Okinawa · Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
Bortle 2 · Pristine dark sky ｜ Elevation 50m ｜ SQM ~21.8 ｜ Best view South
Japan’s first International Dark Sky Park, spread across the low-latitude Yaeyama islands. Open southern skies, the Milky Way, southern constellations and island conservation define the experience.
🌌 Tonight the Milky Way core climbs to a shootable altitude around 21:04, sinks back near 03:44, and peaks around 23:34 at roughly 37° in the South.
The park covers areas of Ishigaki, Iriomote and nearby islands. Night visits should respect ecology, local roads and guided-tour rules.
Use island lodging, guided tours, beaches and viewpoints; remote sites require your own transport and careful lighting.
Spring to early summer for low Southern Cross attempts, summer to autumn for the Milky Way; avoid typhoons and rough marine weather.
See the nearby city's stargazing calendar
Bortle class and SQM are estimates for well-known sites, used to compare darkness — not on-site measurements.
Related tools: Taiwan Dark-Sky Map · Stargazing & Moon Viewing Score · Meteor Showers