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Saji Astro Park Tottori

4.3
·268 reviews·Tottori, Japan

Experience the universe like never before at Saji Astro Park, offering pristine night skies and powerful telescopes for unforgettable stargazing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear nights

Best for stargazing

CrowdLow
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天文台内部

Saji Astro Park Tottori

Best Time

Clear nights

Best for stargazing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the universe like never before at Saji Astro Park, offering pristine night skies and powerful telescopes for unforgettable stargazing.

4.3
(268 reviews)

"The starry night was incredible! It is the best place I have ever been to see so many stars."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Telescope Sessions

Reserve your spot for main telescope viewings in advance to avoid disappointment! :ticket:

Check Weather Forecast

Clear skies are essential for stargazing. Check the forecast before you go! :cloud:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Main Observatory Telescope

Main Observatory Telescope

Main Observatory Dome

Peer through a massive telescope for breathtaking views of planets, nebulae, and galaxies. An unforgettable cosmic journey awaits.

Beginner Telescope Experience

Beginner Telescope Experience

Observatory Viewing Area

Even novices can witness celestial wonders like Saturn's rings. Friendly staff guide you through an accessible stargazing adventure.

Overnight Cottage Stays

Overnight Cottage Stays

On-site Cottages

Stay overnight in cozy cottages, some equipped with their own telescopes for private celestial exploration.

Unpolluted Night Skies

Unpolluted Night Skies

Park Grounds

Experience the magic of a truly dark sky, free from light pollution, revealing a dazzling tapestry of stars.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Night Sky

Saji Astro Park is renowned for its pristine night skies, offering unparalleled stargazing. Plan your visit for clear nights to maximize your experience with the cosmos. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for telescope viewings.

Getting There & Accommodation

Reaching Saji Astro Park involves a scenic drive, sometimes on winding mountain roads. Consider utilizing the community bus service from Mochigase JR station for easier access. On-site cottages offer a unique overnight stargazing opportunity.

Best Times

When
Clear nights
Why
Best for stargazing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Community bus available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Greetings from Tottori, Japan 🇯🇵 🙌🏼
@caswanasegaf
107.9K likes • 679.6K views

Book Telescope Sessions

Reserve your spot for main telescope viewings in advance to avoid disappointment! :ticket:

Check Weather Forecast

Clear skies are essential for stargazing. Check the forecast before you go! :cloud:

The Tottori Sand Dunes (鳥取砂丘) are Japan’s largest sand dunes, stretching 14 km along the coast of Tottori Prefecture. Part of the San’in Kaigan Geopark and a UNESCO Global Geopark, this unique landscape offers sweeping desert-like vistas next to the ocean just outside Tottori City. #japantravel #desert #creatorsearchinsights
@fasonjeng
25.2K likes • 195.3K views
unplanned pitstop on the way tottori city led to an interesting find 👀 it’s a very small town with less than 10,000 people so i think they really embraced this anime tourism. and there were actually still fans who visited even though it’s such an old show #freeiwatobiswimclub #freeanime #iwami #japantravel
@weekendventures_
23.7K likes • 141.1K views

Community Bus Access

Use the convenient community bus from Mochigase JR station. :bus:

Cozy Overnight Stays

Consider booking a cottage for an immersive stargazing experience. :housewithgarden:

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Telescope Sessions

Reserve your spot for main telescope viewings in advance to avoid disappointment! :ticket:

Check Weather Forecast

Clear skies are essential for stargazing. Check the forecast before you go! :cloud:

Community Bus Access

Use the convenient community bus from Mochigase JR station. :bus:

Cozy Overnight Stays

Consider booking a cottage for an immersive stargazing experience. :housewithgarden:

No Light Pollution!

Enjoy the spectacular, unpolluted night sky. :star2:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(268 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Saji Astro Park for its breathtakingly clear night skies and the unparalleled stargazing experience it offers. The helpful and enthusiastic staff enhance the visit, making it memorable for all ages. While the journey can be a bit remote, the reward of seeing Saturn's rings and a vast expanse of stars makes it well worth the effort.

"The starry night was incredible! It is the best place I have ever been to see so many stars (as a person who live in the city). Luckily the sky became clear after sunset. The staff are helpful and kind with good explanation. They arrange different items to observe on different days. It is the first time for me to use the huge telescope to observe the stars. It is an amazing experience."

Christie Lee

"Saji Astromical Park/ Saji Observatory is a must experience if you like the stars and if you are near Tottori area. The staff was great, they received us with a lot of enthusiasm and explained everything about how to use the telescope. We rented one of their cabins. I used the telescope for beginners and was able to see Saturn and its rings; it was amazing. Also, we participated on the night viewing the observatory offers with the main telescope. The observatory arranged a community bus to pick us up from Mochigase JR station and to drop us back there the next day, so it was fairly easy to get there. Thank you for your kindness and great experience!!"

Mitchelle Salazar

"It’s some drive up to here as google maps took us on a back road up this mountain that shall we say was interesting.

But after reaching our goal you are greeted by spectacular view of the night sky as there is absolutely no light pollution up here.

