Kyoto, Japan Stargazing Forecast

Kyoto, Japan (35.01°, 135.77°) · Updated 03:02 UTC
68
Good
high confidence ⓘ
high · Forecast lead time

Based on how far ahead tonight is, forecasts are most reliable within 24–48 hours.

Confidence reflects how trustworthy the forecast is, it doesn't change the score.

Worth a look tonight
BEST 11:00–19:00 (8h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower active.
Sunset
10:01
Sunrise
20:05
Usable Hours
8/8
Moon
98%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars20° E
♄ Saturn56° SE
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Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, nestled in a basin ringed by mountains, has Bortle 7 city skies but very quick access to darker conditions — the surrounding hills and the mountains of northern Kyoto Prefecture reach Bortle 4 within an hour, with Bortle 3 deeper into the Tamba highlands and toward the Sea of Japan coast. Japan's humid summers and rainy season limit clear nights, while autumn and winter high pressure brings crisp, transparent skies. At 35°N, the southern sky is well placed for the summer Milky Way. The temple-dotted mountains make atmospheric foregrounds for night photography.

Kyoto, Japan Stargazing FAQ

Where can I stargaze near Kyoto?∨
The mountains ringing the city and the highlands of northern Kyoto Prefecture reach Bortle 4 within an hour. The Tamba highlands and the route toward the Sea of Japan coast offer Bortle 3 darkness deeper in.
Is Kyoto good for stargazing?∨
The city basin has moderate Bortle 7 light pollution, but the surrounding mountains give quick access to darker skies. The humid summer climate brings haze, so clear autumn and winter nights are best.
When is the best time to stargaze near Kyoto?∨
Autumn and winter high-pressure systems bring the clearest, driest skies and best transparency. Summer is humid with a rainy season. The Milky Way core is best in summer from a dark mountain site despite the haze.

Stargazing guides

Is Tonight Good for Stargazing?

The answer depends on five things you can check right now.

Light Pollution & the Bortle Scale

How dark is your sky — and what difference does it make?

What Planets Are Visible Tonight?

Real visibility data for all 7 naked-eye and telescope planets, calculated for your location.

Meteor Shower Calendar 2026

Every shower this year — peak dates, expected rates, moon interference, and the two you absolutely cannot miss.
Check light pollution for this area ↗

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