Nobeyama Radio Observatory in the Japanese Alps: Pioneering Astronomy Research.
Discover the wonders of the universe at Nobeyama Radio Observatory in the Japanese Alps.

Nobeyama Radio Observatory

While I was driving around in Nagano, I noticed a huge parabolic antenna lost in the middle of the mountains.

One afternoon, while I was driving around in Nagano, I noticed a huge parabolic antenna lost in the middle of the mountains. I changed my route immediately to get closer to it. Then more antennas appeared. What a surprising place! I am not alone. Many people are coming back from a visit and the entrance is closing. That’s fine, I’d rather visit during the night 🙂

chubu, japan, japanese, nagano

A few hours later, past midnight. There is no one and the sky is full of shooting stars. I walk in.

chubu, japan, japanese, nagano

I feel so little here and the full-moon is the spotlight of a scene in which I am really tiny. Walking around those giants is quite intimidating and I know everything is active around me, eerily quiet. I am in love with the Nobeyama Radio Observatory.

chubu, japan, japanese, nagano

I get to the huge radio detector I spotted earlier when I was driving. It is actually a 45m radio-telescope, not used to listen to the extraterrestrials’ rock stars but to analyze the short-millimeter wavelengths. This way, the professors working here can map the structure of our universe and detect such things as black holes.

chubu, japan, japanese, nagano

I feel like I am in a scene from X-Files or Contact. Every once in a while, my heart jumps: there is a sudden buzz and clicks then everything starts to move. I realize all those giants are mounted on rails! It’s really odd to see them moving around.

chubu, japan, japanese, nagano

This part…

chubu, japan, japanese, nagano

The six big parabolic antennas at the entrance are the Nobeyama Millimeter Array (NMA). With them you can build high spatial resolution images.

chubu, japan, japanese, nagano

There is more to see in this observatory such as the Nobeyama Radioheliograph (which is an array of 84 very little parabolic antennas) and Radio Polarimeters.

chubu, japan, japanese, nagano

chubu, japan, japanese, nagano

I really recommend visit Nobeyama if you are between Matsumoto (Nagano) and Kofu (Yamanashi) area. The open time is from 8:30am to 5:00pm and it’s free! 🙂

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

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Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

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Lost in time on this charming street, where history, traditional architecture, and stunning nature merge beautifully. Discover the heart of Japan’s ceramic artistry and its serene beauty.---歴史、伝統的な建築、そして美しい自然が見事に調和するこの魅力的な通りで、時を忘れる。日本の陶芸とその静かな美しさを発見してみてください。---#ceramics #history #traditionaljapan #architecture #nature #offbeatjapan #japan
Step through the iconic red torii gate into a serene, sacred space where nature and spirituality meet in harmony, a beautiful embodiment of Japan's Shinto traditions. 🌿🇯🇵 #NatureLovers --- 赤い鳥居をくぐり、自然と精神性が調和する静かな聖域へ。日本の神道の伝統を美しく体現しています。🌿🇯🇵 #自然愛好家--- #offbeatjapan #japan #shinto #torii #sacredspace #nature #spirituality #forestpath
A hidden gem in the mountains of Japan, where old meets new. Traditional architecture, lively streets, and the surprise of a Coca-Cola vending machine make this village truly special. ここは日本の山々に隠された宝物です。伝統的な建築、賑やかな道、そしてコカコーラの自動販売機が見つかるこの村は、本当にユニークです。#hiddenjapan #japanvillage #oldandnew #cocacola #traditionmeetstechnology #offbeatjapan #japan
Beneath the delicate sakura blooms along this tranquil canal, one can feel the essence of Japan's Hanami festival, cherishing the fleeting beauty of spring. 🌸✨ここでは、穏やかな川沿いに咲く繊細な桜の下で、春の一瞬の美を祝う日本の花見祭りの本質を感じることができます。🌸✨#cherryblossom #hanami #sakura #springinjapan #offbeatjapan #japan #bloom🌸
Witness Tokyo's dazzling evening skyline with Mount Fuji's silhouette gracing the horizon—a perfect blend of urban energy and natural beauty. 🌆🌸---富士山のシルエットが地平線を飾る、東京の華やかな夜景の眺め。都市のエネルギーと自然の美しさが見事に調和しています。🌆🌸---#TokyoNights #MountFuji #CityscapeLove #JapanViews #UrbanBeauty #OffbeatJapan #Japan
Discover the beauty of Japan's countryside where ancient traditions meet modern life. The vibrant fields and serene landscapes remind us of nature's harmony and human artistry.日本の田舎の美しさを発見しましょう。伝統と現代が出会う場所です。鮮やかな田んぼと静かな景色が、自然の調和と人の技を思い出させてくれます。#RuralEscape #NatureAndCulture #ScenicJapan #JapaneseCountryside #offbeatjapan #japan #HiddenGemsJapan
Nature’s perfect harmony: Shiraito Falls with Mount Fuji’s majestic presence peeking through the clouds, surrounded by vivid autumn colors. 🍁🏞️自然の完璧な調和:雲の間から覗く壮大な富士山を背景に、鮮やかな秋の色に包まれた白糸の滝。🍁🏞️#ShiraitoFalls #FujiFiveLakes #MountFuji #JapanNature #AutumnInJapan #OffbeatJapan #Japan
Under the glow of Tokyo's vibrant night sky, the city blends tradition with modernity, as lights from towering skyscrapers and bustling streets tell their stories.---東京の輝く夜空の下で、伝統と現代が調和し、高層ビルと賑やかな通りの光がそれぞれの物語を語ります。---#TokyoNights #Cityscape #UrbanGlow #TravelJapan #OffbeatJapan #ExploreMore #Japan #夜景