Vixen Co., Ltd., a comprehensive optical equipment manufacturer based in Tokorozawa, Saitama, is partnering in a 2-day, 1-night bus tour departing from the Tokyo metropolitan area on September 4, 2026 (Friday). The tour, titled "Stay at a Resort Hotel Inspired by an English Noble's Castle — Enjoy a Full French Dinner and View the Milky Way, Summer Triangle, and More with a 'Stargazing Guide' in the Night Sky of Nasu," is organized and operated by Kyoritsu Trust Co., Ltd.
This bus tour is a special journey combining beautiful stargazing in the early-autumn Nasu Highlands with authentic French cuisine and Tochigi specialties such as Nikko Kogen beef at the hotel.
A Relaxed Midday Departure — Stay at a European-Style Resort
The tour travels by dedicated bus directly from Shinjuku and Ueno to the refreshing Nasu Highlands, with a comfortable midday departure that's easy for those who aren't early risers.
Guests stay at Wellness no Mori Nasu, a resort hotel featuring European-style rooms reminiscent of an English manor house and Oriental rooms inspired by Bali. Rooms are available for two guests sharing or as single occupancy, making the tour suitable for couples, friends, and solo travelers alike.
Small-Group Stargazing with a Dedicated Stargazing Guide
During the hotel stay, a stargazing session takes place as the main highlight of the tour. Multiple Vixen astronomical telescopes are set up at the venue, and one pair of binoculars is loaned to each group.
The session is held in small groups, giving each participant plenty of time to observe the night sky above Nasu, including the Milky Way and the Summer Triangle. Guests can also enjoy viewing a variety of celestial objects — such as Albireo, the beautiful double star in Cygnus that Kenji Miyazawa likened to "topaz and sapphire" in his story Night on the Galactic Railroad — with detailed commentary and support from the stargazing guide.
In the event of rainy or cloudy weather, a star-themed indoor program will be held instead.
French Dinner and Nikko Kogen Beef Shabu-Shabu
In addition to the premium stargazing experience, the tour also offers exceptional dining. On the evening of Day 1, guests enjoy a full French dinner at the hotel. On Day 2, lunch is served at Nihon Ryori Nishiki, featuring Nikko Kogen beef shabu-shabu — a tour program rich in extraordinary settings and fine cuisine.
Tour Overview
| Dates | September 4 (Fri) – September 5 (Sat), 2026 (1 night, 2 days) |
| Departure | Shinjuku Station (Shinjuku, Tokyo) or Ueno Station (Taito, Tokyo) |
| Accommodation / Venue | Wellness no Mori Nasu (Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi) |
| Tour Price | ¥73,800–¥82,800 per person (stargazing session fee included) |
Itinerary (excerpt)
Day 1 — September 4 (Fri)
- 12:00 PM — Depart Shinjuku Station
- 1:00 PM — Depart Ueno Station
- 4:15 PM — Arrive at Wellness no Mori Nasu (estimated)
- 8:00 PM — Stargazing session (Group 1)
- 9:00 PM — Stargazing session (Group 2)
Day 2 — September 5 (Sat)
- 10:00 AM — Depart Wellness no Mori Nasu (estimated)
- 5:10 PM — Arrive Ueno Station (estimated)
- 6:10 PM — Arrive Shinjuku Station (estimated)
Note: In case of bad weather, an indoor star lecture and quiz event will be held instead.