We tried to get entry to the observatory but unfortunately it was closed but never mind a decent phone will capture some really nice shots"

ken cheung

What People Like

Incredible starry nights
Powerful telescopes
Helpful staff

What People Dislike

Remote location
Winding roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient way to reach Saji Astro Park is by car, though be prepared for potentially winding mountain roads. For those without a vehicle, a community bus service operates from Mochigase JR station, offering a practical transport solution. Reddit

Yes, a community bus service is available from Mochigase JR station, making it accessible without a car. It's advisable to check the bus schedule in advance. Reddit

The drive can be scenic but involves mountain roads that may be winding. Some visitors have noted it as an 'interesting' journey. Reddit

Absolutely! Saji Astro Park offers on-site cottages that allow for an extended stargazing experience. Some cottages even have their own telescopes. Reddit

Yes, Saji Astro Park is a great destination for a day trip, especially if you plan to visit during the day and stay for the evening stargazing sessions. However, an overnight stay enhances the experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While general park access might be free, specific activities like using the main observatory telescope often require booking or a fee. It's best to check their official website or contact them for the latest information on tickets and viewing sessions. Reddit

The operating hours can vary, especially for the observatory dome and telescope viewing sessions. It's highly recommended to check the official schedule, particularly for evening and night activities. Reddit

Given the popularity of the stargazing experience, booking telescope sessions well in advance is strongly advised to secure your spot. Reddit

Yes, Saji Astro Park offers both a large main observatory telescope for detailed viewing and beginner-friendly telescopes, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all levels of interest. Reddit

Even if the observatory itself is closed for entry, the park grounds still offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the unpolluted night sky with your own camera or naked eye. Reddit

🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience

The most incredible aspect is the chance to see the stars through powerful telescopes, including planets like Saturn and its rings, thanks to the minimal light pollution. Reddit

Absolutely! Children and adults alike are captivated by the celestial wonders. The staff are known for being very nice and engaging, making it a great family outing. Reddit

You can experience using a huge astronomical telescope for observing stars. There are options for both beginners and more experienced stargazers. Reddit

The sky is spectacular due to the complete lack of light pollution. You'll witness a breathtaking display of stars, far more than you can see from a city. Reddit

Yes, reviews consistently praise the staff for being helpful, kind, and enthusiastic, providing excellent explanations and guidance. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, you can capture stunning photos of the night sky. Even with a decent phone camera, you can get really nice shots of the stars. Reddit

The entire park offers excellent opportunities due to the lack of light pollution. Focus on areas away from any artificial lights for the clearest shots of the Milky Way and constellations. Reddit

While professional equipment will yield the best results, many visitors have successfully captured impressive astrophotography with just their smartphones. Reddit

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using excessively bright lights that could disrupt their viewing experience. Reddit

The darkest hours after sunset, when the moon is not prominent, are ideal for capturing the most stars. Check astronomical twilight times for optimal conditions. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Saji Astro Park is a fantastic destination for families, offering a magical introduction to the universe for children and adults alike. The staff's enthusiasm and clear explanations make complex astronomical concepts engaging and fun. Reddit Kids will be mesmerized by the views through the telescopes, and the opportunity to stay overnight in a cottage adds an extra layer of adventure to the trip. Reddit

Tips for families: Pack warm clothing as nights can be cool, even in warmer months. Bring snacks and drinks, and consider a portable telescope or binoculars for younger children to use on the grounds. The community bus from Mochigase JR station can be a convenient option if you're traveling with children and don't have a car. Reddit

🌌 Budget Travelers

While some activities may have fees, Saji Astro Park can be enjoyed on a budget, especially if you focus on the incredible free stargazing opportunities. The lack of light pollution means even with your own eyes or a smartphone camera, you can witness a spectacular night sky. Reddit

Budget tips: Utilize the community bus from Mochigase JR station to save on transportation costs. Reddit Consider packing your own food and drinks to avoid purchasing them on-site. If you're looking for an affordable overnight experience, inquire about the most basic cottage options. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Stargazing at Saji Astro Park

Saji Astro Park is a premier destination for anyone seeking to experience the wonders of the night sky. Its remote location in Tottori Prefecture shields it from urban light pollution, creating an exceptionally dark environment perfect for astronomical observation. Visitors consistently rave about the clarity and abundance of stars visible, often describing it as the best stargazing experience they've ever had. Reddit+1

The park boasts impressive facilities, including a main observatory equipped with a powerful telescope. This allows guests to get up close and personal with celestial bodies like Saturn and its rings, nebulae, and distant galaxies. For those new to astronomy, friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide them through the experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages. Reddit+2

Beyond the main observatory, Saji Astro Park also offers on-site cottages for overnight stays. This unique accommodation allows visitors to extend their stargazing adventure, with some cottages even featuring their own telescopes. This immersive experience, combined with the pristine night sky, makes Saji Astro Park a truly unforgettable destination for astronomy enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Travel and Accommodation

Reaching Saji Astro Park requires a bit of planning, as it's situated in a more remote area. While driving offers flexibility, be prepared for potentially narrow and winding mountain roads. Reddit For those relying on public transport, the community bus service from Mochigase JR station is a valuable option. It's highly recommended to confirm the bus schedule in advance to align with your visit. Reddit

To truly immerse yourself in the stargazing experience, consider an overnight stay. Saji Astro Park provides charming cottages that allow you to maximize your time under the stars. These accommodations offer a comfortable base and, in some cases, private telescope access, enhancing the overall visit. Reddit

When planning your trip, always prioritize clear weather conditions. The magic of Saji Astro Park lies in its unobstructed view of the cosmos, so checking the weather forecast is crucial for a successful visit. Booking any specific telescope viewing sessions in advance is also a wise move to ensure availability. Reddit

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