2026 Gunma Astronomical Observatory Full-Day Starry Sky Course

Located in Takayama Village, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, 'Gunma Astronomical Observatory' is a prefectural observatory equipped with a 150cm reflecting telescope, one of the largest in the world open to the public. Nighttime stargazing sessions run from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in winter (times vary by season; 7:00 to 10:00 PM in summer), and no reservation is needed for individuals (groups generally must reserve at least 6 weeks in advance). Admission is 300 yen for adults and free for junior high school students and younger. It's 25 minutes from Shibukawa-Ikaho IC and 20 minutes from Tsukiyono IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway. From the parking lot (about 100 spaces, free) to the main building is a 10-15 minute walk along a footpath (lit at night); the parking lot closes after the observatory closes.