For all the many Driving in Japan and Astronomy theme postings I have had, this is the first time it has occurred to me to combine them!
Two of the most wonderful places within a couple of hours drive that offer both a small nest-egg of beauty as well as reasonably dark skies for deep sky astronomy are Takirenzan in Sasayama-shi, Hyogo Prefecture and Oeyama in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture.
Takirenzan is a hilltop lookout park found on Prefectural Route 304 heading north from National Route 372 which connects Kameoka with Himeji. There are acceptably dark skies, plenty of walking trails, a managed forest to walk through, a public restroom, a public barbecue area and more parking than is ever needed. Although you will certainly have privacy issues, it would be a lovely place to go camping as well.
Oeyama, a hilltop shrine, research station and educational facility is found on Prefectural Route 9, heading north from National Route 175 out of Oe-cho toward Miyazu. This is a lovely place in any season and can be mixed with a trip to Amanohashidate or even an overnight trip to Ine-cho up on the Tango-hanto. For the astronomer, Oeyama is a required destination as it has the darkest sky in Kansai after the peaks in the deep South of Nara Prefecture and to help out we organize 4 star parties there each year for astronomers from Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo Prefectures. If you have a telescope with at least 15cm of aperture, you will appreciate Oeyama for its incredible sky transparency, particularly in the summer months when the 900m elevation site offers a respite from the summer heat while the Summer Milky Way seems so close you can pull it out of the sky with your hands. If you are fortunate enough to have access to a telescope of at least 40cm of aperture, you will be so busy to forget all about the insects attacking you from all angles all night long!
Enjoy and drive safely!
Martin Werner Zander, Smith’s Partner
マーティン・ワーナー・ザンダー
Owner, Smith’s School of English Kotoen Nigawa Sakasegawa Nishinomiya
月謝制のスミス英会話 甲東園 校 仁川 校 逆瀬川 西宮市
Martin,
Sounds like you are having fun star-gazing. You reminded me that I have an old friend up in Sanda who also loves astronomy. The last time I saw him, he and his wife came to visit me in Greenville, SC, U.S.A. when we lived there 4 years ago. At the time he was showing off his green laser pointer that seemed to reach the stars and was helpful to point out constellations and planets in the night sky. Maybe I should get in touch with him and hook you guys up.
Al
Martin,
When I was in university, I took first year astronomy and we had the greatest professor. His former job was in south america, working as a calibrater for the world’s largest land based telescope. When Hubble went up, there were massive cuts and he lost his job and came to my university. He was such a keen astronomer and really and truly showed his love for astronomy. It was one of my most enjoyable courses in university, and your posting always remind me of him and his classes. He had a telescope on the roof and he had an astronomy club once a week. I’m certain that you and he would have a great time together!
Edward, SSE Ohtsu
Al and Edward –
Thank you for you nice comments and reflections! Yes indeed I would like to meet your friends if it can be arranged.
Martin
Martin,
Although the 2 of you would hit it off right away, it will be difficult to arrange as he is in Canada and we are in Japan. Alas… ’twas not to be!
Edward
Hi Martin,
I enjoy your articles. They give us some great ideas about places to see. Thanks. I was just checking out the news and happened to see something that may interest you. I’m sure you are already aware, but in case not, a green comet called Lulin will be passing through this month. With all of your equipment and your love of driving, if you pick the right time, you should be able to get a good look!
Carol