The Akashi Municipal Planetarium and Astronomical Science Museum is located in Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, directly on the meridian that defines Japan Standard Time. Dedicated to the themes of time and the universe, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore astronomy, timekeeping, and the wonders of the cosmos through exhibitions and educational programs.
Opened on June 10, 1960, the museum is recognized as one of Japan’s pioneering astronomical science museums and is notable for its historical significance. Beside the entrance is a traditional water clock marking the meridian, while the distinctive clock tower bears the letters “JSTM,” an abbreviation for Japan Standard Time Meridian. The tower also serves as a landmark indicating the location of the meridian.
The museum was damaged in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995 and reopened after renovation on March 15, 1998. Later that year, it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Public Buildings by the Ministry of Construction. In 2010, the museum celebrated its 50th anniversary, and its building was registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property.
One of the museum’s main attractions is its historic planetarium. Its main projector is operated manually and used in combination with supplementary projectors and slides to create immersive presentations of the night sky. Rather than relying entirely on prerecorded narration, the museum features live programs explained by curators in their own voices, giving visitors a more personal and engaging experience.
Since 2018, the opportunity to reserve the planetarium for a private screening has also been offered as a reward through Japan’s hometown tax donation program, known as furusato nozei.
The planetarium uses the Universal 23/3 (UPP 23/3), manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena in Germany. Installed when the museum opened in 1960, this projector has remained an iconic part of the facility. As of 2015, it was considered the oldest operational planetarium projector of its kind in Japan and the fifth oldest large planetarium projector in the world.
The museum’s clock tower is one of Akashi’s best-known landmarks. Visible from the JR Kobe Line and the Sanyo Electric Railway, it stands out against the city skyline and symbolizes Akashi’s connection with Japan Standard Time.
The tower reaches a total height of 56 meters, with its observation area at approximately 40 meters. Its clock face measures 6.2 meters in diameter, and the clock mechanism weighs about four tonnes.
The first clock was installed when the museum opened in 1960. A second clock was installed in 1978, but it was damaged in the 1995 earthquake and stopped at 5:46 a.m., the time the disaster struck. After temporary repairs, a third clock was donated by Seiko Holdings and installed in 1997.
A major restoration of the current clock tower was completed on February 25, 2020. The work included repairs to the exterior and the conversion of its lighting to LEDs.
The 16th floor of the clock tower houses an astronomical observation room. To reduce the effects of heat rising from the ground, the observatory is located high above the surrounding area and is equipped with a 40-centimeter reflecting telescope. It opens to the public during a monthly stargazing event, offering visitors a chance to observe celestial objects through a professional telescope.
June 10, 1960: The museum opened on Time Day, a Japanese observance dedicated to the importance of time.
1978: The planetarium projector underwent its first major overhaul, and the second-generation tower clock was installed.
1989: The planetarium projector underwent its second major overhaul.
March 15, 1998: The museum reopened following earthquake recovery and renovation work.
2002: The planetarium projector underwent its third major overhaul.
January 2010: The projector underwent its fourth major overhaul.
May 29, 2010: The exhibition rooms were extensively renovated.
September 10, 2010: The museum building was registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property.
August 2012: The planetarium projector was recognized for its exceptionally long period of operation.
March 15, 2014: The planetarium reopened after its seating was replaced.
December 7–8, 2015: Maintenance and inspections were carried out on the planetarium projector.
February 25, 2020: Major restoration of the tower clock was completed, including exterior repairs and LED lighting upgrades.
September 29–October 23, 2022: The planetarium projector underwent another comprehensive overhaul and disassembly for maintenance.
The museum opened on June 10, 1960, in celebration of Japan’s Time Day. Each year on June 10, the museum marks the occasion with special activities, including free admission and the distribution of certificates commemorating the passage of the Japan Standard Time Meridian. These events attract visitors interested in the history of timekeeping and the significance of Akashi’s geographical position.
Second floor: Planetarium, information processing room, and astronomical salon.
Third floor: Exhibition rooms, Time Gallery, Astronomy Gallery, special exhibition room, and observation materials room.
Fourth floor: Sundial plaza and children’s room.
13th and 14th floors: Observation areas offering views of the surrounding city.
16th floor: Astronomical observation room with a 40-centimeter reflecting telescope.
Outdoor areas: Sundials and other features related to the measurement of time.
The museum is located at 2-6 Hitomarucho, Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, 673-0877, Japan.
By train: The museum is immediately beside Hitomarumae Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway. From JR Akashi Station, it is approximately a 15-minute walk.
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Last admission is at 4:30 p.m.
Regular closing days: Mondays, or the following weekday when Monday is a public holiday, and the New Year holiday period from December 29 through January 3.
Admission: Adults: ¥700. Children in elementary and junior high school: free.
The Akashi Municipal Planetarium and Astronomical Science Museum combines the history of Japanese timekeeping with the fascination of astronomy. From its historic planetarium projector and iconic clock tower to its telescope-equipped observatory and educational exhibitions, the museum offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Its location on the Japan Standard Time Meridian makes it a particularly meaningful destination for anyone interested in science, history, and the relationship between time and the universe.