Know when the sky is worth your time.
One calm place for the signals that matter before you head outside.
Unlikely
Best chance in Japan tonight: Wakkanai
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Aurora Destinations in Japan
Wakkanai
Northernmost city with excellent aurora visibility for Japan
Unlikely
Sapporo
Hokkaido capital with best aurora viewing potential in Japan
Unlikely
Kushiro
Eastern Hokkaido city with good northern lights viewing
Unlikely
Hakodate
Southern Hokkaido city with moderate aurora potential
Unlikely
Sendai
Northeastern city with occasional aurora during major events
Unlikely
Saitama
Major city with 1M+ population
Unlikely
Tokyo
Capital with very rare aurora visibility during extreme storms
Unlikely
Kawasaki
Major city with 2M+ population
Unlikely
Yokohama
Port city near Tokyo with rare aurora sightings
Unlikely
Nagoya
Central city with very rare northern lights visibility
Unlikely
Kyoto
Historic city with minimal aurora visibility
Unlikely
Osaka
Major city with minimal aurora potential
Unlikely
Kobe
Port city with extremely rare aurora potential
Unlikely
Fukuoka
Kyushu city with minimal northern lights visibility
Unlikely
Aurora Viewing Guide for Japan
Best Viewing Season
- Peak months: September through March
- Dark sky window: 6-8 months
Learn More About the Northern Lights
Use the aurora borealis forecast, check northern lights tonight, or open the live aurora map and Kp tracker.
Japan Aurora FAQ
When is the best time to see northern lights in Japan?
In Japan the best viewing season runs September through March, with peak activity around the September and March equinoxes. Plan your trip during a new moon and check the live cloud forecast — clear skies matter as much as Kp activity.
Where in Japan can I see northern lights?
Japan has 14 tracked aurora locations. Top picks by current activity and magnetic latitude: Wakkanai, Sapporo and Kushiro. Drive 15–30 km away from city light pollution for the clearest sky.
What Kp index do I need to see aurora in Japan?
Japan's best location reaches visibility from Kp 9.0+ (average magnetic latitude 31.9°). Every tracked location in Japan needs the same Kp 9.0+ — there is no easier corner of the country.
How many nights should I plan for an aurora trip to Japan?
No length of stay makes Japan reliable — even its best location needs Kp 9.0+, which only rare strong storms deliver. Set alerts and treat a sighting as luck, or travel to a higher-latitude country if aurora is the point of the trip.
Can I see northern lights from major cities in Japan?
Only during rare strong storms — Japan needs Kp 9.0+ before aurora reaches its horizon at all, and city light pollution cuts what little is left. Use the locations above for forecasts and drive to a dark-sky spot when activity is strong. Set free alerts in the app to be notified when aurora is forecast for your nearest city.