Voyage to the Obscure Isle: Tanegashima, Kagoshima's Hidden Gem

Ready to get off the beaten path in Japan and explore an island brimming with natural beauty, historical sites, and peaceful beaches? Tanegashima, located south of Kyushu, is perfect for intrepid travelers who want to escape the tourist crowds. Here's your guide to stunning Tanegashima!

How to Get to Tanegashima

First things first, let's talk transportation. Tanegashima is relatively remote, and you'll need to travel to Kagoshima in the south before catching a ferry. The fastest ferry takes less than 2 hours and costs around 9300 JPY per person, while the car ferry takes 3 hours and 40 minutes, costing around 3900 JPY per person plus 13,000 JPY or more per vehicle. Flying to Tanegashima is also an option, but it's more expensive, around 20,000 JPY for a one-way ticket.

If you have time, make a pit stop in Kyushu to check out the yatai food stalls in Fukuoka, the green tea fields of Yame, the healing hot springs of Beppu, the volcanic landscapes of Mt. Aso, and the historical treasures of Kagoshima. It's much to see in Kyushu!

Best Beaches on Tanegashima

One of the main draws of Tanegashima is its stunning, peaceful sandy beaches and azure ocean. The Nagahama Coast on the western side of the island offers a plethora of quiet, pristine beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of local Loggerhead sea turtles!

Urada Kaisuiyokujo Beach (浦田海水浴場)

For a perfect day at the beach, head to Urada Kaisuiyokujo Beach in the northern tip of the island. The sea is often calm, with high water clarity, and the sand is bright white. There are showers and toilets for visitors' convenience, and during the high season, there are even a few concession stands.

Kumano Kaisuiyokujo Beach (熊野海水浴場)

Looking for a beach with some adventure? Kumano Kaisuiyokujo Beach on the eastern coast offers a grassy area for camping right next to the long sandy beach. This beach also has showers and toilets, and if you go a bit more down south, you'll find the Chikura Grotto area, complete with a network of caves and caverns that are fun to explore during the low tide. For an even more unforgettable experience, join a kayaking tour and snorkel at the coral reefs located around 500 meters into the sea.

Tanegashima Space Center

Astronomy lovers will be thrilled to visit the Tanegashima Space Center, the largest rocket-launching facility in Japan. Here, you can see the assembly, maintenance, and launch-offs of rockets, and they offer three free bus tours that you should reserve in advance. The tour will take you around the launch complex, rocket garage, and control center. If you're lucky enough to be there on the day of a rocket launch, you can witness it from a safe distance of at least 3 kilometers away.

Historical Sites and Museums on Tanegashima

But there's more to do on Tanegashima besides enjoying ocean-side activities and learning about space. Check out some of the island's historical sites and museums:

Teppokan gun museum: Since Tanegashima was the first place in Japan where guns were imported by the Portuguese, this small museum offers a great glimpse into the island's history.
Buy artisanal products at the source: Tanegashima is famous for its pottery and shochu, among other artisanal products. Purchase them from the source at places like 陶染工房美ほう庵 (pottery) and 上妻酒造株式会社 (shochu distillery).
Furuichi family Residence (古市家住宅): This humble abode is a designated important cultural property as the last wooden house on the island.
Hirota Site Museum: This museum is located on the spot where human remains and artifacts from the Yayoi period were found. There are many English explanations, making it a good place to learn more about Japan's ancient history.
Akaogijo Culture Traditional Museum Gesso Tei: This lovely tea house offers a great opportunity to enjoy a cup of green tea with a view of a Japanese garden. It's located near the gun museum, so you can combine a visit.

Nature Spots to Visit in Tanegashima

For those who prefer the great outdoors, there are plenty of nature spots to explore on Tanegashima:

Cape Kadokura: Located at the southern tip of Tanegashima, this cliffside overlook point offers breathtaking views over the ocean and history buffs will enjoy that it was also the first landing place of the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Arch of the Banyan Tree: This tropical Banyan tree with its long roots that can take water from humid air is a symbol of Japan's southernmost islands. Tanegashima is home to the Arch of the Banyan Tree, a spot on the eastern coast where the tree is completely arched over the road, forming a tunnel.
Obuchi Mebuchi Taki Falls: While it's not a large waterfall, Obuchi Mebuchi Taki Falls is a refreshing place to visit, especially when the weather is hot.
Tanegashima Mangrove Park: Tanegashima has the northernmost mangrove forests in Japan, and you can fully enjoy them here. A convenient wooden walkway has been made, and you can also opt for a kayaking tour if you truly want to be amongst the trees.
Matate no Iwaya Cave: If you're an experienced snorkeler with the right equipment and visit on a day with few waves, Matate no Iwaya Cave is a hidden spot where you can see the island's beautiful corals and fish.

Voyage to the Obscure Isle: Tanegashima, Kagoshima's Hidden Gem