Hi, I’m Meg.
Have you ever seen a sky completely filled with stars?
In Tokyo, it’s almost impossible anymore.
Even on clear nights, city lights hide most of the stars.
I still remember my surprise when I lived in Australia — even in Sydney, I could see far more stars than I expected. That memory stayed with me.
So when my father, who had loved stars all his life, said,
“I want to see a sky full of stars”
I started searching for the perfect place to take my elderly father within Japan.
Overseas, there are many famous stargazing spots.
Lake Tekapo in New Zealand is well known — but it’s too far.
In Japan, remote islands in Okinawa offer incredible night skies, but again… a bit far.
Then I found it!
Japan’s Best Starry Sky — Heaven’s Sonohara (Achi Village, Nagano)
Heaven’s Sonohara, located in Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, is famous for its “Japan’s Best Starry Sky” Night Tour.
In 2006, this area was officially ranked No.1 in Japan by the Ministry of the Environment for the clearest and brightest star visibility, and the night tour started in 2012.
What makes this place special is how easy it is to experience such an incredible sky.
You simply take a gondola ride up to 1,400 meters above sea level, and from there, you can enjoy a breathtaking night sky — no hiking required.
It takes about 3 hours and a half from Tokyo, and 2 hours and a half from Nagoya by car.
Latest Information: Heaven’s Sonohara Night Tour (2025–2026)
〇 Night Tour Season (FY 2025)
April 12, 2025 (Sat) – March 22, 2026 (Sun)
〇 Closed Periods during season
The Night Tour will not operate during the following dates due to gondola maintenance and site preparation.
・November 17, 2025 (Mon) – December 19, 2025 (Fri)
・January 5, 2026 (Mon) – January 9, 2026 (Fri)
・February 2, 2026 (Mon) – February 6, 2026 (Fri)
〇 Gondola Operating Hours & Program End Time
April – November
Gondola (uphill): 17:00 – 20:00
Program ends at 21:00
Pets are allowed (need to buy a gondola ticket for pets)
＊Heaven’s Sonohara is pet-friendly, with designated areas for dogs (please follow the instructions of the staff members)
December – March
Gondola (uphill): 18:00 – 19:30
Program ends at 20:30
Pets are NOT allowed
Ticket Prices
(Round-trip gondola + Night Tour admission included)
・Adults (high school students and older): from ¥2,800
・Children (elementary & junior high): from ¥1,400
・Children under school age: Free
＊Prices vary depending on the date.
Ticket Sales & Reservations
・Tickets go on sale two weeks before your visit date at 10:00AM (JST)
・Need to choose the date and time slot for gondola ride when buying tickets
・Payment method: Credit card
◎ Guests staying at partner hotels or ryokan
If you stay at an affiliated accommodation, you may be able to reserve tickets earlier than two weeks in advance.
Please check with your hotel or travel agency directly.
Getting There & Practical Tips
・The gondola ride takes about 15 minute
・Total length: over 2.5 km
・The slope is quite steep, which makes the view even more exciting
Once at the top, you’ll find a wide open grassy area where people sit or lie down to watch the sky.
Tip:
Bring a picnic blanket or mat. Looking straight up for a long time can hurt your neck — many people lie down to fully enjoy the stars.
What to Bring (Very Important!)
Even when we went in early October, the temperature at 1,400 meters can feel like mid-winter in Tokyo (around 10°C / 50°F).
・Thick jacket or down coat
・Warm layers
・Gloves and hat (recommended)
・Tripod if you want to take photos
Without proper clothing, it can feel extremely cold.
Lights Off — And the Magic Begins
At exactly 8:00PM, all the lights are turned off.
Suddenly, complete darkness.
And then…
The entire sky filled with stars.
The moment the lights went out, everyone gasped and cheered.
It felt as if countless diamonds had been scattered across the sky.
So many stars that it was hard to even identify the Milky Way — there were just too many.
On that night, we were lucky.
No moon. Clear skies.
After some quiet stargazing, staff members used laser pointers to explain the stars and constellations (except during the winter period) — Orihime and Hikoboshi (the stars of the Tanabata story), major constellations, and the Milky Way.
The program lasts about 30 minutes, but it feels far too short.
After the Show
When the lights turn back on, head to the gondola station quickly.
Lines can get very long as everyone leaves at the same time.
Although weather can never be guaranteed, that night exceeded all expectations (even though the forecast of a 25% chance of clear skies!).
My father was so excited and truly moved. I’m so happy that I could take him there watching the beautiful sky full of stars together.
Whether you are a star lover or not, this experience is unforgettable.
If you want to see a real sky full of stars in Japan, not so far away from Tokyo,
Heaven’s Sonohara is highly recommended.
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