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Tanegashima (種子島) is an island in Kagoshima prefecture, south of Kyushu.

Spaceport, Tanegashima Space Center Tanegashima has two claims to fame. In 1543, Portuguese explorer Mendes Pinto found his way there and introduces firearms to the Japanese, and for a long time thereafter rifles were known as tanegashima in Japanese. These days, though, the main attraction is Tanegashima Space Center, JAXA's main spaceport.

Tanegashima Space Center Chikura Caverns Cape Kadokura

Tanegashima Space Center, Mazu, Kukinaga, Minamitane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima 891-3793, +81-997-26-9244. Daily 09:30-17:00, Jul-Aug 09:30-17:30; closed M-Tu after long weekends and Dec 29-Jan 1. Japan's largest spaceport. Free exhibits and guided tours three times daily (reservations required). No entry during launch days, but there are designated viewing points around the perimeter. Free.
Chikura Caverns. White sand beach with caves that can be entered at low tide. There are picnic tables at the edge of the beach. There are a couple food stands and drink machines. free.
Takezaki Beach. Beach at the Tanegashima Space Center. Long, white sand beach with areas for snorkeling close to the east side. Restroom with changing area and place to rinse feet is available beside the free parking area. Covered picnic tables nearby on lawn of space center. free.
Cape Kadokura. Cape overlooking the rocks and shore where the first firearms entered Japan. Beautiful view. There is a lookout post shaped like an old ship. A small shrine is nearby. Restrooms available beside the free parking area. free.

Tanegashima Space Center, Mazu, Kukinaga, Minamitane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima 891-3793, +81-997-26-9244. Daily 09:30-17:00, Jul-Aug 09:30-17:30; closed M-Tu after long weekends and Dec 29-Jan 1. Japan's largest spaceport. Free exhibits and guided tours three times daily (reservations required). No entry during launch days, but there are designated viewing points around the perimeter. Free.

Chikura Caverns. White sand beach with caves that can be entered at low tide. There are picnic tables at the edge of the beach. There are a couple food stands and drink machines. free.

Takezaki Beach. Beach at the Tanegashima Space Center. Long, white sand beach with areas for snorkeling close to the east side. Restroom with changing area and place to rinse feet is available beside the free parking area. Covered picnic tables nearby on lawn of space center. free.

Cape Kadokura. Cape overlooking the rocks and shore where the first firearms entered Japan. Beautiful view. There is a lookout post shaped like an old ship. A small shrine is nearby. Restrooms available beside the free parking area. free.

Tanegashima is a well known destination for surfers in Japan.

Moonbar The best place. Breyen-san and Tomoko-san is running the cosy place perfectly.

Yakushima, mysterious island of giant cedars