Ishigakijima-Ishigakijima Observatory
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
Scenery at the Ishigaki Island Observatory
Panoramic View of the Observatory |
non-pressure telescope |
The Road to the Observatory |
View from the Observatory |
Enjoy a comfortable trip with a rental car!
We'll also make reservations in advance for car rentals, which fill up quickly!
↓Click here for more information.
About the Ishigaki Island Observatory
The Ishigaki Island Observatory is an observatory on par with the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan’s VERA Ishigaki Island Observatory.
The Ishigaki Island Observatory is a new type of observatory operated through a collaboration among six organizations: the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), Ishigaki City, the Ishigaki City Board of Education, the NPO Yaeyama Star Society, the Okinawa Prefectural Ishigaki Youth Center, and the University of the Ryukyus.
Equipped with the "Murikabushi Telescope"—the largest optical and infrared reflecting telescope in Kyushu and Okinawa, with a diameter of 105 cm—the facility conducts observational research on solar system objects and transient celestial objects, and promotes public awareness and understanding of astronomy.
We also offer public tours of the facility, 4D2U theater screenings, stargazing events, and more.
How to Get to the Ishigaki Island Observatory
The Ishigaki Island Observatory is located about a 50-minute drive from the new airport and about a 20-minute drive from downtown.
From the city center, take Prefectural Route 208 and head north.
After driving for a while, you’ll arrive at the south entrance of Banna Park. From there, head through the Seidake Forest Road across from the park and continue for a short distance until you reach the first parking lot at the Ishigaki Island Observatory.
You can see it from the parking lot, so you can walk the rest of the way.
Things to Do at the Ishigaki Island Observatory
Ishigaki Island is known as Japan’s only “Dark Sky Reserve” because the stars there are so beautiful. Here at the Ishigaki Observatory, stargazing events and other activities are held. However, Ishigaki Island offers more than just this spot—there are various night and stargazing tours, such as cruises where you can admire the stars from the sea and tours to some of the island’s best stargazing spots. Be sure to find a way to observe the night sky that suits your preferences.
Details about the Ishigaki Island Observatory
The Ishigaki Island Observatory was established in 2006 on the summit of Mt. Maese, a high peak located far from the city center, making it the perfect spot to gaze at a star-filled sky.
This observatory is home to the ”Murikabushi Telescope,” which, at 105 cm in diameter, is the largest telescope in the region, including Kyushu and Okinawa.
You can use this telescope to gaze at the beautiful night sky over the Yaeyama Islands.
When stargazing, you can listen to explanations from experts at the Yaeyama Stargazing Society while you admire the stars, so it’s several times more enjoyable than stargazing on your own!
In addition to stargazing, the Ishigaki Island Observatory also features exhibits where visitors can experience the universe in a three-dimensional way.
Although it operates on a reservation-only basis, everything is free of charge, so please be sure to give it a try.
Ishigaki Island offers some of the most beautiful starry skies in Japan.
Ishigaki Island is less affected by the westerly winds known as the jet stream, and because the atmosphere is stable, you can enjoy a perfect starry sky.
Under the night sky of Ishigaki Island, you can observe 86 of the 88 constellations, as well as all 21 first-magnitude stars.
You can see classic constellations like the Milky Way and the Summer Triangle, but the real highlight is the Southern Cross—which isn’t visible from the Northern Hemisphere!
・4D2U (4-Dimensional Space Video) Screening
The main attraction at the Ishigaki Island Observatory is the daily 4D2U (4-Dimensional Space Film) screening.
Put on these special glasses, and you can dive into a 4-dimensional universe!
The night sky over Ishigaki Island on that day will be projected onto a massive screen measuring up to 200 inches.
It will soar into the night sky and continue on into outer space.
A realistic recreation of outer space is displayed in 3D, allowing you to see the moon up close.
There are only 13 locations in Japan, including Ishigaki Island, where you can experience 4D2U.
Advance reservations are required, so be sure to make a reservation and visit before it fills up.
Title: 4D2U (4-Dimensional Space Video) Screening Event
Dates: Open daily
Location: Ishigaki Island Observatory, “Starry Sky Learning Room”
Time: 3:00 p.m. and up (Running time: approx. 30 minutes)
Reservations Required: Capacity: 30 people
・Astronomy Observation Event
The stargazing event involves observing the stars using the Amurikabushi telescope at the Ishigaki Island Observatory.
