2026 Full-Day Starry Sky Course at the Observatory Polaris (天文台ポラリス)

This day centers on stargazing held at the rooftop observatory Polaris (ポラリス) of Kyukamura Minami-Awaji (休暇村南淡路) in Minami-Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is held daily, year-round, from 20:00 for about 45 minutes; it is free and requires no reservation, though the program switches to a video presentation in bad weather. A 400mm-aperture reflecting telescope named Polaris (ポラリス) is installed on the rooftop, which overlooks Fukura Bay and the Naruto Strait - it is the only public observatory on Awaji Island. It is guided by certified 'Star Sommeliers' and 'Star Rangers.' Parking is available. The Uzushio Cruise (うずしおクルーズ) boat Kanrin Maru (咸臨丸), departing from Fukura Port (福良港), is about a 22-minute walk (roughly 1.8km) from Kyukamura Minami-Awaji, takes about 1 hour, and costs 2,500 yen for junior high school students and up, 1,000 yen for elementary school students, and is free for young children; departure times vary daily depending on tidal conditions, so please check the official website or call ahead.