About the Mitaka Campus
Located in Mitaka City, Tokyo, the NAOJ Mitaka Campus is the flagship campus of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. As the academic center of Japanese astronomy research, the campus is home to a suite of NAOJ’s research and observation facilities, as well as the headquarters of the Astronomical Society of Japan and the Institute of Astronomy of the University of Tokyo.
The campus is nestled in a beautiful natural setting, which allows us to enjoy cherry blossoms and budding leaves every spring, colored leaves every autumn, and sometimes wildlife that are rare in the rest of Tokyo. Many staff and students stroll around the campus during their lunch break to enjoy its seasonal beauty.
Facilities
The Mitaka Campus is not only home to a variety of buildings for astronomy research, but also dotted with facilities that help researchers and graduate students lead an efficient and fulfilling academic life. The nature-rich campus is also equipped with a sports ground where the public can play soccer, baseball, or a host of other sports. This section describes some of these facilities that can help enrich your academic life, or can be visited in your free time.
Library
As a central library of astronomy-related resources in Japan, the NAOJ Library collects, catalogs, and preserves a variety of books, magazines, audiovisual materials, microfilms, and other resources on astronomy, space science, and related fields. In addition to Japanese books, western books are also part of the collection.
Cosmos Lodge
Cosmos Lodge is an accommodation facility located within the Mitaka Campus, equipped with rooms for single people or families, and a kitchen for common use.
Cafeteria & Shop (University of Tokyo Co-op NAOJ Branch)
At the Mitaka Campus, there is an on-campus cafeteria and shop that opens on weekdays. The cafeteria serves lunch, and the shop offers drinks, snacks, stationery, miscellaneous goods, and an assortment of NAOJ-related merchandise.
Childcare Room “Hoshinoko”
The Childcare Room “Hoshinoko” is a childcare facility located on the Mitaka Campus, where preschool children (aged 57 days or older) of NAOJ staff and other eligible individuals can attend to receive care. Anyone who meets certain eligibility criteria will be qualified to use this facility. Its service is provided either in the form of monthly or hourly service.
４D2U (Four-Dimensional Digital Universe) Dome Theater
The Four-Dimensional Digital Universe, abbreviated as 4D2U, is a digital data visualization of the four-dimensional Universe consisting of three spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension. The 4D2U Dome Theater is a stereoscopic dome theater produced by the 4D2U Project of NAOJ, where the latest 3D simulation and observational data are transformed into a realistic, immersive experience.
４D2U Project of NAOJ
４D2UDome Theater (in Japanese only)
Tangible Cultural Property
The Mitaka Campus has a total of 10 buildings listed as Tangible Cultural Properties. Tokyo Astronomical Observatory of Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo) was originally located in Azabu, and it was in 1914 when its relocation to Mitaka was set and the construction of the new campus started. The relocation was completed in 1924. The historic landmarks built in that time and still standing to this day are now included in the Tangible Cultural Property list.
Seven Buildings in Mitaka Campus become as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties
Hoshi to Mori to Ehon no Ie (Picture Book House in the Astronomical Observatory Forest)
The Mitaka Campus has an exhibition space called the “Hoshi to Mori to Ehon no Ie (Picture Book House in the Astronomical Observatory Forest),” which is dedicated to the theme of “star,” “forest,” “picture book,” and “house.” Built in 1915 and having originally served as staff quarters of NAOJ for nearly 90 years, this house, and its furniture, are now managed and preserved for use by Mitaka City with the help of NAOJ.
Hoshi to Mori to Ehon no Ie Website
Japanese Language Class
NAOJ offers free lessons in the Japanese language with an invited guest lecturer, aiming to make the lives of international researchers and students in Japan more comfortable. The lessons cover beginner to intermediate level topics such as basic greetings and conversation, which helps learners develop communication skills for everyday interaction needed for living in Japan.
Club Activities
At the Mitaka Campus, there are various clubs and groups that are run either during lunchtime or after work, giving staff and students opportunities to participate in activities such as soccer, baseball, badminton, tennis, choir, and many more.
International Social Events
The Office of International Relations (OIR) at NAOJ organizes social events where international staff and students can get to know each other and their Japanese colleagues or fellow students in NAOJ. For instance, the OIR hosts social parties once or twice a year in the seasons for traditional Japanese festivals.
