Northern lights in Hokkaido tonight

The Biei plateau in central Hokkaido sits at 200-400 m elevation with farmland and rolling hills that limit light scatter. The area north of Biei town opens toward the Daisetsuzan massif with a clear northern horizon. Bortle 3-4 across the plateau. The artificial pond lighting at the Blue Pond is switched off at night outside the tourist season, making the approach road a quiet dark sky access point. The main limitation is the glow of Asahikawa 30 km to the north-west. Accessible by car year-round on cleared roads.

A UNESCO World Heritage site at the northeast tip of Hokkaido. The peninsula road ends at Kamuiwakka Falls; the interior is bear country accessible only on guided tours or by boat. From the Utoro side, north-facing views over the Sea of Okhotsk are completely unobstructed. Bortle 2 conditions prevail across the peninsula - the nearest town with significant lighting is Abashiri, 90 km to the south-west, blocked by the Shiretoko range. This is the darkest accessible position on Hokkaido by sky quality. The drive makes it a dedicated outing rather than a spontaneous stop.

Japan's largest national park covers 2,267 km² of volcanic highland. The Asahidake Ropeway reaches 1,600 m where the tree line ends and the horizon opens in all directions. Light pollution from Asahikawa to the west is reduced by the intervening ridge. The north-facing upper slopes give one of the highest accessible observation points in central Hokkaido. Bortle 2-3 at elevation. The ropeway operates through winter for backcountry skiers, giving practical nighttime access. Sounkyo and Tenninkyo gorges on the eastern flanks are lower but equally dark.