It's a free event held on weekend nights. You'll be amazed by the sheer size of the giant telescope!
You can also gaze at the starry sky over Ishigaki Island while listening to explanations about the celestial bodies.
When observing the stars, the large doors of the dome open and the telescope moves slowly.
You can see all the planets and nebulae in the solar system, the Southern Cross—which is visible only in the Southern Hemisphere—and all first-magnitude stars.
Ishigaki Island is known as “Star Island” because it boasts a beautiful night sky that is the envy of the world.
We recommend making a reservation early, as we tend to fill up during the summer!
Title: Astronomy Observation Event
Dates: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
Phone: 0980-88-0013
Location: Ishigaki Island Observatory
Time: Session 1: 8:20 p.m.–8:50 p.m., Session 2: 9:20 p.m.–9:50 p.m.
Reservations Required: Capacity: 30 people
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Ishigaki Island Observatory
Tomizaki Kannondo
Tomizaki Kannon-do is a Kannon hall located east of the Ishigaki Island Observatory.
The site is most crowded during the New Year's Eve countdown and the first shrine visit of the year, when long lines of worshippers form.
Tomizaki Kannon-do is a historic temple that has long been revered by local residents; it enshrines a Kannon statue that watches over maritime safety and good health.
It’s usually a quiet spot that’s only occasionally visited by locals, but it gets crowded during the New Year’s holiday season, offering a chance to enjoy a unique view.
Since Kannon-zaki and Fusaki Beach are located near Tomizaki Kannon-do, it’s a great place not only to visit the shrine but also to enjoy various activities and take in the stunning views.
Spot name: Fusaki Kannon-do (Temple of the Goddess of Mercy)
Address: Shinkawa Tomizaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 15 minutes on foot from the remote island terminal
Phone number: 0980-82-2809 (Ishigaki City Tourism Exchange Association)
Hours of operation: None
Tour fee: Free
Parking: Available
Restaurant: None
Toilet: None
Maesedake Observatory
The Maese-dake Observation Deck is located on Maese-dake, which rises on the eastern peak of the Ishigaki Island Observatory.
This observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the entire island of Ishigaki.
It's an observation deck deep in the mountains, and even some locals may not know about it.
Since this is a hidden gem of a viewpoint that isn’t listed in guidebooks or found on car navigation systems, we recommend taking a taxi or similar transportation to get there.
There's also a playground for children near the observation deck, so it's a great spot for families.
Also, since the Ishigaki Island Observatory is located on Mt. Maese, just like the Mt. Maese Observation Deck, it’s the perfect place to visit while you’re there!
Name: Maesedake Observatory
Access: 5.9 km from the remote island terminal
Bangna Park
Banna Park is Ishigaki Island’s largest prefectural forest park, spanning 8 km around Mount Banna.
The vast grounds feature a variety of zones, each offering its own unique attractions, including an observation deck where visitors can enjoy views of the emerald-green sea and go birdwatching, a zone showcasing insects from around the world, and a zone with adventure courses and rides.
The observation deck overlooking the emerald-green sea offers a beautiful view of the sunset, and as the sun sets, you can see the sky filled with stars and the city lights.
This area is very convenient, with free parking and bus stops.
Another popular spot is the Firefly Trail, where visitors can see the Yaeyama Hime Firefly—Japan’s smallest firefly, found only in parts of the Yaeyama Islands.
You can only see the Yaeyama Princess Firefly flying during the spring season.
Thousands or even tens of thousands of Yaeyama fireflies, flying low while flashing their lights, gather to create a dazzling display; because of its beauty, this phenomenon is called the "carpet of light."
It's so beautiful—it will be a memory I'll cherish for the rest of my life.
Spot Name:Banna Park
Address: 961-15, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Details about the Ishigaki Island Observatory
| name | Ishigakijima Observatory |
| Location | 1024-1 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City (View in MAP) |
| Access | About a 25-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal |
| parking lot | ant |
| Dining (vicinity) | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| toilet | ant |
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