1660-3 Kihokuchō Ichinari, Kanoya, Kagoshima 899-8511, Japan Copy to clipboard
31.594623, 130.82658 Copy to clipboard
Before you go
Bring a red flashlight: To preserve night vision, a red flashlight is recommended instead of a regular one. Avoid using bright phone screens.
Check the schedule: Familiarize yourself with the observatory's schedule, as public viewings and lectures may require prior registration.
Check the weather: The observatory is at an elevation of 550 meters, so temperatures can be cooler than in lower areas. Bring a jacket, especially at night. In autumn and winter, strong winds are common.
Confirm telescope availability: The observatory's telescope may be out of service due to maintenance or mechanical issues. Check ahead before visiting.
Nearby attraction: Sakurajima views: The observatory offers stunning views of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay during the day, making it worth visiting before sunset.
Observe the Milky Way: On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, making it a great spot for astrophotography.
Photography restrictions: Flash photography is typically discouraged to prevent disturbing other visitors' night vision.
Plan for volcanic activity: Nearby Sakurajima occasionally erupts, and volcanic ash can reduce visibility. Check local advisories before visiting.
Weather conditions: Review the current astronomical conditions and any relevant weather forecasts to maximize your experience.
Best visit time
The optimal time to visit the Kihoku Astronomical Observatory is during winter, from December to February, when night skies are clearest.
Special astronomical events, like meteor showers, are most visible during this period.
The best time for observation is after sunset, with the facility typically open until 20:00.
For the clearest skies, visit around a new moon and check for minimal cloud cover.
During summer nights, fog can sometimes obscure the view, even in clear weather.
Directions
By car
For safer access, use National Route 504 instead of Prefectural Route 72, which is narrow and has falling rocks. Parking is available on-site, with a large area for vehicles.
Public transport
There is no nearby bus stop, making public transportation access difficult. Traveling by car is recommended.
Introduction
Resembling a UFO for many who see it for the first time, the Kihoku Astronomical Museum is one of Japan’s most peculiar and eccentric buildings.
Conceptualized by Takasaki Masaharu, the museum was constructed in a remote location to cut the observatory off from the urban chaos and better root it in the earth. The isolation also helps to better observe the stars, which allowed Takasaki Masaharu to live up to his nickname: the architect of the cosmos.
Takasaki’s architectural vision
Since the architect’s career took off in the early 1980s, Takasaki has continued to push boundaries, challenging commonly accepted structural logic and standards by introducing a more imaginative architectural style that expresses the architect’s knowledge of religion, mythology, and anthropology. Takasaki said1:
Architecture should express the magnetic field of the land and environment, creating a human-centered space that resonates with the earth itself.
His “zero form” philosophy represents the origin of the universe and nothingness, integrating spiritual elements that resonate with sacred sites in the area. This approach is particularly evident in the Kihoku Astronomical Museum, which was designed to facilitate a connection to the cosmos through architectural energy flow.
Challenges & revitalization
During the design process, Takasaki envisioned the Kihoku astronomical museum as an isolated center that would be occupied by researchers and intellectuals. But his dream did not come true right away. For years, the observatory sat unused, slowly deteriorating in the volcanic landscape that is characteristic of the Kagoshima region.
Designed as a community revitalization project in a rural area suffering from population decline, the observatory initially faced challenges. As Takasaki himself noted 2:
Facing the realities of depopulation and an aging society, I have worked on sustainable architecture that brings dignity and purpose to local communities.
Fortunately, in 2010, the astronomical museum got some much-needed attention from social media. Having been renovated and turned into an astronomy museum, Kihoku is now one of the most popular attractions in Kagoshima. The surrounding hot springs and the Sakurajima volcano make this site even more attractive.
The perfect location
It is this volcanic environment that makes the region the perfect location to host the astronomical museum. The museum houses Kagoshima Prefecture’s largest telescope, a 65cm Cassegrain reflector. The four-story reinforced concrete structure covers 430 square meters and is situated at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level, providing optimal conditions for astronomical observations.
The natural setting makes it extremely easy to observe the night sky, which explains why this region of Japan was awarded by the Japan Environmental Agency for the most beautiful night sky in the summer and winter.
Located about 50-minute drive from Kanoya City, the museum offers surrounding views of Sakurajima Island, a live volcano, Kinko Bay towards the west, the Miyakonojo Basin situated towards the east, the Kirishima Mountains located on the north, as well as the Shibushi Bay facing the south.
Cosmic design & philosophy
Takasaki Masaharu’s architecture combines organic and mystical designs to connect human beings to the cosmos. His architectural philosophies manifest themselves in the utilization of strange shapes and forms, as well as diffused light that helps to highlight his skewed interiors, columns, and planes. With minimally visible support, the astronomical museum appears to be supported by a few columns, which gives the illusion of weightlessness and anti-gravity: almost like a UFO.
Takasaki’s architecture doesn’t just stand in a place; it transforms it. His designs feel like they belong to another dimension, yet they are deeply rooted in the land.
The spherical form of the building references the primordial shapes that we interact with regularly in our universe and the orientation humans yield from our position relative to the cosmos. When at the museum site, one cannot help but feel connected to the celestial, which is exactly what Takasaki Masaharu aimed for in his overall design.
Similar work: Tamana City Observatory Museum
In addition to the Kihoku Astronomical Museum, Takasaki Masaharu also designed the Tamana City Observatory Museum in Kumamoto Prefecture, about a 3-hours drive to the north. Built in 1992 as part of the Kumamoto Art Polis (くまもとアートポリス) initiative, this observatory features his signature organic forms and a structure that appears to merge with the landscape.
Like Kihoku, the Tamana City Observatory Museum brings Takasaki’s cosmic and spiritual themes to life, further cementing his reputation as the architect of the cosmos.
Final words
Takasaki Masaharu is one of the most well-known architects in Tokyo. He has built a reputation for himself for creating exciting and original works that have captivated the masses owing to their animated style.
Even though Takasaki Masaharu’s style is distinct, his work remains less known outside Japan. Takasaki has received several prestigious awards, including recognition from the Japan Institute of Architects. Yet, his influence continues to shape the future of architectural design.
Explore nearby
Yoshitomo Nara's dog sculptures192 km away- Sou Fujimoto's House N197 km away
