Tanegashima Space Center

Established in 1969, Tanegashima Space Center is the largest space development facility in Japan that has extensive grounds of over 9.7 million sq. m. It plays a central role in Japan's space development and in the launching of satellites. It is situated on the stunning coast of Tanegashima, and it is said to be the most beautiful rocket launching site in the world. The final checking of a satellite and its loading onto the rocket are performed at this center. The assembling, maintenance, inspection, launching and tracking of a rocket are also performed here.

(Source: お越しやす☆)

Space Science and Technology Museum

Visitors can learn about the various aspects of space in this facility. The museum offers comprehensive explanations on satellites, International Space Station planning, earth observation, celestial bodies as well as rockets using life-size models and games.

(Source: Heart Beat Club Blog)

Museum Shop

The museum shop offers various items that are related to JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and space. The popular item is space food. There are even desserts as well as meals. It also has stuffed animals in space suites and various picture books about space.

(Source: Ayako Kobayashi Official Blog)

Tours of the Facility

This 75-minute tour allows visitors to take a close-up look at rocket launching related facilities with a specialist guide's commentary. The tours are offered three times a day. It is free but requires an advanced reservation (Phone number: +81-997-26-9244).

Address

Aza-Mazu, Oaza-Kukinaga, Minamitane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima

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Contact No.

+81-997-26-2111

Access

50 minutes by taxi from Kagoshima Airport

Opening Hours / Holidays

9:30‐17:00 (9:30‐17:30 in July and August) Closed on Mondays (If it falls on a holiday, closed following day) and 12/29‐1/1. Open daily generally in August.