Experience Japan's Clearest Starry Sky in Achi Village: A Celestial Adventure in Nagano - Japan Travel Sights

Achi Village, located on the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures, is renowned as the place with the clearest night skies in Japan. In 2006, the Ministry of the Environment recognized Achi Village as the best place in Japan to view the stars, making it a top destination for stargazers. Surrounded by complex mountain terrain that blocks city lights, the village offers a perfect setting for experiencing the brilliance of the night sky.

Beyond its celestial attractions, Achi Village is also famous for Hirugami Onsen, known for its beautifying waters, and for the picturesque peach blossoms that bloom every April, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

Join the “Night Tour of the Heavenly Paradise” to Witness Japan’s Best Starry Sky

In 2012, the “Night Tour of the Heavenly Paradise” was launched to share the breathtaking starry skies of Achi Village with the world. Originally held only during the green season when the ski resort was closed, the tour is now available nearly every day throughout the year.

Due to its popularity, with daily capacity often reaching 1,500 participants, it is recommended to purchase tickets online at least two weeks in advance.

If you’re staying at a partner hotel, you might be able to purchase tickets on the day of the event, but booking in advance is highly advised.

Participants take a gondola to the 1,400-meter-high Heavens Sonohara Ski Resort.

The tour offers three distinct areas: the “STAR GUIDE AREA,” the “ENTERTAINMENT AREA,” and the “HEARING AREA” (paid, first-come-first-served). Depending on your preference, you can choose your area to enjoy 30 minutes of stargazing.

The sheer number of stars filling the sky will leave you speechless.

Even in less favorable weather, the tour continues.

If the stars are not visible, a projection mapping of the starry sky is displayed on the venue’s walls, creating an equally captivating experience.

It’s best to check the lunar calendar before booking, as the stars are most visible during the new moon.

What to Bring: All you need is a picnic sheet to sit on and some warm clothing. If rain is a concern, bring rain gear.

The venue is lit until the lights go out at 8 PM, so avoid bringing any light-emitting devices like flashlights, as they are prohibited after the light-down.

In October, temperatures at the summit drop to around 10°C, so warm clothing is a must. By November, it can get as cold as 0°C, so consider bringing a thick down jacket and blankets.

Begin Your Tour with a Scenic Gondola Ride

The journey starts with a gondola ride that takes you 1,400 meters up to the Heavens Sonohara Ski Resort.

The gondolas, which resemble spaceships, can carry up to 12 people, though they currently operate with a maximum of 8 passengers.

The staff, dressed in space-themed uniforms inspired by NASA and JAXA, enhance the experience, making it feel like a journey to the stars.

The ride takes about 15 minutes and offers occasional sightings of wild deer and boar.

Arriving at the Summit: Finding the Perfect Spot

Upon arriving at the summit station, you’ll find yourself on a vast grassy area.

Choose your preferred area for stargazing: the “STAR GUIDE AREA” where guides provide commentary on celestial phenomena, the “ENTERTAINMENT AREA” where you can enjoy star-themed visuals and music, or the quiet “HEARING AREA” for a serene stargazing experience.

Once you’ve picked your spot, spread out your sheet and relax as you wait for the light-down.

The Moment of Light-Down: Enter the World of Stars

As you lie on your sheet, the countdown to light-down begins. At exactly 8 PM, all the lights go out, and the sky bursts into a dazzling display of countless stars.

The sudden appearance of such a brilliant night sky is greeted with gasps of awe.

Each area then offers different programs: in the “STAR GUIDE AREA,” guides point out and explain various celestial phenomena and constellations. In the “ENTERTAINMENT AREA,” you can enjoy a star-themed projection mapping show, while the “HEARING AREA” provides a quiet, contemplative space to simply admire the stars.

After about 30 minutes of stargazing, the tour concludes with a gondola ride back down to the base station.

Shopping at the Star Shop

Back at the base station, you can visit the Star Shop, which sells a variety of star-themed and original items. Whether it’s for a keepsake or a gift, the shop has something for everyone.

Consider picking up a pair of original binoculars with the “Heavenly Paradise” logo, perfect for stargazing. These binoculars are powerful enough to see the craters on the moon and star clusters.

Or perhaps a piece of jewelry inspired by the winter night sky, such as the “Winter Diamond” or “Snow Planet.” These special accessories depict the mysteries of constellations and planets.

You can also take home the scent of the universe with “Aroma Planet ACHI,” a fragrance inspired by the starry skies of Achi Village, Hirugami Onsen, and peach blossoms.

This unique air freshener allows you to experience the essence of space in your car or home.

This tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience that changes with every visit, as different stars and events are visible depending on the night.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning stargazer, the “Night Tour of the Heavenly Paradise” promises a magical journey through Japan’s clearest starry skies.

Don’t miss out on this celestial adventure in Achi Village!