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 observatories (now national), and general public use was not permitted.
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory was born in such an era as the "observatory open to the public", becoming the first private public observatory in Japan where anyone could engage in astronomical observation.
It has stimulated the curiosity of many astronomy enthusiasts and supported astronomical observation activities for 100 years.
We visited the sanctuary of amateur astronomers, the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
The information provided is from an article published in March 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
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 spread around it.
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 every 1 to 2 months where the general public could participate.
The first director, who passionately advocated for the popularization of astronomy among the public, was Dr. Issei Yamamoto from Kyoto University, known as the father of amateur astronomy. The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory became a stage for astronomy popularization activities and observation events, attracting the attention of many amateur astronomers.
Comet Discovery! The Activities of "King of Celestial Discoveries" Minoru Honda
In 1941, Mr. Minoru Honda joined as a staff member and immediately devoted himself to the observation of comets and novae.
Before he passed away at the age of 77, he discovered 12 comets and 11 novae, earning the title of 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 kindergarteners.
What is the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory Like?
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, designed so that the roof opens to the sides during 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.
- While the facility is opened to visitors as needed, reservations must be made through the website at least one week in advance of the desired date.
- 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 5m dome facility opened as the Sumiji Hara & Minoru Honda Memorial Museum in 1993.
The first floor is designated as the Minoru Honda 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 the country 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 public holidays
- Viewing reservations are required by the day before the desired visit date
Book Cafe Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari
The cafe "Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari," which was renovated from the official residence where Mr. Honda also lived, displays old astronomical books from the collection of the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
I spoke with the fourth generation, Chairman Hara Hiroyuki, counting from the first chairman, his great-grandfather, 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 public holidays (reservation required) ＜Book Cafe 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, public holidays Closed on public holidays * The book cafe is closed on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays, excluding public holidays |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | Free |
| Reservations | Required Visits and usage are by reservation only. ＜Observation Room＞ Reservations are required at least one week in advance for planned visits ＜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 |
| Website | Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
