Osaka, Japan Stargazing Forecast

Osaka, Japan (34.69°, 135.5°) · Updated 03:01 UTC
63
Mixed
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 short session
BEST 11:00–19:00 (8h)
Mostly clear skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower active.
Sunset
10:01
Sunrise
20:07
Usable Hours
8/8
Moon
98%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars21° E
♄ Saturn57° SE
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Stargazing in Osaka, Japan

Osaka sits in the densely populated Kansai region, with Bortle 8 light pollution across the metropolis. Darker skies require heading into the surrounding mountains: the Kii Peninsula to the south and the highlands of Nara and Wakayama reach Bortle 4 within 90 minutes, with Bortle 3 deeper in. Japan's humid summers bring haze and the rainy season, while autumn and winter high-pressure systems deliver crisp, clear nights. At 34.7°N, the southern sky is well placed for the summer Milky Way from a dark mountain site away from the Kansai light dome.

Osaka, Japan Stargazing FAQ

Where can I stargaze near Osaka?
The mountains of the Kii Peninsula to the south, and the highlands of Nara and Wakayama, reach Bortle 4 within 90 minutes and darker deeper in. Mount Koya and the surrounding forests are popular dark-sky escapes from the Kansai light dome.
Is Osaka good for astronomy?
The city has heavy Bortle 8 light pollution, but the surrounding mountains offer genuinely dark skies within a 90-minute drive. The humid summer climate brings haze, so clear autumn and winter nights are best.
When is the best time to stargaze near Osaka?
Autumn and winter high-pressure systems bring the clearest, driest skies. Summer is humid with a rainy season. The Milky Way core is best in summer from a dark site, despite the seasonal haze.

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