- Starry Sky Emotions Brought by Shikoku’s Astronomical Observation Journey with Camping Car
- 1. Tokushima Prefecture・Mount Tsurugi Summit Area
- 2. Kochi Prefecture・Shikoku Karst Tengu Plateau
- 3. Ehime Prefecture・Mount Ishizuchi System Omogo Valley
- 4. Kagawa Prefecture・Shodo Island Kankakei
- 5. Tokushima Prefecture・Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall Rear Coast
- Frequently Asked Questions (Shikoku Edition)
- Points for Astronomical Observation with Camping Cars
- Conclusion: Special Moments Realized by Shikoku’s Starry Skies and Camping Cars
Starry Sky Emotions Brought by Shikoku’s Astronomical Observation Journey with Camping Car
A journey touring astronomical observation spots in the Shikoku region with a camping car provides luxurious experiences woven by magnificent nature and starry skies. At Tengu Plateau, you can view countless stars from 1,400 meters elevation, at Mount Tsurugi you can enjoy the beauty of night skies enveloped in the tranquility of Shikoku Mountains, and at Mount Ishizuchi you can savor the harmony of mystical mountain landscapes and starry skies. Also, at Shodo Island’s Kankakei, you can experience the brilliance of night skies sandwiched between sea and mountains, while at Onaruto Bridge, stars spreading with winds crossing the strait are attractive. With camping cars, free travel and comfortable accommodation are realized, allowing you to fully enjoy stargazing time.
The Shikoku region is packed with astronomical observation appeal, featuring nature-rich locations and many areas with little light pollution. Using camping cars makes movement and accommodation smooth, allowing you to enjoy observation to your heart’s content. This time, we introduce 5 astronomical observation spots in the Shikoku region where beautiful winter starry skies can be seen! We’ll also provide detailed information about parking points, constellation highlights, time periods, and directions.
1. Tokushima Prefecture・Mount Tsurugi Summit Area
- Parking Point: Mount Tsurugi Mountain Lift parking lot
- Suitable Constellations and Highlights for Observation: Winter Triangle (Orion, Sirius, Procyon), Geminids meteor shower
- Time Period and Direction: After 9:00 PM, south to east sky
Mount Tsurugi, boasting 1,955m elevation as Shikoku’s second highest peak, has virtually zero light pollution near the summit. The night sky where the Winter Triangle spreads is particularly emotional. Since you can reach near the summit via mountain lift from the parking lot, you arrive at the best observation spot with just a short walk. The Geminids meteor shower period (mid-December) is especially recommended.
2. Kochi Prefecture・Shikoku Karst Tengu Plateau
- Parking Point: Tengu Plateau Tourism Exchange Center parking lot
- Suitable Constellations and Highlights for Observation: Cassiopeia, North Star, winter Milky Way
- Time Period and Direction: After 8:00 PM, north to west sky
Shikoku Karst, exceeding 1,400m elevation, is a spectacular area also called “Japan’s Yosemite.” At Tengu Plateau, you can enjoy starry skies in open spaces where grasslands spread. Cassiopeia shines beautifully in the northern sky, and the sight of the winter Milky Way crossing is spectacular. The appeal also lies in well-equipped facilities where camping car power can be used.
3. Ehime Prefecture・Mount Ishizuchi System Omogo Valley
- Parking Point: Omogo Valley parking lot (free available)
- Suitable Constellations and Highlights for Observation: Orion, Sirius, Pleiades cluster (Subaru)
- Time Period and Direction: After 10:00 PM, south to east sky
Omogo Valley, located at the foot of Mount Ishizuchi, is a secluded area surrounded by clear streams and deep forests. Winter air is cold and clear, with the Pleiades cluster clearly emerging centered around Orion. The riverside 5 minutes’ walk from the parking lot is the recommended spot. Since there are few accommodation facilities around, it’s optimal as an observation base unique to camping cars.
4. Kagawa Prefecture・Shodo Island Kankakei
- Parking Point: Ropeway summit station parking lot
- Suitable Constellations and Highlights for Observation: Winter Hexagon (Capella, Aldebaran, Sirius, etc.)
- Time Period and Direction: After 9:00 PM, southeast to south sky
Shodo Island’s Kankakei is one of Japan’s three major valley beauties, and at night it transforms from a tourist destination into a known stargazing spot. The sky where the Winter Hexagon spreads is particularly spectacular. When accessing by camping car using the ferry, enjoying observation at the parking lot near Kankakei Ropeway is best.
5. Tokushima Prefecture・Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall Rear Coast
- Parking Point: Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall parking lot (24-hour free)
- Suitable Constellations and Highlights for Observation: Winter Milky Way, Sirius, Canopus (southern low sky)
- Time Period and Direction: 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM, southern sky
With the magnificent scenery of Naruto Strait as backdrop, looking up at the night sky reveals the winter Milky Way quietly crossing. Below Sirius, there’s also high possibility of seeing the rare southern star “Canopus.” It’s a convenient spot with spacious parking where you can camp overnight after observation.
Frequently Asked Questions (Shikoku Edition)
Q1. What’s the recommended season for stargazing in Shikoku?
A1. Spring to early summer (April-June) has low humidity in the air, and autumn (September-November) has stable weather, making both recommended.
Q2. What are recommended parking lots for car camping?
A2. Ehime’s Mount Ishizuchi foothills michi-no-eki, Tokushima’s Mount Tsurugi area campgrounds, and Kochi’s Cape Muroto free parking lots are convenient.
Q3. What are the precautions for car camping?
A3. Always take trash with you, and use red-filtered lights for nighttime illumination to avoid disturbing stargazing.
Points for Astronomical Observation with Camping Cars
- Perfect cold protection!
Winter Shikoku has severe cold, so prepare thick sleeping bags and cold weather clothing. Blankets and hand warmers are also convenient during observation. - Prepare telescopes and binoculars
Having easily portable binoculars allows clearer observation of the Pleiades cluster and Cassiopeia stars. Portable telescopes that are easy for beginners to handle are also recommended. - Utilize observation apps
Using smartphone apps “Star Walk” or “SkySafari” makes it easy to confirm constellation positions. Use them according to direction and time. - Follow observation site rules
Treasure quiet environments. Always take trash with you and be mindful of observation that considers local residents and nature.
Conclusion: Special Moments Realized by Shikoku’s Starry Skies and Camping Cars
Shikoku’s starry skies experienced at each spot bring emotions enveloped by nature’s magnificence and tranquility. By utilizing camping cars, you can enjoy luxurious time moving freely to observation sites and taking comfortable rest while gazing at night skies. The brilliance of stars spreading against backdrops of mountain elevations and straits will deeply color travel memories. Using this article as reference, please experience camping car journeys touring Shikoku’s astronomical observation spots and savor emotional moments enveloped by starry skies.
If you want to go astronomical observing with a camping car, please also check out this helpful preparation article.
