About 100 years ago on November 21, 1926, the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory was established in the center of Kurashiki City, not far from the Bikan Historical Area.
At that time, there were only government-run (now national) observatories, and general public use was not permitted.
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory was born in such an era as the first private public observatory in Japan where "an observatory open to the public" allowed anyone to engage in astronomical observation.
It has stimulated the curiosity of many astronomy enthusiasts and supported astronomical observation activities for 100 years.
We visited the holy place for amateur astronomers, the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
An observatory in the middle of town!
On a certain day during an observation event, if you look closely at the surroundings of those observing the starry sky through telescopes, you will see houses lined up right next to them.
Located about a 10-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station and about 5 minutes from the Bikan Historical Area, the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory was established in 1926 by Mr. Sumiji Hara, a businessman who also served as the mayor of Kurashiki.
It is said that the impetus for this was his agreement with amateur astronomer Chisato Mizuno, who was advocating for the establishment of a public observatory, stating, "Okayama is suitable due to its high rate of clear weather and low precipitation."
The land was borrowed free of charge from Ohara Magosaburo, and while it is now a residential area, at that time it was not yet urbanized, and farmland was said to be spreading around.
In the observation room, a 32cm reflecting telescope, one of the largest in the country, imported from England was installed, and observation events were held once or twice a month with the participation of the general public.
The first director was Dr. Kisei Yamamoto from Kyoto University, who passionately advocated for the popularization of astronomy among the public and was called the father of amateur astronomy. The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory became a stage for astronomy popularization activities and astronomical observation events, attracting the attention of many amateur astronomers.
Comet discovery! The activities of "the King of Celestial Discoveries," Honda Minoru
In 1941, Mr. Honda Minoru joined as a staff member and immediately devoted himself to the observation of comets and novae.
By the time he passed away at the age of 77, he had discovered 12 comets and 11 novae, earning the title of the King of Celestial Discoveries and gaining international recognition, while also spreading the name of the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
As the director of the social welfare corporation Wakateki no Sono, he also shared stories about stars with many children, and was affectionately called the Little Prince of Stars by the kindergarten children.
What kind of place is the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory?
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory has three facilities available for public use.
- Observation Room
- Memorial Museum
- Book Café: Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari
Observation Room
The observation room is equipped with instruments for astronomical observation and is designed so that the roof opens to the sides when conducting observations.
It houses a 31.5cm Cassegrain reflecting telescope and a 15cm altitude-type binocular telescope used by Mr. Honda for comet searching.
The facility is open free of charge, and regular observation events are held during summer vacation and the moon-viewing season.
Events such as observation events are announced on the website.
- Visitors wishing to tour the facility can do so, but a reservation is required through the website at least one week in advance.
- The time will be specified by the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory at the time of reservation.
- In case of bad weather, the event will be canceled.
Sumiji Hara & Minoru Honda Memorial Museum
Constructed in 1952, this facility with a 5m dome opened as the Sumiji Hara & Minoru Honda Memorial Museum in 1993.
The first floor is designated as the Honda Minoru Memorial Room, where materials related to Mr. Honda, such as the observation equipment he used and the medals awarded when he discovered comets and novae, are displayed.
The second floor is designated as the Sumiji Hara Memorial Room, where the 32cm reflecting telescope made in England purchased at the time of the observatory's establishment and literature related to the observatory are displayed.
The reflecting telescope was said to be the second largest in Japan at the time, following the 33cm reflecting telescope installed at Kyoto University, and was designated as an important cultural property of Kurashiki City in 2000.
- Opening hours are from 1 PM to 5 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, excluding holidays
- Reservations for visits must be made by the day before the desired visit date
Book Café Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari
The café "Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari," which was renovated from the official residence where Honda lived, displays old astronomical books from the collection of the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
We spoke with the fourth generation director, Hara Hiroyuki, who is the great-grandson of the first director, Hara Sumiji.
Data of Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory
| Name | Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-19-10 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-4589 |
| Parking | Available Parking may be limited at certain times, so please confirm when making a reservation. |
| Opening Hours | ＜Observation Room＞ Open according to reservations (reservation required) ＜Sumiji Hara & Minoru Honda Memorial Museum＞ 1 PM to 5 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, excluding holidays (reservation required) ＜Book Café Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari＞ 1 PM to 5 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5 PM to 9 PM on Thursdays and Fridays Please check the "Instagram account" for business days |
| Closed Days | Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays Closed on holidays * The book café is closed on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays, excluding holidays |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | Free |
| Reservations | Required Visits and use are by reservation only. ＜Observation Room＞ Reservations are required at least one week in advance for tours, etc. ＜Sumiji Hara & Minoru Honda Memorial Museum＞ Reservations are required one day in advance of the planned visit date |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style restrooms |
| Barrier-Free | Ramp available |
| Website | Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
