This Off-The-Beaten-Path Japanese Island Is A Coastal Gem Offering Beaches, Yoga, And Rocket Launches

Just off the southern coast of Kyushu lies Tanegashima, an island where tropical beaches, wellness retreats, and rocket launches coexist. Part of Kagoshima Prefecture, it's the second largest of the Ōsumi Islands. Unlike its neighboring secluded Japanese island, Yakushima, Tanegashima is relatively flat with gentle slopes that lead to wide stretches of beach and fields of sugarcane. Its subtropical climate supports lush vegetation, including banyan and palm trees. With clear waters lapping at the shore and a scenic landscape, Tanegashima offers a place to swim, practice yoga, and even watch rockets launch into orbit from the island's space center.

Long before it became known for rocket launches, Tanegashima played a key role in Japan's first encounter with Europeans. In 1543, a Portuguese ship accidentally landed on the island after veering off course. With them came advanced firearms, a technology previously unknown in Japan. Tanegashima's local lord recognized their value and purchased several weapons. He later commissioned local swordsmiths to reproduce both the guns and their gunpowder. This encounter sparked a major shift in Japanese warfare. Centuries later, in 1969, Tanegashima underwent another transformation when the Tanegashima Space Center, Japan's largest rocket launch facility, was developed.

There were several practical reasons why Tanegashima was chosen as the site for Japan's space center. Its location closer to the equator lets rockets take advantage of Earth's rotation and makes launches more efficient. The island's remoteness also minimizes disruption to Japan's fishing zones. Additionally, Tanegashima had the necessary infrastructure to support space operations. This included available land, along with access to communication systems, water, electricity, and public transportation.

Today, the Tanegashima Space Center covers nearly 104 million square feet and serves as Japan's primary launch site for orbital missions. The facility includes areas for assembling satellites, inspecting parts, and launching rockets. Visitors can watch live launches from the Takesaki Observation Stand, which offers wide views of the coastline. The complex also features a free Space Museum with hands-on exhibits and real rocket components that visitors can touch. Within the museum, the Liftoff Theatre lets guests experience a simulated rocket launch that consists of sound and smoke effects.

Along with exploring the space center, Tanegashima's coastline is one of the main attractions of the island. Its beaches are known for white sand and calm water, which makes them ideal for a range of activities. On the island's northern tip, Urada Beach offers swimming and snorkeling in clear waters where colorful tropical fish are usually visible. Toward the southern coast, near the space center, Takezaki Beach is a popular surfing spot among sandstone cliffs. About 18 minutes away by car, Hamada Beach is home to the Chikura no Iwaya cave. Visitors can enter the sea cave during low tide and take in views of the ocean.

Beyond outdoor recreation, Tanegashima is a destination for wellness travelers. In 2020, Nishinoomote City was certified as a "Sacred Place of Yoga." The designation was given because of its natural landscapes, which are believed to support physical and mental well-being. Yoga sessions are usually held on beaches or coastal overlooks, where participants can meditate by the sea.

Travelers can reach Tanegashima by flying into Tanegashima Airport from either Osaka, nicknamed "Japan's Kitchen," or Kagoshima, often called the "Naples Of Japan." Alternatively, ferries leave regularly from Kagoshima Port. Travel times vary from 45 minutes to three and a half hours, depending on the type of vessel. Once on the island, rental cars are the most convenient way to get around. To see some of Tanegashima's scenic highlights, the Tanegashima Route offers a recommended driving course that passes beaches, coastal roads, and the island's space center.