University of Hyogo Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory
Located at the summit of Mount Onade, the Nishi-Harima Observatory is equipped with a two-meter aperture Nayuta telescope, one of the world's largest available for public use. Centered around the observatory, there are nature trails, lodging facilities for groups and families, restaurants, and other facilities that allow visitors to stay overnight and enjoy stargazing to the fullest. Viewing parties are held every evening for overnight guests, while a general viewing party is held on Sundays for day-trippers. Please note that reservations are required on Saturdays and holidays. Many astronomical events are held throughout the year, allowing visitors to feel closer to the stars and the universe.
DetailDetailed information
- Address
- 407-2 Nishikawachi, Sayo Town
- Telephone Number
- 0790-82-0598
- Business Holidays
- 2nd and 4th Mondays, New Year holidays
- Usage Fees
- free
- Related web sites
- http://www.nhao.jp/
MAPNeighborhood Information
RecommendRelated Recommended Spots
Scenic Morning Fog at Mount Onade
From late fall through winter, the entire town of Sayo is blanketed in an early morning fog. To get a view of this fantastic sea of fog, many people visit the observation point on Mount Onade.
Hasegawa Liquor Store
The shop's selection of local sake from the Banshu region and shochu from throughout Japan are ideal for souvenirs and gifts. Domestic shipping is also available.
Kurumi
This restaurant is known for its specially prepared sauce, offal yakiudon, stir-fried noodles, and warm, friendly customer service.
Mikazuki Han-no-Inojiyakan Watchtower
In 1697, the Mori clan relocated to the Mikazuki region and ruled over the Sayo, Shiso, and Ibo regions for 174 years until the Meiji Period (1868-1912). The Noino area flourished as the center of the region as the castle town. The well-maintained watchtower is the only surviving architectural structure from the Edo Period (1603-1867) in the Noino Area of Mikazuki, and is regarded as one of the most valuable existing watchtowers in Japan.
O-Shokuji Dokoro Ippei
This long-established restaurant specializes in Japanese hot pot dishes, including duck and wild-boar hot pot (available year-round), Japanese set meals, rice bowls, and more. Among these, the "Deer Curry" (¥850) is a local favorite and a highly recommended item with its mix of various spices and tender meat. This original recipe was created by the restaurant owner Chiyako and the town's Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is a must-try if you're visiting the region!
Minshuku Wakaayusou Inn
Located next to Tokuhisae Station along the JR Kishi-Line, this quaint and reasonable inn provides one night with two meals for as little as ¥6,000. The inn is known for its homemade cuisine, including dishes made with fresh sweetfish from the Chikusa River (June to September) and seasonal vegetables. Long-term stays are also available (upon request), making it the perfect place for an extended trip.
GourmetNearby Gourmet Spots
Restaurant 「Canopus」Inside the Nishi-Harima Observatory
Observatory restaurant with coffee, lunch and wild game meat. The name "Canopus" comes from Alpha Carinae, the brightest star in the constellation Carinae. Breakfast and dinner for meals, rest use and overnight guest are accommmodated. We also recommend the "Deer croquette Set meal" using venison, a speciality of Sayo Town.
Morimori-Tei
This local restaurant specializes in a variety of Chinese dishes, yakiniku BBQ, and motsunabe hot pot. Others items include wild boar, Japanese black wagyu offal, chicken wings, chicken thighs, skewered beef, Japanese-style croquettes, and minced meat cutlets.
Shinsayo Yakiniku
Established in 1975, the restaurant still maintains its quaint Showa Period Japanese atmosphere. All the grilled teppan-yaki and yakiniku BBQ meat dishes are made only using the finest Japanese black wagyu. You can also enjoy offal yakiudon, stir-fried noodles, with a delicious miso-based sauce.
GOCCIA coffee factory
Special coffee beans from around the world are house-roasted here. The cafe offers various meals and pastries for customers to enjoy and also sells coffee beans to take home.
Traditional Folk-House Dining Douman
This popular cafe mixes the traditional atmosphere of its architecture and antiques with modern furnishing. Spicy curry served at Douman is made with fruits, Japanese vegetables, and beef tendon, amongsts other ingredients, giving it hints of natural sweetness and making for an exquisite dining experience. The cafe also allows dogs and has a spacious dog running course in the back for owners to use.
Ikkyū
Enjoy hearty home cooking at this popular diner. The main attraction is the wild game cuisine featuring steaks, minced pork cutlets, and croquettes made with venison from the Sayo region. The deer burger pairs particularly well with the homemade sauce and verges on addictive.
HOTELNearby Accommodations
Farm Inn Mitsuyama no Sato
"This 110-year-old house was restored using traditional construction methods, and is a farmer's inn that is limited to one couple per day. Visitors are warmly welcomed with a smile and the words, ""Come and have dinner with us around the chabudai (tea table),"" so you can enjoy a taste of life in the countryside from season to season , centering on farming activities such as planting and harvesting vegetables, One of the best parts is that you can also enjoy creative cuisine using seasonal vegetables and rice with the full of the power of the earth, grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers from the farm. We invite you to experience the power of diverse living creatures and the energy of the earth, and to be surrounded by rich nature for a healing experience that will reset your spirit. "
Cobaco Work&Camp
Located in front of Sayo Station, Cobaco is a coworking space open for anyone to use. The space offers an enriching lifestyle experience where people with various skills, backgrounds, and knowledge can collaborate.
G-style Country Club
This golf resort, surrounded by lush greenery, is the perfect getaway to relax your body and soul. The fairways are flat and wide, and the greens, covered with bentgrass, average 800m2 in size. With each of the 18 holes separate from one another, each hole brings you a new challenge, inspiring rich and strategic plays.
Outdoor vacation rental Ahirunomori
"The owner, who used to run an outdoor shop in Osaka, started this hands-on home-stay experience when he moved to the area. The appealing menu includes bushcraft workshops based on the experience of former Self-Defense Forces personnel, and cycling tours using electric cross bikes. Guests are also free to use the self-built huts on the premises, so they can use the Ahiro Forest for BBQ's, ent stays and other fun activities."
Nipponia Hirafuku Post Town
This private accommodation is set in the renovated former Kimura Residence, said to have been built in the Taisho Period (1912-1926). While preserving the thick beams and traditional exterior, the house is furnished in a way that combines the atmosphere of ages past and modern comforts, with locally produced Minada washi paper used for the shoji screens and sake barrels used as tables. Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the veranda surrounding the spacious courtyard or taking a soak in the spacious bath made of Hyogo cypress.
Business Ryokan Ichihonmatsu
Affordable accommodation for work or sightseeing, starting from ¥3,500 a night or ¥5,000 a night with two meals included. Rooms have an ensuite bath and toilet. Guests are welcome to bring drinks.