No need for long drives or enduring discomfort! Enjoy effortless stargazing at Kozushima Island, a Dark Sky Place accessible from Tokyo , at " Vacation House FamiliA." This 2-3 nights trip offers comfortable relaxation with hammocks on the veranda and guidance from staff, along with a thorough explanation of schedule and access tips!
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FamiliA LLC operates the " Vacation House FamiliA " on Kozushima , and is engaged in activities that go beyond the scope of the lodging in order to convey the charm of the region and preserve its culture.
In January 2024, we will release a tourism app for Kozushima called "Marutto! Kozushima"!
The app offers a completely new tourist experience with two functions: , which lets you learn about the island before your trip, and
Many of the world's best stargazing spots require driving for hours on dark roads at night or taking a ropeway to reach the mountaintop. However, Kozushima , an outlying island of Tokyo , has been designated a " Dark Sky Place" by the International Dark-Sky Association and has earned the nickname "Dark Sky Island." This time, with the theme of "not trying too hard," we will introduce how to enjoy the spectacular starry sky on Kozushima at your leisure, without any strenuous travel or enduring the cold.
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Table of Contents
- Why Kozushima? Reasons to enjoy a Dark Sky Place without driving a car.
- Enjoy a comfortable stargazing experience without having to do anything extra at " Vacation House FamiliA".
- A sample itinerary for a 3-days trip to Kozushima.
- How do I get there? Access to Kozushima
- Enjoy a relaxed stay. If you're staying at Vacation House FamiliA on Kozushima , you absolutely enjoy for multiple nights!
Why Kozushima? Reasons to enjoy a Dark Sky Place without driving a car.
Generally, places where you can see beautiful starry skies, including Dark Sky Place, often require several hours of driving from urban areas or accommodations to avoid light.
However, Kozushima has implemented light pollution countermeasures throughout the island, and the entire island, including the settlements, is designated as a Dark Sky Place , so as soon as you step out of your house, you'll be in a world of stars. You don't need to worry about driving on unfamiliar roads at night or arranging a rental car.
Kozushima is the only island in Japan where the entire island, including the residential areas, is designated as a Dark Sky Place ! And it is one of only three places in the world to have earned the title of "Dark Sky Island"!
Enjoy a comfortable stargazing experience without having to do anything extra at " Vacation House FamiliA".
For your stay on Kozushima, "Vacation House FamiliA" is the perfect choice. "FamiliA Planet" tour offers a unique and comfortable private experience, unlike typical stargazing tours, and is extremely popular!
1. You don't have to leave your accommodation at all!
You don't have to venture out into the dark streets at night; the milky way unfolds before you simply by looking up from the veranda of FamiliA , which we've named the "Starry Chill Terrace." Relaxing in a gently swaying hammock chair and gazing at the stars while listening to the sound of the waves is a truly special experience.
2. No need for prior research or investigation!
You don't need to worry about the weather or moon phase yourself and wonder, "Will we be able to see the stars tonight?" Our staff constantly checks the sky and takes into account the moon phase and moonrise time to determine the best timing. Feel free to ask, "How are the stars tonight?" If they're clearly visible, our staff will proactively tell you, "The stars are really beautiful right now!"
However, when planning your itinerary, it's a good idea to check the lunar phase and decide on your travel dates accordingly, as the closer the date is to the new moon, the less the moonlight will affect your view, making it easier to see the milky way and other faint stars.
As the moon approaches its fullest, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the night sky, such as waiting for the moon to rise brightly from behind the mountains or observing it with binoculars. So, don't worry if it's a full moon you would not be disappointed!
3. You don't have to endure the cold outside!
Even if the night air gets chilly, you'll be fine. You can return to the warm interior of the building in just one second from the balcony. You don't have to worry even if small children get cold or sleepy.
Even if it gets a little cloudy, you can wait for the sky to clear up while enjoying a warm hot cocoa, local sake, or wine at the cafe bar on the first floor.
With Vacation House FamiliA, you can enjoy stargazing at your own pace without having to endure the cold.
4. You don't need to prepare expensive equipment!
You don't need to prepare and carry around a telescope or a heavy tripod.
If conditions are right, you can enjoy observing planets and nebulae with the FamiliA telescope! Autumn, from October to the first half of December, is also ideal for planetary observation, so try observing Saturn and Jupiter!
"Wow! Saturn's rings really exist!" Children and adults alike, including visitors from overseas, enjoy this experience of surprise and wonder.
If you'd like to photograph the starry sky with your own smartphone or camera, we can lend you a tripod free of charge for use within the premises.
