2026 National Astronomical Observatory of Japan Mitaka Starry Sky Full-Day Course

The Mitaka Campus of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan is not open to the general public at night. Only on days when a regular observation session is held, and only for those who registered in advance, can visitors enter the campus to attend the indoor lecture explanation and observe through the outdoor 50 cm public telescope. Participation is free. Sessions are offered about once a month, applied for through a web form, with a capacity of 50 people per group (up to 5 people per application). From April to September, spots are decided by lottery; from October to March, on a first-come, first-served basis. The parking lot is entered from the back gate (not accessible from the main gate) and is paid (500 yen for the first 3 hours, then 200 yen per additional hour, 8:30-17:30, 54 spaces). On session days, the parking lot's hours of use are extended.