Astronomical observation tour of Achi village! ! This place is recognized as the place where the starry sky is most visible in Japan.

About Achi Village.

This Achi village is a small village with a population of approximately 6,300 in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture.

What is famous in this village is 5,000 beautiful flower peaches that bloom on Route 256.
Another example is Hirugami Onsen, which is known as one of Japan’s foremost “Beauty Baths”, which is strongly alkaline at pH 9.7.

However, it seems that the demand for tourists has fallen due to the economic recession following the bubble burst, and tourists have been gradually reduced.

It was the best starry sky that villagers could see every day that saved such a situation.

Certified in 2006 as “the most visible place in Japan”! !

There is no railway in Achi village, and it is suitable for astronomical observation because there is little damage from light in the topography surrounded by mountains.

In the summer of 2006, 416 groups participated in the “Suitable for Astronomical Observation” sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment.
Achi village recorded a grade of 23.7 (The higher the number, the darker the night sky, suitable for observing stars).

It was the highest score among the 416 organizations that participated and was recognized as the best astronomical observation site in Japan.

It seems that the certification acquired in 2006 has not been used for a while, but the first Astronomical Observation Tour started in 2012.
Rumors of beautiful astronomical observation tour spread gradually, and 60,000 people visited in 2015. Thus it became a new sightseeing event of this village.

I participated in the winter astronomical observation tour! !

Astronomical observation tour is held at the ski resort named Heavens Sonohara.
The events are slightly different depending on the period.

“Night Tour” climbs the ropeway from April to October and performs astronomical observations.
The “Winter Night Tour” where I participated this time will perform astronomical observation at the foot of the ropeway from December to the end of March.

Price Adults: 2200 yen / Children 1000 yen Toddler free of charge
Held from 19:00 to 22:00

I am excited from the entrance already! !

This was noted.

“The paradise of the sky, Vintre Night Tour”
This is a space colony that appears only in Achi village during the winter.
The center of the village is a place that connects the earth and the universe, and is an observatory where memories of all the stars gather.
You can see and experience “stars” and “space” from various viewpoints.
Enjoy the story of the stars that you capture using a variety of technologies.

From the official site.

I see … I understood the concept.
That means that you can see the stars too much and feel like you are traveling in space! !

I feel more hopeful.

How to make a sense of SF world is perfect! !

At the venue, containers are piled up around the venue as a measure to prevent the light of streetlights on the road from entering.

The container had a projection mapping of the universe.

The ground was also illuminated with blue projector lights, and shops and restaurants also had an impression like a space station.

What’s in this event?

There is a planetarium in the room, which can be studied before seeing the real star.
In addition, there are also several astronomical telescopes in the open space, which you can view freely.

If you ask nearby staff, they will tell you about the stars.
There is also a luxurious space where you can observe celestial bodies while warming your feet with a bedrock bath.

The organizers have the power to discuss ideas about the star and to carry it out.
I respect them.

A wonderful countdown to impression！！

When I was resting in the room, I heard the announcement “Please gather in the square”.

I also drink cocoa and head to the square.
And projection mapping was screened.
The content was “I will go on a space trip from now on”.
And suddenly the countdown starts.

…「10」……「3」、「2」、「1」

As soon as it reaches zero, the lights in the hall go out and get dark.
I can hear the cheers of the people of the square soon! !

And I look up …

There was a starry sky that I had never experienced before! !

I was really moved because I could observe a small star well.
It will be several times the number of stars I usually see.

The best 15 minutes of everyone! !

The turn-off time is 15 minutes, during which time the Star Concierge will guide and comment on the starry sky with a laser pointer.

A couple who lays a mat on the ground and lies down.
A family who brings a folding chair and relaxes in it.
People who are taking pictures desperately like me.

Everyone enjoyed each 15 minutes.

Both I and 15 minutes were quick, but it should have been a special time.
As it has been stationary for 15 minutes for the time being, it is better to take measures against cold.

Summary & Astronomical shooting is difficult …

Anyway, I had a wonderful valuable time.
How to make the world view of the venue and the timing of the countdown
The enthusiasm for appealing to the starry sky of Achi village on the side of the organizer has been transmitted that “it will be surprised if this.”

I understand why this event has become a topic ♪
However, I wanted to improve how to take astrophotography.
Focus on the star or take a long time to set up the camera.
The special 15 minutes have ended soon.

I want to convey the beauty of Japan to the people watching this blog …
I also want to visit and challenge the Milky Way season! !

Because you can arrive in about 20 minutes from Inter
I would recommend visiting Achi Village, which is said to be “Japan’s Starry Sky”.

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