[2024 Guide] Best Spots to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Kanto

Looking for the best places to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Kanto?

As one of the three major meteor showers, the Perseids are known for their abundance of shooting stars, making them a must-see summer spectacle. In 2024, they will once again light up the night sky.

In this guide, we’ll introduce the top locations to enjoy the Perseid meteor shower. We’ll also cover the peak viewing period, how to get to these spots, and the best time to witness this celestial event. Don’t miss out!

What is the Perseid Meteor Shower?

The Perseid Meteor Shower is one of the three major annual meteor showers, alongside the Quadrantid Meteor Shower and the Geminid Meteor Shower. Among these, the Perseid Meteor Shower is known for being the most spectacular and widespread.

In 2024, it will be active from July 17 to August 24, with its peak occurring on August 12 at around 11:00 PM. During this peak, observers may witness 10 to 40 meteors per hour.

Additionally, high meteor activity may also be visible on the early mornings of August 11, 13, and 14, making it a great time for stargazing. Expect another breathtaking meteor shower illuminating the warm summer nights!

Where should I look to see the Perseid Meteor Shower?

The Perseid Meteor Shower can be seen all over the sky, so you don’t need to focus on a specific direction—just look up!

However, for better visibility, avoid bright areas and face away from the Moon to reduce light interference. The darker the sky, the more meteors you will see, so choose an observation spot with minimal light pollution for the best experience!

Where to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Kanto?

The Perseid meteor shower is a breathtaking summer phenomenon that can be seen all across Japan. However, for the best experience, you need to choose the right location. City areas are often too bright due to artificial lights, making it hard to see even regular stars, let alone a meteor shower. Since meteors streak across a wide expanse of the sky, it's best to find a place with an open 360-degree view.

Luckily, there are fantastic stargazing spots outside urban areas where light pollution is minimal. Here’s one of the best places to watch the Perseids in Kanto!

・[Kanagawa Prefecture] Yabitsu Pass - Nanohana-dai Observation Deck

Yabitsu Pass in Kanagawa Prefecture is a well-known gateway to the Tanzawa mountain range and a favorite destination for stargazers and meteor shower enthusiasts. One of its most recommended viewing spots is the Nanohana-dai Observation Deck.

Perched at a high elevation with minimal artificial light, this location offers a vast, star-filled night sky. It’s also a popular date spot for couples who want to enjoy a romantic evening under the stars.

The observation deck has a parking area, restrooms, and easy road access from major highways, making it a convenient yet breathtaking spot for watching the Perseid meteor shower.

Access to Yabitsu Pass

If visiting by car, enter Hadano City via National Route 246, then turn onto Kanagawa Prefectural Route 70 (Hadano-Kiyokawa Line) at the "Naganuki" intersection. Continue driving uphill, and you will arrive at the observatory.

Access by train and bus is also possible, but due to nighttime conditions, traveling by car is recommended.

・[Ibaraki Prefecture] Plateau Satomi Auto Camping Site

Next, we introduce "Plateau Satomi Auto Camping Site" located in Ibaraki Prefecture. This campsite is situated at an altitude of 780 meters, making it a perfect highland retreat. At night, a sky full of stars appears! As long as the weather cooperates, you can even observe meteor showers in an optimal setting.

Since it offers an excellent environment for stargazing, the campsite features an observatory and even holds astronomy observation events. In a way, this is a campsite where the main attraction is gazing at the night sky rather than just camping.

The campsite provides relatively spacious lots, each measuring 10m × 10m, ensuring plenty of room. It is also highly recommended for regular auto camping.

How to Get to Plateau Satomi Auto Campground

For those driving, there are three nearby interchanges: Takahagi IC is about 40 minutes away, Hitachi-Minami Ota IC is around 1 hour and 20 minutes, and Naka IC takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The campsite has over 50 parking spaces, and each auto camping site allows one vehicle. It is a convenient location for travelers coming by car, especially those interested in stargazing at night.

・[Tokyo] Okutama Lake Ōmugidai Parking Lot

Located in Tokyo’s westernmost region, Okutama Lake is one of the best places to witness meteor showers.

Although technically within Tokyo, it is a mountainous area far from the city center, meaning there is minimal artificial light pollution. However, being part of the Tokyo Metropolitan area, it remains easily accessible from the capital.

The Ōmugidai Parking Lot, situated on the northeastern side of Okutama Lake, is a 24-hour free parking spot with excellent conditions for stargazing. It is widely regarded as one of the best locations in Tokyo to see the stars, especially during the Perseid meteor shower. If you’re looking for an unforgettable stargazing experience, this is the place to be!

Access to Ōmugidai Parking Lot

Head toward National Route 411, which runs along the shore of Lake Okutama. The parking lot is located along this lakeside road.

From the Ōtsuki area in Yamanashi Prefecture, take Route 139 north to Lake Okutama, then turn right after crossing Fukayama Bridge to access National Route 411. From the Tokyo area, you can access Route 411 from Akiruno IC or from the Hachiōji area.

・[Saitama Prefecture] Hoshi to Midori no Sōzō Center

The "Hoshi to Midori no Sōzō Center" in Saitama Prefecture is another recommended spot in the Kanto region for viewing the Perseid meteor shower.

Originally built in the 1950s as the "Tenmondai Dōdaira Observatory," this facility has a long history. It is now an astronomical observation site with an attached campground, allowing visitors to stay overnight while enjoying the meteor shower.

For astronomical observation, either an overnight stay or a prior reservation for stargazing is required. Be sure to make a reservation in advance through their website.

How to Get to the Hoshi to Midori no Sōzō Center

The best way to reach the Hoshi to Midori no Sōzō Center is by car. It takes approximately 60 minutes from either the Kan-Etsu Expressway Higashi-Matsuyama IC or Arashiyama-Ogawa IC.

For those using public transport, take the JR Hachiko Line to either Myōkaku Station or Ogose Station, then transfer to the Tokigawa Town Route Bus. From the Jikōji Entrance bus stop, it's a long 210-minute walk, as the path is part of a trekking course, so plan accordingly.

Additionally, a shared taxi service operates within the town. If you are coming from Ogose Station, Musashi-Ranzan Station, or Ogawa-machi Station, take a route bus to the "Seseragi Bus Center," then transfer to a shared taxi for a more convenient ride. For more details, please check the official website.

・[Chiba Prefecture] Hill Observatory Where You Can See the Roundness of the Earth

The observatory in Chiba Prefecture, "Hill Observatory Where You Can See the Roundness of the Earth," is also a recommended spot for viewing meteor showers. The building is located at the top of Atago Mountain, the highest point in the area, making it a spectacular viewpoint.

Although the observatory is closed at night, you can still enjoy the breathtaking night sky from the nearby hill. With no unnecessary lights or obstructions, the Perseid meteor shower cascading across the sky is truly a magnificent sight! It’s no wonder this is considered one of the best observation spots in the Kanto region.

Access to the Hill Observatory Where You Can See the Roundness of the Earth

The observatory is located in Choshi City, and the nearest IC is Itako. Drive along Route 124 for about an hour to reach Choshi. From Choshi, take Prefectural Roads 286 and 244, and you’ll arrive in just over 10 minutes.

Head toward the municipal Atago Mountain parking lot, then walk to the open space of the Hill Observatory Where You Can See the Roundness of the Earth.

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[2024 Guide] Best Spots to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Kanto