Visitors can enjoy exhibits covering various aspects of Japan’s space program at the Space Museum in Tanegashima Space Center in Kyushu, Japan. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
Tanegashima, a Japanese island about 25 miles south of Kagoshima in southern Kyushu, is a popular destination for surfers, but is also known for “the most beautiful rocket-launch complex in the world.”
Tanegashima Space Center is on the southeastern tip of the island, about a 40-minute drive from the island airport or about an hour from Nishinoomote Port. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the island’s relaxing scenery and beautiful coastline.
A flight to the island from Kagoshima Airport costs around $110 and takes about 40 minutes. Another option is the high-speed ferry from Kagoshima city, which costs roughly $75 and takes about 95 minutes.
The space center is the largest rocket launch site in Japan and serves as the hub of the country’s space program. It was established in 1969 with the founding of the National Space Development Agency of Japan, NASDA.
The agency was unified with other organizations and changed its name to Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, in 2003.
Unlike many spaceports that are built in deserts or remote flatlands, Tanegashima Space Center is set on a subtropical island with a beautiful ocean view.
The space center spans approximately 2,400 acres and has two launch pads for large rockets along a rugged coastline facing the Pacific Ocean.
A full-size mock-up of the H-II rocket is displayed as the symbol of Tanegashima Space Center in Kyushu, Japan. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
Just beyond the entrance to the public area, you’ll find a huge, full-size mockup of the H-II rocket, NASDA’s main transportation system in the ’90s that was later replaced by H-IIA/B rockets.
There’s also an onsite museum, which was closed during my recent visit. According to its website, the exhibits cover various aspects of space development, including rocket science, satellites, international space-station projects, terrestrial observation and astronomy. Visitors can explore the displays through full-scale models and interactive exhibits.
The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. A guided bus tour can take you to the launch-related facilities. The tour operates three times a day, and reservations are required.
The Yoshinobu Launch Complex, a launch site for large rockets, spacecraft test and assembly buildings, can be seen along the Pacific Ocean in Kyushu, Japan. (Keishi Koja/ Stars and Stripes)
If you happen to visit before a launch, one of the most popular viewing spots is Rocket Hill, where visitors can see the two launch pads and the vehicle assembly building. Launch schedules are available on JAXA’s website.
Public transportation and lodging options on the island are limited. It is highly recommended to reserve a rental car and accommodation well in advance, especially around launch dates.
On the QT
Directions: Tanegashima Space Center Museum is on the southeastern tip of the island, a 40-minute drive from Tanegashima Airport.
Times: Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday.
Costs: Admission is free.
Food: Not many options around the space center, but there are restaurants in a nearby town, Minamitane.
Information: Online: global.jaxa.jp/about/centers/tnsc
STARS AND STRIPES VIDEOS
AROUND THE WEB
STRIPES TOP NEWS
