- Encounters with Starry Skies Through Tohoku’s Astronomical Observation Journey by Camping Car
- 1. Iwate Prefecture: Appi Kogen
- 2. Aomori Prefecture: Oirase Stream Area
- 3. Miyagi Prefecture: Zao Echo Line Area
- 4. Akita Prefecture: Lake Tazawa Area
- 5. Yamagata Prefecture: Gassan Shizu Onsen Area
- Frequently Asked Questions (Tohoku Edition)
- Points for Astronomical Observation with Camping Cars
- 3 Points for Winter Stargazing
- Conclusion: Memorable Journey Painted by Tohoku’s Starry Skies and Camping Cars
Encounters with Starry Skies Through Tohoku’s Astronomical Observation Journey by Camping Car
A journey touring astronomical observation spots surrounded by Tohoku’s great nature with a camping car is a luxurious experience of enjoying starry skies to your heart’s content. At Appi Kogen, countless stars shine in the crystal-clear sky, while from Zao’s summit you can enjoy fantastical scenery where starry skies weave together with ground city lights. By utilizing camping cars, you can spend time freely under the starry sky and savor that emotion until dawn.
This time, we’ll introduce 5 spots that are easily accessible by camping car and suitable for continued observation. For each spot, we’ll explain in detail parking points, recommended stars and constellations, time periods, and directions.
1. Iwate Prefecture: Appi Kogen
The charm lies in clear air and the highland’s open field of view. Nearby hot spring facilities allow you to warm your chilled body.
Parking Points
Appi Kogen Ski Resort parking lot is available. Spacious, quiet and comfortable at night.
Recommended Stars and Constellations
The Winter Triangle (Sirius, Procyon, Betelgeuse) shines brightly. Orion rising in the eastern sky is particularly noteworthy.
Best Observation Time and Direction
- Time: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Direction: East to South
2. Aomori Prefecture: Oirase Stream Area
The sound of the stream enhances the tranquility of stargazing. You can enjoy the harmony of natural sounds and starry skies.
Parking Points
Use parking lots at Oirase Stream Hotel or Ishigedo Rest Area. Easy to park at night in a quiet environment.
Recommended Stars and Constellations
Cassiopeia shining in the northern sky and Ursa Minor containing the North Star. The Milky Way is also highly likely to be clearly visible.
Best Observation Time and Direction
- Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Direction: North to Northwest
3. Miyagi Prefecture: Zao Echo Line Area
Due to high elevation, there’s little light pollution, and starry skies spread out magnificently. In winter, chains may be necessary, so be careful.
Parking Points
Karita-dake parking lot along Zao Echo Line is recommended. Spacious and comfortable.
Recommended Stars and Constellations
Famous as an observation site for the Geminids meteor shower. Pollux and Castor of Gemini can be seen in the eastern sky.
Best Observation Time and Direction
- Time: After 10:00 PM (during meteor shower peak periods)
- Direction: East to Overhead
4. Akita Prefecture: Lake Tazawa Area
This is a spot where you’ll want to try photographing stars reflected on the lake surface. The abundance of nearby hot spring facilities is also appealing.
Parking Points
Lake Tazawa Campground parking lot on the lakeshore is convenient. Close to the lake with an appealing open sky.
Recommended Stars and Constellations
In addition to winter constellations, stars reflected on the lake surface are fantastical. Andromeda in the northwestern sky is beautiful.
Best Observation Time and Direction
- Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Direction: Northwest to Overhead
5. Yamagata Prefecture: Gassan Shizu Onsen Area
Due to high elevation and virtually no light pollution, you can enjoy highly transparent starry skies.
Parking Points
Gassan Shizu Onsen Ski Resort parking lot is available. Perfect location where you can warm up in hot springs after observation.
Recommended Stars and Constellations
The Winter Triangle including Sirius (Tenrōsei), and the winter Milky Way are particularly beautiful.
Best Observation Time and Direction
- Time: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Direction: Southeast to South
Frequently Asked Questions (Tohoku Edition)
Q1. What’s the recommended season for stargazing in Tohoku?
A1. Summer to autumn (July to October) is recommended as transparency is high and weather tends to be stable.
Q2. How much cold protection is necessary?
A2. Tohoku nights have severe cold, so please prepare thick down jackets, heat tech clothing, cold protection gloves, and neck warmers thoroughly.
Q3. Are there parking lots nearby where I can stay overnight in my car?
A3. Many roadside stations and campgrounds allow car camping. Please check availability and rules on each facility’s official website.
Points for Astronomical Observation with Camping Cars
3 Points for Winter Stargazing
1. Perfect Cold Protection
Tohoku winters are extremely cold, so cold weather gear and sleeping bags are essential. Prepare a portable heater so you can warm up inside the car.
2. Utilize Observation Equipment
Binoculars and telescopes make the experience even more enjoyable. Star photography with cameras is also recommended.
3. Utilize Star Apps
Smartphone apps make it easy to check constellation and celestial positions. Research constellation movements and meteor shower peak times in advance for smooth observation.
Conclusion: Memorable Journey Painted by Tohoku’s Starry Skies and Camping Cars
The starry skies of Tohoku spreading at each spot provide special experiences that are deeply etched in travel memories. By utilizing camping cars, movement between observation sites and accommodation become free, allowing you to fully enjoy starry skies. The sense of being enveloped by the spreading night sky and becoming one with nature is pure emotion that cannot be gained in daily life. Using this article as reference, please tour Tohoku’s astronomical observation spots with camping cars and experience a journey of starry skies that resonates with your heart. If you want to go astronomical observing with a camping car, please also check out this helpful preparation article.
