Northern lights in Rebun Island tonight

Sukoton Cape is the northernmost point of Rebun Island and the northernmost accessible point in Japan open to the public. From the cliff edge, the horizon faces north over the La Perouse Strait toward Sakhalin Island 43 km away. Bortle Class 1-2. There is no artificial light to the north, west, or east. The headland gives a full open sky in all directions above the sea. At Kp 7-8, aurora can appear low on the northern horizon from this position - the same threshold as Wakkanai on the mainland. A 30-40 minute drive from Kafuka on a single-lane island road. In winter (November to April), access conditions depend on snow; check locally before driving at night.

The Momoiwa (Peach Rock) viewpoint on the west coast of Rebun gives an elevated position above the Sea of Japan. Bortle Class 2. The viewpoint faces west and southwest over open water. At Kp 7-8 aurora can appear in the northwest direction from this position. The car park is accessible year-round on the main island road. Less dramatic than Sukoton Cape in terms of northern horizon, but easier to reach and less exposed to north winds in winter. A practical first stop for aurora watching on arriving at the island before driving further north.

Funadomari is a small fishing community on the northern coast of Rebun Island, 5 km south of Sukoton Cape. The shore faces north over the strait. Bortle Class 1-2 - the village has minimal lighting and the few houses face away from the coast. The beach and headland at Funadomari give a ground-level position with the open strait ahead. In winter, this is a cold and exposed position - appropriate clothing and a vehicle with heating are required. The beach gives a flat foreground for wide-angle photography with aurora overhead.