A truly awe-inspiring radio telescope that will pique your curiosity.

The Nobeyama Radio Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan is an international hub for radio astronomy, attracting researchers from both Japan and abroad. The most striking feature on its vast grounds is the 45-meter radio telescope, boasting one of the world's largest apertures. Known for detecting signs of a supermassive black hole, it conducts observations day and night from September to April. Other impressive observational instruments that have supported the development of Japanese radio astronomy include the solar radio intensity polarization meter, millimeter-wave interferometer, and radio heliograph. In addition, there are explanatory panels on the latest radio technology and radio astronomy, an outdoor parabolic antenna that visitors can touch and play with, and photo opportunities in the exhibition building. Tours guided by researchers and engineers are also held regularly, offering an exciting and unique Kiyosato experience of space where "seeing," "learning," and "feeling" beautifully intertwine.

・ View website
462-2 Nobeyama, Minamimaki-mura, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture 384-1305
・40-minute walk from JR Koumi Line "Nobeyama Station"
・Approximately 30 minutes from the Nagasaka Interchange on the Chuo Expressway via Prefectural Road 28.