2026 Lake Tanzawa Starry Sky Full-Day Course

Spend a day enjoying the starry sky on the quiet shores of Lake Tanzawa in Yamakita, a town cradled by the Tanzawa mountains. Lake Tanzawa was created by the Miho Dam, and being ringed by mountains and far from city lights, it offers a wonderfully dark setting. In the afternoon, browse Ashigara tea and local specialties at Michi-no-Eki Yamakita, then take a dip at Buna-no-Yu, the town-run day-use bathhouse at Nakagawa Onsen, said to be one of Takeda Shingen's hidden hot springs, before heading to the lakeshore at dusk. From around 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, the climax is gazing up at the night sky wrapped in the breeze crossing the lake and the sound of insects. Note that the lakeside Dam Plaza parking lot and Lake Tanzawa parking lot are closed every Wednesday in winter, so check the day of the week for winter outings. The lakeshore gets chilly at night, so do not forget warm clothing and a light for your feet.