Star Parties and clubs in Japan

[DJDD]

Hello,

Would anyone know of any star parties in Japan and their dates?
Or perhaps a site that I can go to to check out any options?

I will be over there sometime between June and July this year, and may like to check out a star party. I know of two star parties that I think take place in August, which is too late.

There are at least one or two IIS members that live in Japan so perhaps they would have some ideas?

cheers,
DJDD

[gary]

Hi DJDD,

The big one is the Tainai Star Party but I am not sure when it will be held
in 2009. See http://www.tainai.jp/tainai/indexe.html
This is undoubtedly one of the two you had heard of.

I believe it is typically held in August, so that won't be much use to you.

The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan offers public viewing nights
every month. See http://www.nao.ac.jp/E/MTK/StarGazing/index.html

With some luck, you might be able to hook-up with some forum members in Japan
that can organize an observing session for you.

Some of our customers observe from part way up Mt. Fuji from time to time
which would be a wonderful setting.

You might want to drop a line to Barry Gooley at Kokusai Kohki down in Kyoto.
See http://www.kkohki.com/English/visitKokusaiKohki.html
Barry speaks English. If you have been to Japan before, you have undoubtedly
had the opportunity to visit beautiful Kyoto, otherwise it is a 'must-see' destination
when visiting Japan. Only a few hours on the shinkansen from Tokyo.
Be sure to pick up your Japan Rail (JR) pass before you depart from Australia to
make significant savings.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai

[DJDD]

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the reply and information.

The Tainai Star Party is the one I was thinking about, except it is in August as you say.

I will see what I can do about the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan or contact some other forum members, or at least one or two contacts I have in Japan.

I have been to Kyoto twice now (when the dollar was strong) but at the time I did was not into Astronomy, worse luck.

Thanks again for your help.

DJDD

[gary]

Hi DJDD,

Great stuff!

I note that Jetstar this Fri afternoon has Sydney to Tokyo via Gold Coast one way
for travel between 10 May to 29 May on sale starting at AUD299.

If you get to do some observing we would certainly look forward to the report!

Best Regards

Gary

[DJDD]

[quote=gary;404165]

I note that Jetstar this Fri afternoon has Sydney to Tokyo via Gold Coast one way for travel between 10 May to 29 May on sale starting at AUD299.
[quote]

that is a great price!
unfortunately, it is a bit early for me as it is still within my uni's semester.
I hope the dollar is up by then.

thanks for the reminder about Jetstar as it is always worth keeping an eye on them.

cheers,
DJDD