TripZillaThere are 101 reasons to visit Japan and now we can add one more to the list: stargazing.
A small region in Japan that’s famous for its sand dunes is now attracting tourists for its starry skies. Tottori Prefecture, the least populated and most rural prefecture in Japan, has launched a “Catch a Star” campaign in order to draw in sky-watchers.
Image credit: かがみ～
Image credit: かがみ～
In line with this, they also issued an ordinance that prohibits the use of certain lights – such as searchlights and laser beams – in order to preserve the optimal viewing of the night skies for tourists and locals. Exceptions are made for lights used for traffic safety and rescue purposes, and the ordinance is set to take effect in April.
Stricter rules will be observed in places that are designated as “starry sky preservation zones” – areas where the majestic Milky Way and the dazzling sprinkle of stars can be clearly observed. That said, it is worth noting that the Milky Way is said to be viewable from every municipality within the prefecture, even without this ordinance in place.
Image credit: Kyodo
Image credit: Kyodo
This ordinance, however, will further boost the already fantastic visibility of the night sky and is in line with the prefecture’s tourism strategy.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time for you to discover why Tottori has dubbed itself “hoshitori-ken”, or “star-grabbing prefecture”!
