Winter Star
Gazing Service Winter Star Gazing Service

We are hosting a limited-time event for the first time in winter where
you can enjoy a starry sky from the observatory at an altitude of 2,156 meters!
In the crystal-clear winter air, an even more beautiful starry sky awaits you.
Experience a precious stargazing opportunity that can only be found here,
in a different world where temperatures drop below -20°C.

Schedule

December 1 (Fri) - 3 (Sun)
January 3 (Wed) - 4 (Thu)
February 10 (Sat) - 12 (Mon Holiday) - Total of 8 days

Operating hours

No. 1 Ropeway
「Shinhotaka Onsen station」

First train up 17:00/Final uphill 18:30

No. 2 Ropeway
「Nishihotakaguchi station」

First train downhill 17:15/Final downhill 19:15

※No. 1 Ropeway Leaves 0 and 30 minutes past every hour.
No. 2 Ropeway Leaves 15 and 45 minutes past every hour.

Fares	adult	child
Includes round-trip transportation on the No.1 and No.2 ropeways (Shinjotaka Onsen Station to Nishihotakaguchi Station).	¥3,300	¥1,650

*Shuttle buses will be running from Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal to Shinhotaka Ropeway (Shinhotaka Onsen Station). Operating hours will be announced at a later date.

sparkling in the sky
natural illumination

Celestial event

Quadrantid meteor shower

The Quadrantid meteor shower is most active from January 1st to around January 7th, with its peak on the night of January 3rd to the early morning of January 4th.It is one of the three major meteor showers, alongside the Perseid meteor shower and the Geminid meteor shower.

Peak Day: Around 18:00 on January 4, 2024
Number of Sightings: Approximately 30 per hour

From the rooftop observatory
at an altitude of 2,156 meters,
the night sky above,
filled with twinkling stars,
is sure to deliver an unparalleled
sense of awe and excitement…

Parkingmap

Important Notes for Using the Stargazing Service

★ During the winter season, the "Nabedaira Kogen Parking Lot" will be closed. If you are arriving by car, please use the "Shinhotaka Onsen Parking Lot" and board the No.1 ropeway from there.
★ Reservations for boarding are not required. Please purchase your boarding ticket at the ticket counter.
★ Due to the high altitude and extremely low temperatures, please ensure that you dress warmly when visiting.
★ Please be aware that the ground can be very slippery due to snow and freezing conditions.
★ Since you will be moving in darkness, please be cautious of your footing and the surroundings. Having a flashlight can be useful. To prevent missing the transportation and avoiding accidents, visitors are restricted from going outside of the designated areas, including the Nishihotakaguchi Station Observatory.
★ Operations may be suspended due to strong winds. In case of inclement weather, stargazing explanations will be provided indoors. Depending on the COVID-19 infection situation, there may be changes or cancellations to the event.

Please check the website for the operating status on the day of the event.
* In principle, if daytime operations are suspended, the event will be canceled.

Winter StarGazing Service Winter Star Gazing Service