Autumn on Kozushima is the best season for stargazing! Experience "FamiliA Planet"!

Where is Kozushima, Tokyo's remote island?

Kozushima is one of the Izu Islands, an isolated island off Tokyo. It takes just 45 minutes by plane from Tokyo to get there, and it's hard to believe it's in the same Tokyo metropolitan area. The island is rich in nature and has a unique historical culture, and there are plenty of attractive spots to visit. However, you can't really enjoy Kozushima if you just visit the spots. If you're tired of the convenience and hustle and bustle of the city, we'd like to introduce you to another side of Kozushima that you can take your time to enjoy.

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

The closest lodging to the starry sky in Japan, "Vacation House FamiliA's Starry Sky CHILL Terrace"

The moment you open the door, the Milky Way is right in front of you!
You can view the starry sky from the balcony of Vacation House FamiliA, which we have named the "Starry Sky CHILL Terrace."
There aren't many inns in Japan where you can enjoy a spectacular starry sky view from the window of your ocean view room, which is just a 0-minute walk from your room...! It's can be called that this is the inn closest to the starry sky in Japan...!

You can enjoy the starry night sky to your heart's content with the sound of waves playing in the background.

Autumn is the best season for stargazing! Let's experience FamiliA Planet!

Kozushima is the second island in Japan, and the first in the Kanto region, to be certified as a Dark Sky Place .
Familia Planet offers a variety of ways to enjoy the beautiful night sky, so much so that it has even been featured in a planetarium program.
Autumn is the best season for stargazing, so we are increasing the number of Familiar Planet events!

What is Familiar Planet?

At Familia Planet, you can enjoy the night sky of Kozushima in a variety of ways, depending on the season and moon phase.

On new moon nights, you can relax in special chairs that allow you to enjoy the starry sky.
We receive many comments like "There are so many stars that I honestly don't know where the Milky Way is...!"
In that case, please feel free to ask us!

When the moon is big, use binoculars to enjoy a spectacular view of the moon.
You'll be surprised by many things, such as "Wow, the craters on the moon are so cool!" and "Wow, did not realize that the moon is so bright!"

Autumn (September to December) is a particularly good time to observe the planets, so you can enjoy the night sky to the fullest!
If there are 4 or more guests staying overnight and the weather is stable, we will challenge ourselves to observe Saturn and Jupiter using the telescope. Let's go on a space adventure to see other cool celestial bodies such as the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula!

Space travel is just 3 steps away from your room, with zero walking time!
So far, we have provided people of various nationalities and ages with moving experiences that leave them speechless and only say, "Wow!"

Do I need to bring anything?

All you need to do is make a reservation at Vacation House FamiliA !
There is no need to book a special tour or pay extra.

Early September, even though it is still warm during the day, the breeze from the ocean can make it feel cooler at night, so bring a long sleeves or a light jacket. As winter approaches, it is a good idea to bring a jacket that can withstand the cold.

But best of all, Familia Planet is just three steps away from your room.
If you feel cold, you can go back to your room to get a jacket, or you can go to the cafe on the first floor and have a cup of tea or cocoa while waiting for the clouds to clear up a bit.

Even if your little ones get sleepy, don't worry. After your kids go to sleep, adults can quietly enjoy the night sky by themselves.

Our staff is constantly checking the cloud and wind forecasts, so we will try to let you know the best time possible. Come and have a chat at the cafe.

Why is autumn the best season?

Reason why it's the best season: The nights are long

On Kozushima, the sun sets around 5:30 p.m. in mid-October, and around 4:30 p.m. in November. The winter solstice, which marks the longest night of the year, occurs on December 21st.
Obviously, the longer the sky is dark, the higher the chances of seeing the stars, and by choosing a time when the sky is dark in conjunction with the rising and setting of the moon, you increase your chances of looking up at the heavens.

When you wish to travel for star gazing, be sure to also check the lunar calendar, sunrise and sunset times, and moonrise and moonset times.

