Here's the place to enjoy starry skies in Okinawa! Japan's first 'Dark Sky Park' is full of charm

Stargazing Spots in Okinawa【Main Island】

There are many spots on the main island of Okinawa, especially in the north, where you can observe beautiful starry skies. Some places are well-equipped with parking lots and restrooms, perfect for stargazing beginners or those who just want to enjoy the stars casually.

Hedomisaki (Cape Hedo)

Located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, Hedomisaki is at the northernmost point. Although there is some light around, you can see stars all the way to the horizon. The Yanbaru Kuina observation deck in the vicinity of Hedomisaki is also recommended. However, the road to the parking lot is narrow, dark, and potentially dangerous, so drive with caution. It's about a 150-minute drive from Naha Airport using the highway.

Kayauchi Banta

At Kayauchi Banta in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, the starry sky is so magnificent that "you can clearly see the Milky Way." The city lights are minimal, which makes the starry sky beautiful, but the roads are very dark, so be careful when driving. It's about a 150-minute drive from Naha Airport using the highway.

Manzamo

Located in Onna Village in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, Manzamo is a popular scenic spot representing Okinawa during the day and a great stargazing spot at night. It is relatively easy to access, and you can see the Milky Way clearly if the weather conditions are good. It's also famous as a sunset spot, so it's nice to stay from dusk till night. It's about a 55-minute drive from Naha Airport using the highway.

Zanpamisaki (Cape Zanpa)

Located in the middle of Okinawa's main island, at Zanpamisaki you can see a beautiful star-filled sky. It's also famous as the last place the sun sets, so it's recommended to visit during sunset time and leisurely wait until the stars appear. It's about a 60-minute drive from Naha Airport using the highway.

Kunigami Village Forest Park

Kunigami Village Forest Park, located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, is perfect for stargazing with families who have small children, as it has a large, well-maintained parking lot and fully equipped restrooms. During the camping season, many people visit and the atmosphere is lively, but you can enjoy the starry sky casually. It's about a 150-minute drive from Naha Airport using the highway.

Hamahiga Island

Located beyond the undersea road from Uruma City in the central part of Okinawa's main island, is Hamahiga Island. Starting from the middle of the undersea road, the surroundings begin to darken, and the island has few lights, making it possible to see a beautiful starry sky. It's about a 90-minute drive from Naha Airport using the highway.

Hyakuna Beach

Located in the southern part of Okinawa's main island, Hyakuna Beach is not commercialized, and during the day, it's a quiet beach with only the sky, sea, and sand. Because it's a serene place, it's perfect as a stargazing spot. The entrance is hard to find even during the day, so it's reassuring to do a reconnaissance visit in advance if you plan to go at night. It's about a 45-minute drive from Naha Airport using the highway.

Stargazing Spots in Okinawa's Remote Islands

The remote islands in Okinawa Prefecture have fewer people than the main island of Okinawa, so there are fewer lights around, making them ideal for stargazing. Not only can you see a clear, beautiful starry sky, but you can also see constellations like the Southern Cross, which are rarely visible in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the roads to the stargazing spots often lack streetlights and are dark, so it's recommended to join a guided tour.

Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park

Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, which was recognized as Japan's first "Starlight Reserve" in March 2018, is located on Iriomote Island, the largest of the Yaeyama Islands. About 90% of Iriomote Island is covered by natural forests, so it's dark at night and perfect for stargazing. Moreover, you can see 84 of the total 88 constellations throughout the year on Iriomote Island. If you're not confident in driving at night or aren't familiar with the area, it's safe to join a starlight tour or other optional tours.

Kouri Island

Connected by a bridge from Okinawa's main island, Kouri Island is easily accessible by car. The island has few streetlights, making the starry sky beautifully visible. The island's observation tower, "Kouri Ocean Tower," opens at night as a "Starlight Tower" and hosts various events, including stargazing.

Ishigaki Island Observatory

The Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki Island, are places where you can observe clear starry skies because they have few lights like streetlights and are less affected by the westerly winds aloft. The Ishigaki Island Observatory, located on Ishigaki Island, is equipped with the "Murikabushi Telescope," one of the largest in Kyushu and Okinawa, and hosts stargazing meetings on weekend nights. You can see sights like planets in our solar system and nebulae that you've only seen on TV or in picture books.

Hateruma Island Star Observatory Tower

Located on Hateruma Island, Japan's southernmost inhabited island, the Hateruma Island Star Observatory Tower is a three-story building with a retractable astronomical dome on the rooftop where telescopes are installed. They also hold stargazing sessions and guided stargazing events. However, the tower's night opening hours vary, so it's best to check beforehand. The best time to observe the Southern Cross is from December to June.

Iko Pier on Kuroshima

Kuroshima is also an excellent spot for stargazing. Like Ishigaki Island, the lack of large cities means fewer lights, and without any large mountains to obstruct the view, the beauty of the starry sky is exceptional. One of the best stargazing spots on Kuroshima is Iko Pier, the longest pier in the Yaeyama Islands. The pier provides a 360-degree view, offering an immersive stargazing experience.

West Pier on Taketomi Island

Taketomi Island is about a 10-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki Island. The West Pier, with its beautiful white pier stretching out into the blue sea, is a popular photo spot during the day. After the sunset, it becomes a fantastic stargazing spot where you can even see the Milky Way.

Stargazing Hotels in Okinawa

While it's great to enjoy the starry sky by going out on optional tours, it's also fantastic to gaze at the stars in a relaxed mood within the hotel facilities. Here are some hotels where you can enjoy the starry sky.

Haimurubushi

Haimurubushi is a resort hotel on Kohama Island, one of the remote islands in the Yaeyama Islands. The hotel has a Starry Sky Cafe where you can enjoy meals and drinks while gazing at the star-filled sky. They also offer a lovely service at the Starry Sky Photo Studio, where they take pictures of you against the backdrop of the beautiful, falling-like stars.

Hoshinoya Taketomi Island

The night sky on Taketomi Island, free from excessive light, clearly reveals the Milky Way. To preserve this darkness, the resort hotel "Hoshinoya Taketomi Island" only illuminates the ground with roadside lights. You can see the beautiful starry sky from within the hotel grounds.

Enjoy Stargazing in Unfamiliar Places with Optional Tours

The conditions to see a beautiful starry sky are minimal light and a pitch-dark place. Therefore, stargazing spots are often in the dark suburbs with narrow roads, which can make nighttime access challenging. If you're not used to driving or don't know the area well during a trip, it's recommended not to venture out unnecessarily, but to join an optional tour instead. Veltra offers a wide variety of tours, not only taking you safely to the spot but also providing expert talks about the starry sky and including photography. Find the tour plan that suits you and meet the best starry sky.

*Please note that the fees and hours for transportation and facilities may change without notice. Please confirm the latest information on the official website as well.

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