Japan's First Combined Observatory and LED Planetarium: MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME Grand Opening
Japan is set to unveil a groundbreaking establishment, the MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME, on June 1, 2026. This unique facility, located on the beautiful Kaimajima Island in Miyako, Okinawa, will feature both a state-of-the-art observatory equipped with large telescopes and an LED planetarium, establishing a new benchmark for astronomical experiences in the region.
Kaimajima Island, positioned at the latitude of 24 degrees North similar to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, is renowned for its breathtaking night skies. Visitors can gaze upon celestial marvels such as the Southern Cross and Canopus, which are rarely visible on the main islands of Japan. In 2024, the Ministry of the Environment recognized Kaimajima for its stellar visibility, awarding it the highest rating for its capability to observe the Milky Way in detail.
The MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME promises an immersive stargazing experience like no other. The observatory dome will house several telescopes that capture images of celestial bodies, which will then be projected in real-time onto a high-definition LED dome. At 7.5 meters in diameter, the planetarium will deliver stunning visuals and surround sound effects, creating an exhilarating sensation that transports guests into the heart of the cosmos.
The observatory dome is set to feature multiple telescopes, each capable of focusing on different astronomical objects. This innovative approach allows simultaneous observations and unique astrophysics showcases. As the telescopes collect data, the images will be transferred in real time to the adjacent LED planetarium, ensuring an extraordinary blend of real-time observation and digital projection.
The heart of the MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME is its 7.5-meter LED planetarium dome. Visitors will enjoy vibrant high-definition visuals and a multi-directional sound system that enhances the three-dimensional feel of the night sky. A variety of astronomical visual content ensures that every visit offers something new and exciting.
Two distinct tours will be offered at MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME: the Planetarium Tour, which takes place during daylight hours, and the Stargazing Tour, occurring after dark. All tours include live commentary provided by trained guides, including the charismatic local nature guide known affectionately as the “Star Uncle,” alongside three other guides who share their unique insights, humor, and stories about visible stars, constellations, star clusters, and nebulae.
During the day, participants will enter the planetarium dome to experience a recreation of the night sky above Miyako Island, facilitated by cutting-edge planetarium technology. The guides will provide live commentary, highlighting planets and constellations that guests will later find in the actual night sky. Alongside star-gazing, guests can learn about various astronomical programs showcased on the LED screens.
In the evenings, the observatory dome will be opened for the Stargazing Tour. Telescopes will be pointed skyward, capturing celestial objects that are then projected in real-time onto the planetarium screen. Guides will elucidate on all visible stars and constellations, and eventually participants will step outside to confirm their learnings with the actual night sky above.
- ① 16:00 – 17:00: Planetarium Tour
- ② 17:30 – 18:30: Planetarium Tour
- ③ 20:30 – 21:45: Stargazing Tour
Reservations for the MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME will be available starting in early April. For more information and inquiries, please reach out:
Opened in February 2020, the Seawood Hotel on Kaimajima Island offers breathtaking views at various times of day. Spanning approximately 130,000 square meters, the resort features 107 villa houses with private pools or jacuzzis, a hotel building (Shuri House) with 62 rooms, and several other facilities, including restaurants and a spa, making it a unique vacation destination that caters to all needs.
Hotel Details:
Kaimajima Island, positioned at the latitude of 24 degrees North similar to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, is renowned for its breathtaking night skies. Visitors can gaze upon celestial marvels such as the Southern Cross and Canopus, which are rarely visible on the main islands of Japan. In 2024, the Ministry of the Environment recognized Kaimajima for its stellar visibility, awarding it the highest rating for its capability to observe the Milky Way in detail.
The MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME promises an immersive stargazing experience like no other. The observatory dome will house several telescopes that capture images of celestial bodies, which will then be projected in real-time onto a high-definition LED dome. At 7.5 meters in diameter, the planetarium will deliver stunning visuals and surround sound effects, creating an exhilarating sensation that transports guests into the heart of the cosmos.
Features of MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME
1. Observatory Dome (DOME1)
The observatory dome is set to feature multiple telescopes, each capable of focusing on different astronomical objects. This innovative approach allows simultaneous observations and unique astrophysics showcases. As the telescopes collect data, the images will be transferred in real time to the adjacent LED planetarium, ensuring an extraordinary blend of real-time observation and digital projection.
2. Planetarium Dome (DOME2)
The heart of the MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME is its 7.5-meter LED planetarium dome. Visitors will enjoy vibrant high-definition visuals and a multi-directional sound system that enhances the three-dimensional feel of the night sky. A variety of astronomical visual content ensures that every visit offers something new and exciting.
Tours Available
Two distinct tours will be offered at MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME: the Planetarium Tour, which takes place during daylight hours, and the Stargazing Tour, occurring after dark. All tours include live commentary provided by trained guides, including the charismatic local nature guide known affectionately as the “Star Uncle,” alongside three other guides who share their unique insights, humor, and stories about visible stars, constellations, star clusters, and nebulae.
Planetarium Tour
During the day, participants will enter the planetarium dome to experience a recreation of the night sky above Miyako Island, facilitated by cutting-edge planetarium technology. The guides will provide live commentary, highlighting planets and constellations that guests will later find in the actual night sky. Alongside star-gazing, guests can learn about various astronomical programs showcased on the LED screens.
Stargazing Tour
In the evenings, the observatory dome will be opened for the Stargazing Tour. Telescopes will be pointed skyward, capturing celestial objects that are then projected in real-time onto the planetarium screen. Guides will elucidate on all visible stars and constellations, and eventually participants will step outside to confirm their learnings with the actual night sky above.
MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME Opening Details
- - Date: June 1, 2026, at 14:00.
- - Location: Miyakojima Kaimara Resort Seawood Hotel.
- - Opening Hours: 14:00 - 22:00.
Tour Schedule
- - Tour Period: June 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026. Post-August, schedules will be announced further.
- - Daily Schedule (Weekdays, Saturdays, and Holidays):
- ① 16:00 – 17:00: Planetarium Tour
- ② 17:30 – 18:30: Planetarium Tour
- ③ 20:30 – 21:45: Stargazing Tour
Tour Pricing
- - Adults: 4,400 yen (hotel guests), 5,500 yen (outside guests – an additional 1,500 yen facility fee).
- - Children (Elementary): 3,300 yen (hotel guests), 4,400 yen (outside guests – an additional 1,500 yen facility fee).
- - Infants: Free.
Booking Information
Reservations for the MIYAKO GALAXY-DOME will be available starting in early April. For more information and inquiries, please reach out:
- - Contact: TEL / 0980-74-7888 (10:00 - 17:00).
About Seawood Hotel
Opened in February 2020, the Seawood Hotel on Kaimajima Island offers breathtaking views at various times of day. Spanning approximately 130,000 square meters, the resort features 107 villa houses with private pools or jacuzzis, a hotel building (Shuri House) with 62 rooms, and several other facilities, including restaurants and a spa, making it a unique vacation destination that caters to all needs.
Hotel Details:
- - Name: Miyakojima Kaimara Resort Seawood Hotel.
- - Location: 484-7 Shimaji, Miyakojima, Okinawa.
- - Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport; about 40 minutes from Miyako Shimojijima Airport.
- - Website: Seawood Hotel
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