The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory was born in the heart of Kurashiki City, not far from the Bikan Historical Area, about 100 years ago, on November 21, 1926.
At the time, observatories were all government-run (now national) facilities, and the general public was not allowed to use them.
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory was established in an era like that with the aim of creating “an observatory open to the public.” It was Japan’s first public observatory operated by a private organization, where anyone could observe celestial bodies.
For 100 years, it has stimulated the curiosity of astronomy enthusiasts and supported their observing activities.
We visited the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory, a holy site for amateur astronomers.
The information presented here is current as of the article’s publication in March 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
An observatory in the middle of town!
At an observing session one day, a closer look at the people watching the starry sky through telescopes revealed houses standing right beside them.
About a 10-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station and five minutes from the Bikan Historical Area, the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory was established in 1926 with funds from Hara Sumiji, a businessman who had also served as mayor of Kurashiki.
It seems the idea took shape when he agreed with amateur astronomer Mizuno Chisato, who was campaigning to establish public observatories and argued that “Okayama is an ideal location because it has many clear days and little rainfall.”
The land was lent free of charge by Ohara Magosaburo. It is now a residential neighborhood, but at the time there was not yet much of a built-up area, and farmland stretched across the surroundings.
The observation room was equipped with a 32-centimeter reflecting telescope, one of the largest in Japan, imported from Britain. Observing sessions were held once every one or two months, with members of the public taking part.
The first director was Dr. Yamamoto Issei of Kyoto University, who passionately advocated bringing astronomy to the public and was known as the “father of amateur astronomy.” The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory became a hub for astronomy outreach and observing sessions, attracting the attention of many amateur astronomers.
Comet discoveries! The achievements of observatory staff member Honda Minoru, the “King of Celestial Discoveries”
Honda Minoru, who joined the observatory as a staff member in 1941, devoted himself to observing comets and novae soon after arriving.
Before his death at the age of 77, he discovered 12 comets and 11 novae. Known as the King of Celestial Discoveries, he earned great international acclaim and brought fame to the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
As director of the social welfare corporation Wakatake no Sono, he also told many children stories about the stars. The children at the facility reportedly adored him as the Little Prince of the Stars.
What is the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory like?
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory has three facilities available to the general public.
- Observation Room
- Memorial Museum
- Book Cafe: The Clear Light of the Stars
Observation Room
The Observation Room is equipped with instruments for observing celestial bodies. It is designed so that the roof opens to either side when observations are underway.
It houses a 31.5-centimeter Cassegrain reflecting telescope and a 15-centimeter, right-angle binocular telescope that Honda Minoru used to search for comets.
The facility is open free of charge, and observing sessions are held regularly, including during summer vacation and the moon-viewing season.
Events such as observing sessions are announced on the website.
- The facility is opened to visitors upon request, but reservations must be made through the website at least one week before the desired date.
- The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory will specify the time when you make your reservation.
- Sessions are canceled in bad weather.
Sumiji Hara & Minoru Honda Memorial Museum
Built in 1952, this facility features a five-meter dome and opened as the Sumiji Hara & Minoru Honda Memorial Museum in 1993.
The first floor is the “Minoru Honda Memorial Room,” displaying materials related to Honda, including observation equipment he used and medals awarded to him for discovering comets and novae.
The second floor is the “Sumiji Hara Memorial Room,” displaying the British-made 32-centimeter reflecting telescope purchased when the observatory was established, as well as documents related to the observatory.
At the time, the reflecting telescope was reportedly the second-largest in Japan, after the 33 cm reflecting telescope installed at Kyoto University. In 2000, it was designated a Kurashiki City Important Cultural Property.
- Open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, except public holidays
- Advance reservations are required by the day before your planned visit
Book Cafe: The Clear Light of the Stars
“The Clear Light of the Stars,” a cafe opened in a renovated staff residence where Mr. Honda also lived, displays old astronomy books from the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory’s collection.
We spoke with board chair Hara Hiroyuki, the fourth generation since his great-grandfather, Hara Sumiji, the first board chair.
Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory details
| Name | Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-19-10 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-4589 |
| Parking | Available The number of spaces may be limited at certain times, so please check when making your reservation. |
| Opening Hours | Opened as needed to accommodate reservations (reservation required) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, excluding public holidays, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (reservation required) Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Check the Instagram account for business days. |
| Closed | Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays Excluding public holidays *The book cafe is closed on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays, excluding public holidays. |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Reservations | Available Reservations are required for visits and use of the facilities. Reservations must be made at least one week before the planned visit date. Reservations must be made at least one day before the planned visit date. |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets |
| Accessibility | Ramp |
| Website | Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
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