or the Higashi no Hut or the Higahara Hut, you can see the special night sky at more than 2000m.

5. parking lot for accommodations

When the lights of the inn gradually go out around 9:00 p.m., go outside the front door, and as your eyes become a little more accustomed, you will gradually see the stars. If you take a walk and look in the dark, you will see many stars.

If it gets cold, you can go right into the lodge and enjoy the stars with ease.

6. Maime Pond Parking Lot

This spacious place is located in the middle of Ichinose. Because it is far away from the lights of the plateau, visitors can enjoy stargazing in a spacious and relaxing environment.

❹ What to watch out for when stargazing

You may be so surprised at the difference from the night sky you usually see that you may be tempted to shout with joy. However, there are people around you who are quietly enjoying the starry night sky, so be sure to cheer in your heart. Please note that the temperature at night in the highlands can drop below 10 degrees Celsius even in summer, so please bring warm clothing.

Please be prepared with insect repellent and watch out for animals as you are in the middle of nature. When observing in the parking lot, please refrain from lying down to observe the stars, as this may lead to accidents. Also, some people will be taking pictures, so we ask that you please be considerate when turning on the lights. We wish you a pleasant & best stargazing experience with those around you.

❺ Challenge to photograph the starry sky

When you see a beautiful starry sky, you want to photograph it as it is and take it home with you. However, many people may think that photographing the starry sky is a bit difficult for beginners and that the hurdle is too high. However, if you follow certain tips, even beginners can easily take pictures.

Takepon, a star photographer living in Norikura Kogen, gives us tips on how beginners can easily take pictures of the starry sky. Please try your hand at photographing the starry sky at Norikura Kogen.

Capture the beautiful starry sky in your photos!
Read Rikuura at Home VOL.6 "How to Take Starry Sky Photos

Be enveloped by the stars in the sky