Of course, on Kozushima , where light pollution is extremely low, you can clearly see the brilliance of the stars with the naked eye or even with your smartphone.
A sample itinerary for a 3-days trip to Kozushima.
To fully enjoy the natural beauty and warm hospitality of Kozushima , a minimum stay of 2-3 nights are essential.
Day 1: Arrival on the island & stargazing
10:00 Arrive at Maehama Port (or Tako Bay) . Transfer to " Vacation House FamiliA " by FamiliA 's pre-arranged shuttle bus.
We'll look at a map with an English-speaking staff member to check out local sights and things to be aware of.
12:00 Lunch of fresh island fish at a local restaurant.
13:00 Start exploring the island, strolling through the village, cycling to the Akasaki promenard, and enjoying the spectacular scenery all to yourselves.
18:00, after enjoying the spectacular open-air hot spring bath with a panoramic view of the ocean, you can have dinner and then return to FamiliA.
21:00, enjoy stargazing in a hammock at FamiliA's "Starry Chill Terrace," with the sound of waves as background music.
Day 2: Hiking on Kaminoyama and lounge interaction
08:30 Enjoy conversations with other guests and staff at the breakfast table.
10:00 Heading out on foot or by local bus for a hike Kaminoyama(one of Japan's 100 Famous Flower Mountains).
15:00 Returned to FamiliA and spent time in the lounge reading and chatting while drinking coffee.
20:00 PM, a staff member called out, "The milky way is beautiful right now!" and headed out onto the balcony. Other guests joined in stargazing and even tried taking photos with our smartphones!
Day 3: A relaxed morning and the journey home
8:00 After breakfast , strolled around the village looking for souvenirs. You can enjoy at a slow pace, searching for sea turtles at the Maehama pier and collecting sea glass on the beach.
11:00 FamiliA offers the ride to your return boat or plane (only 45 minutes to Tokyo!). It was such a short stay, and you left with a lingering feeling of not wanting to go home.
How do I get there? Access to Kozushima
This guide covers transportation options to Kozushima and essential travel tips for a comfortable trip. Note that ferry schedules vary considerably depending on the season, so be sure to check them carefully when planning your itinerary.
Large passenger ship (Salvia Maru): Approximately 10 hours by overnight ferry from Takeshiba, Tokyo. It has the highest and most reliable sailing rate. (Tokaikisen)
High speed jet ferry: Approximately 3.5 hours from Takeshiba, Tokyo. It operates mostly in the summer, but in autumn and spring, it may not operate on certain dates, and the probability that a ship will be able to sail is lower due to weather conditions, so please be aware of this. (Tokaikisen)
Passenger ship departing from Shimoda (Azalea Maru): Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Shimoda Port in Shizuoka Prefecture . Online reservations are not available, but it is relatively easy to get a reservation. However, it is more susceptible to the effects of waves than other ships, so it is advisable to bring motion sickness medication. (Shinshin Kisen)
Airplane (propeller plane): A small 19-seater aircraft will take you from Chofu Airport (Tokyo ) and you'll arrive in just 45 minutes . (New Central Airlines)
Please refer to this article for more details.
Enjoy a relaxed stay. If you're staying at Vacation House FamiliA on Kozushima , you absolutely enjoy for multiple nights!
Ferry services to the island may be canceled due to weather or sea conditions. A whirlwind one day trip may be disrupted by the weather, and you may not be able to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Kozushima. That's why FamiliA requires a minimum stay of two nights.
Vacation House FamiliA, offers a wide range of other services that make it possible to "take it slow and easy."
for example
◾️Free shuttle service to arrival port/airport
The arrival port on Kozushima Island will be decided in the morning, depending on the wind direction on the day, to be either "Maehama Port" or "Tako Bay". Maehama Port is within walking distance, but it takes an hour to walk from Takou Bay to the village. FamiliA offers a free shuttle service with advance notice , so you don't have to worry even if you arrive at Tako Bay.
◾️Free shuttle service to the hot spring resort
We provide shuttle service to those who request it at a set time in the evening. The open-air bath while watching the sunset is the best! During the off-season from October to June, local buses stop running in the evenings, so this is a very convenient service only available at FamiliA.
◾️Introduction of the island with a map upon arrival
We will spread out a map together upon arrival and show you recommended spots and restaurants that change with the seasons. No plan? No problem! Leave it to us to help you fulfill your desires on Kozushima!
Please come with peace of mind! We'll be waiting for you on Kozushima!
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