Reason 2: The planets rise high in the sky, making them easy to observe.

Kozushima Island is surrounded by the sea, making it easy to observe stars that rise low in the sky, even making it possible to observe Canopus in the winter.
However, the visibility time is limited, and if it coincides with sunset it can be difficult to see with the naked eye, reducing the chances of seeing it.

In particular, early autumn will be a good time to observe Saturn using a telescope, as Saturn will be high in the sky.
Similarly, when familiar planets like Jupiter rise higher in the sky, the opportunities for observing them increase.

Doesn't it feel like you've learned the phrase "the altitude at noon increases" in science class at least once?

Using a telescope, you can see Saturn's rings, Jupiter's stripes, and moons that you may have only seen in your science textbooks!

Reason 3: You can enjoy both summer and winter constellations!

The charm of the summer constellations is the dense parts of the Milky Way and gorgeous constellations such as Cygnus and Scorpio.
In autumn on Kozushima, you can enjoy watching these parts tilt into the western sky and slowly sink after sunset as the night sky begins to darken.

As the night deepens, the small stars will shine brighter, and you will be able to see the Andromeda Galaxy, Cassiopeia, and the Autumn Quadrilateral shining directly above.

After dinner, the winter constellations will rise in the eastern sky between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m.
You can see the constellation Orion, the dazzling Sirius, and Jupiter shining brightly.

It is only in autumn that we can enjoy the summer and winter constellations all night long without having to strain ourselves.
Since it's still not too cold, you can enjoy the long autumn nights.

Are there any dates you would particularly recommend?

Are you starting to feel like going to Kozushima?

If you're starting to check your schedule wondering when you'll be able to take the next long break,
If possible, check the lunar calendar at the same time.

If you want to be surrounded by stars, we recommend going during the week before or after the new moon.
A new moon when the moon has not yet risen is best, but the longer there is without the influence of moonlight (before the moon rises or after the moon sets), the greater your chances of seeing a sky filled with stars.

If you want to see the moon and all the planets, and you want to stay up all night, we recommend going during the half moon period.
The sight of the crescent moon tilting and sinking into the sea and rising over the mountains is also fantastical.

During a full moon, it's very romantic to take a stroll along the pale blue beach in the moonlight.

If you're planning on traveling at the last minute, check the local weather forecast.
It's also fun to travel to the stars in conjunction with astronomical events such as meteor showers and lunar eclipses!
Even if it is not meteor shower season in Kozushima, if the sky is dark and clear, you will likely be able to see shooting stars.

For more information about the starry skies of Kozushima, please see this article.

Travel in search of the starry sky. Book your stay at Vacation House FamiliA, a B&B on Kozushima , NOW!

What do you think? You can enjoy the night sky of Kozushima to the fullest, as the island has been recognized as a Dark Sky Place !
Please come and enjoy this astronomical show exclusive to Vacation House FamiliA!

Only the Ocean View Rooms allow you to enjoy both the sparkling starry sky and the ocean from your room!
There is only one special room, so make your reservation early.

To make a reservation for Vacation House FamiliA, click here

Summary of Familia Planet Event

Event period: Year round but will have more event  druing End of September to end of December (tentative). High season in summer might not be able to use a telescope.
☑︎If we reach a total of four guests, we will use a telescope to try observing Saturn and other planets!!
☑︎Gather on the balcony on a clear night!
☑︎No need to book a tour or bring anything with you. All you need to do is bring your warm clothes to your room.
☑︎ Not only when it's a new moon, but also when the moon is large, it's a powerful moon viewing. The way to enjoy it changes depending on the lunar calendar.
☑︎Please note that even if it is sunny, the event may not be held depending on the weather conditions, such as if the wind is too strong.
☑︎When you see Saturn through the telescope, you will definitely be impressed! The craters on the moon are so cool! It's so bright! And there are so many other surprises that will leave you speechless! People of all ages and nationalities are always very happy!

Please also see this article for more information about Vacation House FamiliA.