A must-see for star lovers! One of only three in the world! Enjoy the starry sky on Kozushima, Tokyo

• Table of Contents
• Gaze upon the starry sky on Kozushima , a remote island off Tokyo
• What is a Dark Sky Place?
• The starry sky of Kozushima, which has also been chosen as a programfor planetariums
• If you're going on a journey in search of the starry sky
• There's even more ways to enjoy the night sky!
• Space travel in just 3 steps! FamiliA Planet

Gaze upon the starry sky on Kozushima , a remote island off Tokyo

Kozushima is one of Tokyo's remote islands, part of the Izu Islands. It's only a 45-minute flight from Tokyo, and it's hard to believe it's in the same Tokyo. The island boasts abundant nature and a unique historical and cultural heritage, and is packed with fascinating spots. Among these, Kozushima's beautiful night sky is a must-see. This time, we'll be introducing the starry sky you can enjoy on Kozushima.

Please see the article below for how to get to Kozushima.

What is a Dark Sky Place?

Have you ever seen the milky way?

Until the Meiji and Taisho eras (1868-1912), it was said that the milky way could be seen even in urban areas in Tokyo, but now with the increase in artificial lights, it is said that only one in three people in the world lives in a place where the milky way can be seen.

Kozushima, a remote island off Tokyo , was certified as a Dark Sky Place(Dark Sky Park) in December 2020 in recognition of its island-wide efforts to protect the star-filled night sky.

The Dark Sky Places Program (Japanese name: Dark Sky Place Certification System), launched by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) in 2001, is a system for protecting and preserving dark night skies free of light pollution. Certification requires strict outdoor lighting standards and educational and awareness-raising activities regarding light pollution. By announcing the certification, we aim to widely raise awareness of the importance of protecting the night sky, the current state of the light problem, and countermeasures. (Reference: Dark Sky Place )

Kozushima's certification is the second in Japan after Iriomote Ishigaki National Park, but it is also the first case in Japan where light pollution countermeasures have been implemented across the entire area, including densely populated residential and living areas. Furthermore, at the time of certification, there were only three places in the world that had been given the title of Dark Sky Island. As a model case of a new, sustainable, and environmentally conscious regional development, it is hoped that this movement will spread to other regions in the future.

The starry sky of Kozushima, which has also been chosen as a programfor planetariums

Located in the same Tokyo area, Kozushima is just a 45-minute flight from Chofu, 180km from the city center, or a 3.5-hour high speed jet ferry ride from Takeshiba Pier. A 10-hour journey on a Large passenger ship , you'll depart at night and wake up to a vast expanse of blue ocean. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the starry sky with ease, making it one of Kozushima's attractions.

In order to be certified as a Dark Sky Place, all streetlights on Kozushima have been replaced with LEDs, specially made to minimize light leakage into the sky. As a result, you can see the stars no matter where you walk on the island, as long as it's clear.

Additionally, Yotane Square, a stargazing spot within the village, is located on high ground, making it a great spot for stargazing as well as star photography. As the village is all concentrated in one place, no matter which accommodation you stay at, the square is within walking distance, meaning you can enjoy the starry sky.

There are also stars that can only be enjoyed on the island. Canopus, in the winter constellation Carina, is a first magnitude star that appears just above the horizon, and it is said that those who see it will have a longer lifespan.

Because it appears at a very low altitude, it is hidden in places surrounded by mountains and Mori, so there are very few places in Japan where it can be observed. It is a special star that can only be observed on an island.

A planetarium show featuring the beautiful starry sky of Kozushima was screened at three Konica Minolta Planetariums in Tokyo for one year starting in winter 2022.

If you're going on a journey in search of the starry sky

Check the lunar calendar to decide the date

The current calendar is a solar calendar, but when observing the starry sky, it is also important to check the lunar calendar.
This is because if you want to see a starry sky, it's important to have minimal moonlight.
This means that for about a week before and after the new moon, you can expect the milky way and even small stars to shine in the night sky.

After checking the age of the moon on the calendar, check the sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset times.
Unless it's a full moon, there should be a few hours when neither the sun nor the moon will have any effect. Let's hope it's sunny during that time!

It's also fun to decide on your starry sky trip while checking information on meteor shower times, lunar eclipses, and comets.

Recommended items to bring

If you want to take photos of the starry sky, it's useful to have a tripod or other equipment to stabilize your smartphone or camera. Even if you don't have an SLR camera, you can capture bright stars by using the night mode on your smartphone!

Even in midsummer, the ocean breeze is pleasant on Kozushima. However, it may feel chilly at night. If you have a long-sleeved jacket, you can gaze at the starry sky to your heart's content, or wait in peace for the clouds to part and the stars to appear.

There's even more ways to enjoy the night sky!

Full moon nights are very romantic

It's a shame there aren't many stars because it's a full moon...? Not at all!
Full moon days are very romantic.
The white sand of Maehama is beautifully illuminated by the moon, and the night is bright enough that you can walk without needing to shine a light on your feet.
"The moon was so bright!"
If you look closely, you'll notice a shadow behind it.

Living on an island, we look at the moonlight streaming in through the window and realize, "Oh, the full moon is almost here."

It's so wonderful to take a leisurely stroll along the beach, listening to the sound of the waves and feeling the refreshing night breeze!

If you're extremely lucky, you might even be able to see a magical moonbow.
The "moon rainbow," which appears when various conditions come together, is extremely rare and is said to bring happiness in Hawaii.
There was a day in September 2020 when it could be clearly observed on Kozushima !

A moonbow captured from Maehama Beach. This was the only time I was able to see it clearly enough to see with the naked eye.

Planetary observation

It's not just the moon and stars that color the night sky!
The planets are easy to observe because Kozushima is a starry Dark Sky Place .
If you want to observe Saturn and Jupiter, autumn is the best time.
Using a telescope, you can even see Saturn's rings and Jupiter's stripes and moons!

You'll be so impressed that you'll want to say "WOW!"

Space travel in just 3 steps! FamiliA Planet

At Vacation House FamiliA, we have a variety of items available so that you can enjoy the magnificent night sky of Kozushima at any time.

The second floor terrace, named the "Starry Sky Chill Terrace," is lined with relaxing chairs where you can gaze at the starry sky to with the sound of waves playing in the background.

On days with good conditions, guests can bring out binoculars and telescopes to enjoy gazing at planets and star clusters, or peering into the craters of the moon.

While waiting for the clouds to clear, you can chat over a glass of wine or cocoa at the cafe bar on the first floor.
If you get sleepy or cold, you can quickly return to your room, so you can enjoy yourself at ease even if you have small children with you.

Of course, our staff are constantly checking the clouds and moon conditions, so we can advise you on the best time to go!

To make a reservation for Vacation House FamiliA, click here

For more information about Vacation House FamiliA, please see this article.

Vacation House Familia

1005 Kozushima Village, Tokyo 100-0601

“Socializing B&B” "Vacation House Familia" From Tokyo ✈︎Minimum 45 minutes Vacation house FamiliA is located at one of the Tokyo Island [Kozushima] The sea, the stars, and coffee. You're sure to have a lively conversation with someone different than usual. Guests and staff can see each other's faces during their travels, so you can feel at ease. We value a sense of comfort that is not found in large hotels or inns.