Aurora Forecast App — Live Map & Free Alerts
Get instant alerts when aurora appears tonight. Track Kp index, clouds, and moon phase in real-time. 72-hour forecast shows best viewing times. Works worldwide.
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
Sapporo
Hokkaido capital with best aurora viewing potential in Japan
Kushiro
Eastern Hokkaido city with good northern lights viewing
Hakodate
Southern Hokkaido city with moderate aurora potential
Sendai
Northeastern city with occasional aurora during major events
Saitama
Major city with 1M+ population
Tokyo
Capital with very rare aurora visibility during extreme storms
Kawasaki
Major city with 2M+ population
Yokohama
Port city near Tokyo with rare aurora sightings
Nagoya
Central city with very rare northern lights visibility
Kyoto
Historic city with minimal aurora visibility
Osaka
Major city with minimal aurora potential
Kobe
Port city with extremely rare aurora potential
Fukuoka
Kyushu city with minimal northern lights visibility
Aurora Viewing Guide for Japan
Geographic Advantages
- Average magnetic latitude: 31.9°
- Total coverage: 14 prime viewing locations
- Population centers: 0 total residents
- Light pollution: 0 low-pollution sites
Best Viewing Season
- Peak months: September through March
- Optimal Kp threshold: 9.0+ geomagnetic activity
- Dark sky window: 6-8 months
- Weather considerations: Check cloud forecasts before travel
How to Use Our App
- Real-time visibility forecasts for each city
- Push notifications for aurora activity
- Cloud coverage and moon phase data
- Extended 72-hour forecasts (Premium)
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.