Photo courtesy of JAXA
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Tanegashima Space Center
A rocket launch site on Tanegashima’s coastline, said to be Japan’s largest and the world’s most beautiful.
A large-rocket launch site built by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) on Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. With a total area of 9.7 million m², it is the largest in Japan and serves as a core facility for Japan’s space development. The launch site at the island’s southeastern tip is surrounded by coral-reef seas and green mountains, and is also known as “the world’s most beautiful rocket launch site.”
The Space Science and Technology Museum, located within the space center, is an exhibition facility where you can enjoy learning about space development—rockets, satellites, celestial bodies, planets, and more—through a wide range of materials and hands-on experiences. It features engaging exhibits such as the “Liftoff Theater,” where you can experience a rocket launch with a large wall screen, and a life-size replica of Kibo, the Japanese Experiment Module on the International Space Station.
A facility tour bus (advance reservation required) is also popular, taking you around launch-related facilities such as the launch site and the main control building with explanations from a guide. Note that the site may be closed on rocket launch days, so be sure to check in advance.
Highlights
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Japan’s largest rocket launch site on Tanegashima.
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Surrounded by green mountains and coral reefs, it’s also called “the world’s most beautiful rocket launch site.”
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Includes the Space Science and Technology Museum, where you can learn about space science through exhibits and materials.
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Offers a facility tour by bus around the center (reservation required).
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Closed on rocket launch days.
Photos
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It plays a central role in Japan’s space development, including large-rocket launches and satellite assembly.Photo courtesy of JAXA
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The Space Science and Technology Museum, where you can learn about rockets and space through fun exhibits.Photo courtesy of JAXA
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A photo spot where you can take pictures that look like you’re in zero gravity.Photo courtesy of JAXA
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A life-size recreation of Kibo, the Japanese Experiment Module on the International Space Station.Photo courtesy of JAXA
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The rocket garage, which you can visit on the bus tour, is impressive in scale—something you can only feel in person.Photo courtesy of JAXA
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The main control building, where key staff gather during rocket launches, can be visited on the facility tour bus.Photo courtesy of JAXA
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available on site?
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No free Wi-Fi is available.
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Are there coin lockers?
A
Yes, near the entrance of the Space Science and Technology Museum.
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Are there smoking areas?
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Yes, outside the Space Science and Technology Museum.
Q
Is there anywhere to eat?
A
There is a cafeteria, “Sorameshiya,” inside the space center.
Hours are 11:30am–2:00pm (Last food order at 1:30pm). Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.
The Rocket Curry is a popular menu item.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 種子島宇宙センター
- Postal Code
- 891-3793
- Address
- Azamatsu, Oaza Kukanaga, Minamitane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima
- Phone
- 0997-26-9244
- Closed on
- Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed the following day; open daily in August) *May be closed due to rocket launches
- Hours
- 9:30am–4:30pm
- Admission
- Free
- Access
- 50 min by car from Tanegashima Airport
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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