National Observatory from 1962 to 2000: the 91 cm telescope is still in place.
At an altitude of 876 metres, on the summit of Mount Dodaira, the former national observatory (now the ‘Star and Green Creation Center’, an accommodation facility) keeps the dome with the 91 cm reflector used for research until its closure in 2000. Twice a month, from March to November, guided observation evenings open to the public are held. At night the gate is closed and only overnight guests and people attending the booked evenings stay inside.
Former station of the National Astronomical Observatory, on the summit of Mount Dodaira.
ℹ️ Open March–December (closed 25 December–28 February except for reception at weekends). Hours 9:30–17:30 (Mar–Oct) and 9:30–16:30 (Nov–Feb). The observation evenings require online booking; night-time access is reserved for guests and events. About 1 hour by car from Higashimatsuyama IC.
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It is the ‘promised place’ where Kirito and Asuna watch the meteor shower, in ‘Ordinal Scale’.
Sources: anitabi.jp · touyokojunrei.com · town.tokigawa.lg.jp
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