Mitaka Star and Space Day 2026

Full event details

Dates

2026-10-24

Time

Main event 10:00–17:00; last admission 16:00. Dome sessions: 10:30–11:15, 12:15–13:00, 14:00–14:45 and 15:45–16:30. Stargazing runs until 19:00 if weather permits; it may finish early. In bad weather, the entire event ends at 17:00.

Venue

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Mitaka Campus and other participating venues, including the 4D2U Dome Theater

Age

The dome theater is for elementary-school students and older; preschool children cannot enter. Age restrictions for other programs and accompanying-adult arrangements have not been announced.

Price

Not announced

Participation

Advance online application is required for the dome theater by October 5, 2026 at 12:00 noon JST. Up to 4 people per group; a lottery applies if a session exceeds 40 applicants. No same-day places. Results will be emailed by October 16; no automatic email is sent after submission.

Address

东京都三鹰市大沢2-21-1

Access

Use public transport; the official event page does not specify routes. Cars and motorcycles cannot enter, and car pick-up or drop-off at the main gate is prohibited. Visitors with disabilities arriving by car can inquire at the rear gate.

Organizer

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan; Astrobiology Center; Institute of Astronomy, University of Tokyo; Graduate University for Advanced Studies

Capacity

40 people per dome session. Capacity for other programs has not been announced.