In Japan, summer is the best time to go camping and look up at the stars. Imagine clear night skies, cool, crisp breeze, and a campfire sitting between you and your friends. Not only that, but the position of the summer horizon makes it the perfect time to go stargazing!
If you’re a fan of Japanese culture, then you probably know that Japan has always been a country with a deep appreciation for the stars and nature. Astronomy is something that’s deeply embedded in Japanese culture, mythos, and everyday living.
That's why it should come as no surprise to hear that there are so many places for you to visit if you want to enjoy the stars in Japan! If you’re a nature lover who wants to try camping in the summer in Japan to enjoy the fresh air and the night sky, then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Kozushima (Tokyo)
Tokyo might be known for its city lights, but did you know that the prefecture has a remote island city 170- 180 km south called the "Dark Island" of stargazing? This island city is Kozushima, and even though it’s only a four-hour ferry ride away from Tokyo, it’s considered one of the top places to go to for enjoying the night sky in Japan.
At night, Kozushima keeps its lights down low so that everyone can enjoy seeing the stars dance across the sky. The island also has a "Star Watching Tour" that includes a huge full-fledged astronomical telescope and a designated stargazing spot. In Kozushima, you can even see the Milky Way with your naked eye!
Not only that, but the island actually offers a few free stargazing campsites like the Tako Bay Campground near the foothills of Mt. Tenjoy and the Nagahama Beach Campground, which is a beautiful spot with access to the beach. Don’t forget to bring your own gear, food, and water to the campsite! Bring along Japanese snacks, candy, and other goodies too.
Star Village Aichi
Achi Village is one of the best places in Japan for stargazing. This village in the southern part of Nagano is recognized by Japan as having the most beautiful starry sky in the country. It's so beautiful at night that the village has its own "Paradise in the Sky" tour held nightly at Heaven's Sonara, a former winter ski resort sitting at an altitude of 1,400 meters above the village.
If you're planning to stargaze at the resort, then you should ride the gondola up to the summit station and then pick out your stargazing spot. There are three observation areas in the resort. The Star Guide area is located at the summit of the station. The Entertainment Area, where you can enjoy a combination of the sky, screen imagery, and music. Head down further to the resort to the Heritage area, where you can sit on a reclining chair or sofa while gazing at the stars for an extra fee.
There are also two options for camping at Achi Star Village. There's the luxury camping site called mokki STARDUST GLAMPING achi village which offers fully-airconditioned dome tents with massive viewing windows, private BBQ facilities, and cocoon tents for pets. It's a great place for sharing Japanese chips and passing around some coffee or tea. You can also camp at the Namiai Starry Sky Park, which has a campground, observation decks, and educational tours that offer deep-dive explanations of the seasonal constellations.
Want to get the latest news on promos and sales for the tastiest Japanese snacks that you can take along on trips? Then sign up for our newsletter! 
Kamikochi
Besides being a popular hiking destination, the sacred highlands of Kamikochi is also a popular astrotourism destination in Japan, especially during the summer. At an altitude of 1200 MASL, there are no outdoor lights at Kamikochi, and the pitch-black darkness helps you see the stars clearly. Since it's really dark in the area, visitors are advised to stay close to their camping sites or places of lodging. Plus, it's best if they bring flashlights and "kuma-yoke" or bear-repelling chimes.
Yes, there are bears around central Kamikochi, so you should also probably expect nighttime curfews at short notice. Despite the danger of bears, though, Kamikochi is pretty safe and there are tons of great spots for stargazing in the area, including the Taisho pond where stars are reflected across the water, Tashiro Bridge, Weston Relief, Kappa Bridge, and Myojin Bridge. You can bring your favorite Japanese snacks from the kombini, just make sure to be careful!
Hokkaido Lakes
Hokkaido is a wonderful place to get lost in nature, and it has two lakes that are perfect for camping and stargazing. Lake Mashu in Hokkaido is a caldera lake that's unaffected by urban light and is well known for its unobstructed views of the sky. Though you can't camp by the lakeshore itself, you can settle in the nearby vicinity of Akan-Mashu National Park after you're done enjoying the night view.
You can also view the stars at Lake Nukabira, a man-made lake that was formed after the Otofuke River was dammed. Like Kamikochi, this lake is situated near dense forests, so you should remember to bring a bear bell to ward off bears. Also, don't forget to bring a flashlight, a star chart, and your camping gear!
These are just five of the best places to visit if you ever want to camp out in nature and experience a night out in the stars in Japan. There are so many other great spots because Japan loves nature and tries its best to protect it.
Are you an outdoorsy person? Which stargazing spot do you think you’d like to visit if ever you’re in Japan this summer? Would you rather stargaze by the sea, or would you like to sit by a lake while watching constellations? Don’t be shy and let us know in the comment section below.
Looking for the perfect Japanese snacks to take along with you while stargazing? Don't worry, we've got you covered with our premium selection at Japan Candy Box!
