Misato Observatory

Misato Observatory is a public stargazing facility set on a mountainside in Wakayama Prefecture. It features a large telescope for viewing distant celestial objects and an observation area where visitors can see both the night sky and surrounding landscapes.

This observatory opened in 1995 after the region earned recognition in a contest for locations with clear, dark skies roughly 8 years before. That honor provided the foundation for developing this stargazing facility.

The site draws people who want to spend time observing the night sky together. Staff members and volunteers help visitors find constellations and planets, sharing what they learn about the objects they discover.

The facility welcomes visitors on several evenings each week when weather permits clear skies for viewing. It helps to check opening times beforehand and bring warmer clothing, as temperatures are cooler at the higher elevation.

The site houses one of Japan's early telescopes created specifically to detect hydrogen emissions from space. This specialized equipment enabled important advances in space research conducted from this location.

Location: Kimino

Location: Wakayama Prefecture

Location: Kaiso District

Inception: July 7, 1995

Address: 和歌山県海草郡紀美野町松ヶ峯180

Website: http://obs.jp

GPS coordinates: 34.14453,135.40614

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04