Okinawa Island Guide

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Okinawa Island Guide
星空観測タワー

Astronomical observation tower (Hateruma Island)

星空観測タワー Astronomical observation tower (Hateruma Island)

3905 Hateruma, Taketomi Town (Hateruma Island)
Hours: April-October: 10:00-17:00 (closed between 12:00-13:00), 20:00-22:00; November-March: 10:00-17:00 (closed between 12:00-13:00), 19:00-21:00
Closed: Mon
Admission: 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for children

This is an astronomical observation tower on the southernmost island of Japan, Hateruma. On a clear night you can enjoy the beautiful starry sky from the dome with the installed 20mm refracting telescope, but the place also offers a planetarium show, the optimal alternative to stargazing under unfavorable weather conditions. “Hateruma Island is never enveloped in absolute darkness. There are far more stars in the real sky than on conventional planetarium screens. In addition, Hateruma will make you realize how brightly a full moon shines in the night sky,“ says the chief of the facility, Mr. Oyamori, who has extensive knowledge about stargazing on the island. If the focus of your stay on Hateruma is stargazing, you are recommended to visit the island during the four days following the new moon. The Southern Cross is visible from Hateruma Island from late April through mid-June.

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