Nowadays, star gazing is almost impossible in urban areas, but .........



The planetarium

Misono is the highest point in Toei and the elevation is 650 metres. It is particularly suitable for stargazing because of its clear sky and lack of artificial lights.

Misono was selected as, "The town of a starry sky", by the Environment Agency in 1987. The Misono star forest is a complex facility that consists of an observatory, a planetarium, an outdoor observation station, a hostel, a forest life experience ground, and many other facilities.


Observatory

The observatory has a computerized reflecting telescope, which has a diameter of 60 centimetres. The telescope absorbs the light that is being reflected by the stars with a magnification of about 7,000. It is much more poweful compared to the human eye.

The computer database could pick up any star in the sky on your request and the telescope will spot it. You will enjoy the fantastic view of the moons surface, planets, nebulas, and configurations in the distance. You also can take pictures and videos with the telescope.


Planetarium

The planetarium displays seasonable stars on a ceiling which has a diametre of 6 metres. The programs are changed once every three months and shows you the 's sky and stars. Please make yourself comfortable and enjoy the magical view of the planetarium in one of the 40 reclining chairs.


Outdoor observation station

There are all kinds of telescopes and binoculars in this station. Please enjoy stargazing to your heart's content through the night.


Forest life experience ground

You can feel and touch the life style of a mountain village. A cultivation yard of shiitake, and a charcoal making pit will entertain you.


Bungalows

There are ten bungalows in the Misono Star Forest. Each bungalow has a kitchen, a toilet, a loft, and sheets for the beds. . In addition, three tatami rooms and a bedroom are also available.

Information

Star Forest Misono
(Shinrin taiken kouryuu centre)
TEL. (81) 536-76-0687
FAX. (81) 536-76-0686
Reception hour : 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM


Access

by public transport

JR Toyohashi station
(100 min. by JR Iida-sen line, Time table)

JR Toei station
(15 min. by Toei municipal bus, Toei-sen line Time table)

Hongou bus stop
(41 min. by Toei municipal bus, Misono-sen line Time table)

Misono tenmondai mae bus stop
Star Forest Misono


by car


Please get off the Tomei Express Way at the Toyokawa interchange. Then, head north on Kokudou 151 (Route151, in the direction of Iida city).
After 70 minutes of driving (45 km), you will arrive in Toei.

Pass through the Shin-hongou tunnel. Then, turn right at the second three-way-stop (no traffic signals). Cross the Senbashi bridge, turn right and go straight on the route 473 (R473, in the direction of Uragawa).

Turn left at the Shinbashi-kita intersection (with traffic signal). Then, go straight for 20 minuites and you will reach Misono.

Turn right at Misono noukyou mae bus stop then go straight for 900 metres. Turn right at the Kubo bus stop, then go straight for 400 metres.

Fantasic starry night

2003/10/01 Update