🗺️ Akashi City Astronomical Science Museum明石市立天文科学館

The Astronomical Science Museum, opened in 1960, is located directly above the Japan Standard Time meridian. It consists of a four-story exhibition building and a 16-story tower, and the structure is registered as a national tangible cultural asset. Although it suffered severe damage during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, it underwent three years of renovations and reopened in 1998. The exhibition rooms are divided into four areas: "Meridian City, Akashi," "Astronomy Gallery," "Observation Data Room," and "Time Gallery." Visitors can gain a broader understanding of astronomy-related knowledge, including the formation of the universe, astronomical observations, calendars, and the meridian. The planetarium introduced at the time of opening was manufactured by the former East German Zeiss company and is still in use today. With over 20,000 operational days, it ranks first in Japan and fifth in the world, making the equipment itself of extremely rare cultural value. The tower clock hanging in the tower is the third generation and has been in operation since 1998. The 13th and 14th floors serve as observation rooms, offering stunning views of the Akashi Strait and Awaji Island, making them popular sightseeing spots for visitors.

The astronomical science museum built directly above the Japan Standard Time meridian. It is the earliest planetarium in Japan used as a projector. The building is registered as a tangible cultural property of the country. It provides a broader understanding of cosmic knowledge, from the formation of astronomy to cosmic observation. The planetarium features extremely rare equipment made in the former East Germany. From the observation room on the 13th and 14th floors of the tower, you can enjoy a distant view of the Akashi Strait.