Nishi-Harima Observatory

Nishi-Harima Observatory is a research facility on Mount Onade with modern telescopes and scientific instruments for studying celestial bodies. The main facility houses a large Ritchey-Chretien telescope that is used for detailed astronomical research.

The facility opened in 1990 under Hyogo Prefecture administration and moved to University of Hyogo management in 2012. This shift marked a transition from local to university-led oversight.

Public observation nights are regularly held, allowing visitors to look through the telescope at actual celestial objects in the night sky. This makes astronomy something people in nearby communities can experience directly rather than just read about.

The mountaintop location requires reasonable fitness and sturdy shoes for the walk to reach the facility. The best time to visit is during clear nights when the observatory runs its regular observation sessions.

The main telescope is one of the largest in Japan and is frequently used for discovering new astronomical phenomena. Many important observations of supernovae and other cosmic events have been made here.

Location: Hyogo Prefecture

GPS coordinates: 35.02540,134.33560

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:06