2026 Akashi City Museum of Planetary Science Starry Sky Full-Day Course

A day built around the astronomical observation session at the Akashi City Museum of Planetary Science, which stands on the Japan Standard Time meridian (135 degrees East) in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture. The session is held about once a month (scheduled for August through February in fiscal year 2026); from October to March it runs from about 19:00 to 20:30 (reception 18:30-19:00). The fee is 300 yen (for elementary school age and up; free for Friends of the Stars members), plus a separate 200 yen for parking. Advance application is required: apply through the application form on the museum's website by 17:00, two weeks before the session date, with a lottery held after the deadline. On cloudy or rainy days, the session may be changed to a tour of the observation room, or cancelled. During the day, you can also enjoy Akashi Park and the ruins of Akashi Castle, both within walking distance.