Sapporo City Observatory (札幌市天文台) is a small public observatory on a small hill in Nakajima Park. It is located at 1-17 Nakajimakoen, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Sapporo City Observatory |
Sapporo City Observatory Details
WINTER
Opened in 1958 as part of the Hokkaido Expo, the Hokkaido Observatory stands as a gateway to the cosmos and a must-visit destination for anyone intrigued by the wonders of the universe. Nestled within the serene landscapes of Hokkaido, this observatory is not just a facility but a window into the celestial realm.
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| Sapporo City Observatory - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
During the day, the observatory offers an exceptional experience with its state-of-the-art F12 refracting telescope, featuring a 20cm lens. This impressive piece of equipment provides visitors with the unique opportunity to observe the sun, offering a fascinating glimpse into our closest star. The observatory is open to the public free of charge from 10 AM to 4 PM, making it a perfect stop for daytime exploration.
Sapporo City Observatory's F12 Refracting Telescope
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| F12 Refracting Telescope specs |
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| The evening sky map |
As the sun sets, Sapporo City Observatory transforms into a stargazer's haven. Visitors can enjoy stargazing events that take place on select nights, with a total of 12 sessions spread over 60 days in 2007, weather permitting. These events offer an excellent opportunity to view a variety of celestial objects, including the moon, Saturn, and prominent constellations like Leo, Pegasus, and Andromeda. Special observation events are also organized to coincide with extraordinary astronomical phenomena, such as solar eclipses, adding a touch of magic to your visit.
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| Sapporo City Observatory in winter |
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| Sapporo City Observatory grounds doubles as a snow sledding area in winter |
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| Sapporo City Observatory facade |
Sapporo City Observatory is closed on Monday afternoons, Tuesdays, and national holidays, including the New Year period, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. When open, the facility provides an inviting atmosphere for both seasoned astronomers and curious newcomers alike.
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| The scene in Sapporo City Observatory from "First Love" |
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| The staff was very eager to explain everything inside the observatory including the drama series filmed there |
Beyond its scientific appeal, the Hokkaido Observatory has also made its mark in popular culture. It served as a filming location for Episode 4 of the 2022 Japanese drama series "First Love," adding a layer of cinematic charm to its already captivating allure.
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| There are special stamps available inside the Sapporo City Observatory |
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| Don't forget to bring your stamp book with you |
Whether you're a stargazing enthusiast, a casual observer, or simply looking for a unique experience, the Hokkaido Observatory offers an enriching journey through the cosmos. From its historical roots as part of the Hokkaido Expo to its current role in bringing the wonders of the universe closer to the public, this observatory is a stellar destination for all who seek to explore the night sky.
Team Nicerio visits Sapporo City Observatory
My daughter and I visited the Sapporo City Observatory for the first time last January 14, 2022, which was my 439th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. My daughter and I made sure to include it in our itinerary for the day as we were both big fans of the Japanese drama series “First Love”. We made it our goal to visit all the filming locations there as possible in Nakajima Park and the Sapporo City Observatory was one of them. Although it was winter when we visited the observatory was still open and the staff there was very welcoming. She also became more enthusiastic when we mentioned First Love. She even showed us some photos on her computer. The only downside of our visit was that it was cloudy so we weren’t able to use the F12 refracting telescope. Regardless, we would surely revisit this place again and hopefully get to enjoy stargazing.
Sapporo City Observatory Fees
It’s FREE to enter and use the F12 refracting telescope. There is a staff in the observatory who will be glad to assist you.
Sapporo City Observatory Operating Hours
Sapporo City Observatory is open from 10 AM – 12 NN and then from 2 PM to 4 PM. The observatory is closed every Monday and Tuesday afternoons.
There are special nighttime star gazing schedules that are frequently changed so please check the official website for updates. 👉LINK👈
Why visit Sapporo City Observatory?
Sapporo City Observatory is a must-visit for its unique celestial experiences and free public access. It allows visitors to view the sun through a high-quality telescope during the day and enjoy stargazing events at night, featuring sights like the moon, Saturn, and various constellations. Special sessions are organized for rare astronomical phenomena, such as solar eclipses. Established as part of the 1958 Hokkaido Expo, the observatory also holds cultural significance and has been featured in the 2022 drama series "First Love." Set in the scenic beauty of Hokkaido, it offers both an educational experience and a serene environment for exploring the wonders of the universe.
Getting to Sapporo City Observatory
From Sapporo Station, walk to the Sapporo Station of the Namboko Line and board the subway going to Nakajimakoen Station. From there walk for several meters going to the observatory.
Travel time: 12 minutes
Fare: 210 yen
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