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Tanegashima Space Center Space Science and Technology Museum

鹿児島県

general.prefecture.

The world's most beautiful and Japan's largest rocket launch site.

Located within JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center, this museum allows visitors to learn about various fields related to space development through life-size models and other interactive exhibits. Admission is free and open to the public. Come and experience the world of space for yourself.

Features & How to Enjoy

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Highlights

Point 1

Exhibits Unique to the Forefront of Rocket Development

The Tanegashima Space Center is Japan's largest rocket launch site managed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). In addition to launching the H2A rocket, the center also conducts rocket engine development. At the Space Science and Technology Museum, visitors can not only learn about the process of rocket launches but also see full-scale rocket engines. You can also learn about the rockets that have been launched from Tanegashima in the past, making it a valuable facility to learn about Japan's past, present, and future rocket development.

Point 2

Budget-Friendly! Admission is Free

Especially for family trips, high admission fees can be a big blow to your wallet. However, at the Space Science and Technology Museum, admission is completely free! If you're interested in exhibits related to rockets, the quality and scale of exhibits at the Kagoshima Space Center's Space Science and Technology Museum are even better than those at JAXA's Tsukuba Space Center. It's truly a blessing to have such an exhibit facility with free admission!

Point 3

A Must-Do: Take the Facility Tour Bus!

At the Uchinoura Space Center, they also offer a facility tour bus. This bus tour is amazing! You can see up close the actual machines, such as the H2 rocket that was supposed to go to space but never launched, and the large rocket launch site where actual rocket launches take place. Of course, the bus tour is also free! However, it's important to note that reservations are required in advance, so you can't just show up and participate on the day of. Reservations open three months in advance, so be sure to make a reservation before heading to the Uchinoura Space Center!

Point 4

Many Sights to See Around the National Space Science Museum

In addition to the exhibits inside the National Space Science Museum, there are many sights to see within the Tanegashima Space Center. Don't miss the Kamori no Mine Observatory, which offers a view of the Takasaki area of the Tanegashima Space Center, including the site where small rockets were launched in the 1970s and the National Space Science Museum. You can also visit the Takasaki Observatory, which is used as a press center during rocket launches, but only the rooftop is open to visitors. The Rocket Hill Observatory, which offers a panoramic view of the large rocket assembly building and the large rocket launch site, is particularly impressive and offers breathtaking views.

Point 5

Dine with JAXA Staff at the Space Cafeteria

画像引用：JAXA種子島宇宙センター公式Twitter

First of all, be aware that there are few dining options around the Tanegashima Space Center. If you're feeling hungry at lunchtime, we recommend the cafeteria "Sora Meshiya," which is open only on weekdays and is also used by JAXA staff. You can enjoy a delicious meal with JAXA staff while overlooking the beautiful sea. The most popular dish is the "Rocket Curry," which is shaped like a rocket. Also, be sure to check out the beautiful JAXA logo inside the cafeteria. It's a bit of a distance from the Space Science and Technology Museum, so we recommend traveling by car. The parking lot near Sora Meshiya is available for general use, so it's convenient for those coming by car.

Sightseeing

Learn Deeply About Japan's Rocket Development Facility

The Tanegashima Space Center is Japan's largest rocket launch site and is said to be the most beautiful rocket launch site in the world. Within the Tanegashima Space Center, there is a space science and technology museum where you can learn about the forefront of Japan's rocket development. The museum was renovated and reopened in 2017, and you can experience the launch of a rocket on a giant screen in the Lift-Off Theater or enjoy the sound experience of a launch for free. In addition, at the photo spot inside the life-size model of the "Kibo" Japanese Experiment Module, you can take photos that make it look like you're in a zero-gravity zone, making it a popular spot for Instagram. Don't miss out on the various goods that can only be purchased at the space science and technology museum.

Required time

Recommended to Secure at Least 1 Hour

As the grounds of the Tanegashima Space Center are vast, it may take longer to move around than you think, and time can quickly pass by while browsing various souvenirs at the museum shop. Therefore, it is recommended to secure at least 1 hour. In addition, the bus tour, which we would like you to participate in by reservation only, takes more than 1 hour and 15 minutes, so it is best to plan to stay at the Tanegashima Space Center for at least 2 hours!

Basic Information

	Address	9999-7 Nagaura, Minamitane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima 891-3703 Tanegashima Space Center Space Science and Technology Museum
	TEL	0997-26-9244
	Web Site	https://fanfun.jaxa.jp/visit/tanegashima/

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