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  • VISIT YAMAGATA
  • Feature
  • [Feature] Sahato Benihana! Enjoy the starry sky at the prefecture’s largest planetarium

[Feature] Sahato Benihana! Enjoy the starry sky at the prefecture’s largest planetarium

Kahoku Town is located almost in the center of Yamagata Prefecture.

This is a natural area where you can see the majestic mountains of Mt. Gassan, the Asahi mountain range, and Zao.

The area has prospered since the Heian period through the cultivation of rice and safflower, and its rich traditions continue to live on today.

Safflower in particular spread throughout the country via boat transport on the Mogami River, making a major contribution to the local economy and culture.

Due to this background, the area is known as the “Village of Hinata and Benihana.”

This time, we visited the Kahoku Town General Exchange Center Sahato Benibana, located in Kahoku Town.

1. Sahato Benibana

Kahoku Town has had a deep connection with safflower since ancient times.

The Arabic name “Sahat” (square) is used because Egypt is said to be the native place of safflower.

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It is home to the prefecture’s largest planetarium, a library, a theater, and a large hall, and is a popular center of culture and exchange in the local area.

This was my first visit, and the large planetarium dome on the left side really catches your eye.

It is said to have a diameter of 15 metres.

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On the right is the hall where concerts and other events are held.

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2. Main entrance

This is the front entrance.

There is an impressive planetarium dome on the ceiling!

Isn’t this a sight you rarely see?

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On the right is a photo gallery.

This work is by Hori Mitsuyuki, a starry sky guide (associate guide) who is also a member of the NPO Small Astronomers’ Association and lives in Kahoku Town.

Hori, who began taking photographs when he was a student, usually focuses on nature, but this time he is exhibiting photographs of the night sky.

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① Study space

Further inside there is a study space.

The chic outfit will also help you study.

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② Shop corner

Please also take a look at the shop corner located near the reception desk.

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They sell toys that kids will love, space-themed stationery, space food, and more.

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The staff’s recommendation is the space gummy candy,

The product is made using space lactic acid bacteria that was returned to Earth after being tested on the International Space Station (ISS) by a dairy manufacturer in Kochi Prefecture.

These romantic sweets are made using the descendants of lactic acid bacteria that traveled into space on Russia’s Soyuz rocket.

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At the entrance, there is a staircase leading to the Zenten Theater on the second floor. There is also an elevator.

We will introduce the Zenten Theater later.

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3. Central Library

If you go further in, you will find Kahoku Town Central Library.

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The bright, spacious space allows you to relax and enjoy reading.

It is stocked with the latest books, magazines and newspapers and can be used for a variety of purposes, including study, research and leisure reading.

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In the study space at the back, people of all ages could be seen studying and grandparents reading.

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There is also a well-stocked children’s section, with a wide selection of picture books and children’s books.

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There is also a special section on local culture and history, which is one of the attractions of the museum, as it allows you to learn more about the charms of Kahoku Town.

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4. All-day weekly theater

And here is the Zenten Theater, the main attraction of the Kahoku Town General Community Center Sahato Benibana!

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It combines the high-performance optical planetarium “Pandora II,” which projects 40 million stars, with the full-dome digital imaging system “Virtualium X,” which uses digital technology to freely recreate the starry sky.

This hybrid planetarium system offers a special starry sky experience.

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Here are the films being screened.

It is a program that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults.

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This time, they gave us special screenings of “Star Time” and “47 Billion Light Years and Beyond – A Journey in Search of the End of the Universe.”

① Star Time

Star Time is a program where you can enjoy the beauty of the stars in the night sky.

You can find out what stars are shining in the sky tonight and what constellations you can see.

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You can also enjoy the myths hidden in the constellations.

I was drawn into the story and had a special time.

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It looks like looking up at the night sky from now on will be even more special.

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② 47 billion light years and beyond - A journey to the edge of the universe

Have you ever wondered why the night sky is not as bright as daytime, even though it is filled with countless stars?

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This program is a science fantasy that explores, from a scientific perspective, how far the stars extend and what kind of world lies beyond the edge of the starry sky.

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It was a wonderful work that made me feel the nostalgic scenery deep in my heart and made me feel that the universe we can imagine, and the place where I am now, is a special place.

Try to find your own answer to the question: how far does this planet continue and where is the edge of the universe?

The answer may change every time you look at it.

3. Other works

Other screenings include “Dinosaur Travelers,” a must-see for dinosaur-loving kids, and the heartwarming “Makuma-kun’s Great Starry Sky Adventure.”

DAD poster B2(CMYK)2

 

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From the official website of the Kahoku Town General Exchange Center Sahato Benihana

In addition to planetarium screenings, we also host shows with guest artists and concerts.

If there is a specific work you are looking for or an event that interests you, please check the schedule on the official website before visiting.

The programs change with the seasons, so why not try visiting during different seasons?

5. Exhibition corridor

The corridor leading to the hall is like a small museum.

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Sculptures and paintings are on display, making it a place where you can experience nature and art.

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There is also a meeting room and a social room, and it is used by local residents for lessons (such as dancing) and gatherings.

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6. Sahato Benibana Large Hall

The Sahato Benibana Large Hall can be used for a variety of purposes, including concerts and regular student recitals.

It is also possible to hold rehearsals using only the stage.

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7. Message

Finally, Mr. Nagaoka from Kahoku Town Benihana no Sato Revival Corporation shared a message for all viewers of VISIT YAMAGATA.

“It is the largest planetarium in the prefecture, and the programs offered can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to seniors.
Please come and enjoy experiences and create memories that can only be had here.”

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8. Basic Information

Kahoku Town General Exchange Center Sahato Benibana
● Opening hours: 9:00~21:30
● Closed every Thursday (or the following day if Thursday is a public holiday)
● Inquiry/Application ☎ 0237-72-6555
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Kahoku Town Central Library
● Opening hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00~19:00
Saturday and Sunday 9:00~17:00
* Closed on Thursdays (open if Thursday is a public holiday)
New Year’s holiday (December 29 to January 3)
Special sorting period (in September)
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All-sky Theater
● Screening time 10:30~ & 14:00~
● Closed on Thursdays
● Admission fee (Full-dome cinema/planetarium)
Individuals: Adult 300 yen Elementary & junior high school students 100 yen
Groups: Adult 240 yen Elementary & junior high school students 80 yen

Detailed information

Kahoku Town General Exchange Center Sahato Benibana

Kahoku Town General Exchange Center Sahato Benibana

3-1-10 Tokorooka, Yachi, Kahoku Town, 999-3513

0237-72-65550237-72-6555

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