Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [590]
The island’s main port of Nishi-no-Omote () is located on the northwest coast of the island, while the airport is about halfway down the island near the west coast. The best beaches and most of the surfing breaks are on the east coast of the island, which is also home to an onsen.
There is a helpful information office (; 22-1146; 8.30am-5.30pm) at the pier in Nishi-no-Omote, inside the Cosmo ferry office/waiting room.
SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
Tanegashima’s Space Centre (), on the southeastern coast of the island, is a large parklike complex with rocket-launch facilities as well as a Space Technology Museum (; 26-9244; 9.30am-5.30pm, closed Mon) that details the history of Japan’s space program. There are models of Japan’s rockets and some of the satellites it has launched. Note that the museum is closed on launch days. The closest bus stop is Iwasaki Hotel, from where it’s a 10-minute walk.
The coastline in the immediate vicinity of the Space Centre is known as the Takesaki-kaigan (), and is home to a beautiful stretch of white sand that is immensely popular with surfers. The best spot to enjoy this area is the beach in front of the Iwasaki Hotel (closest bus stop: Iwasaki Hotel), which has some impressive rock formations on either end. The Nagahama-kaigan () on the west coast of Tanegashima is home to a 12km stretch of beach that is equally popular with surfers.
Further up the east coast, the Kumano-kaigan () has a long beach, a caming ground and the Nakatanechō Onsen (; per person ¥300; 11am-8pm Oct-Mar, to 9pm Apr-Sep, closed Thu). The closest bus stop for these is Kumano-kaisuiyokujō.
The History & Folklore Museum (; 27-2233; admission ¥160; 9am-7pm, closed Mon), near Tanegashima’s airport, has displays on the history and traditional lifestyles of the islanders. The closest bus stop is Noma.
SLEEPING & EATING
Ryokan Miharu-sō (; 22-1393; r per person with 2 meals ¥6300; ) This cheap and friendly surfers’ hang out in Nishi-no-Omote has basic Japanese-style tatami rooms. Meals are served on the premises. Walk to the main road from the pier and take a left, then turn right at the light and walk inland (uphill).
East Coast (; 25-0763; www.eastcoast.jp/; bungalow for up to 3 people ¥10,500, per additional person ¥3150; ) This surf-school–restaurant has two cosy bungalows for those who want to stay near the breaks. The owner is an English-speaking Japanese surfer. The bungalows can handle small groups and families, and have cooking facilities and bathrooms. As you might guess, it’s on the east coast of the island.
Mauna Village (; 25-0811; r per person with 2 meals from ¥6800; ) Also on the east coast of the island, this collection of cute cottages is popular with surfers and families. Some units have sea views and all have toilets, but bathing facilities are shared and meals are taken in a common dining room.
Izakaya Minshuku Sangoshō (; 23-0005; r per person with 2 meals from ¥8400; ) For something totally different, try this slice of Southeast Asia transported to Japan. It’s a ‘guest house–pub’ with tonnes of cool features, including a brilliant rock-lined bathtub and a huge banyan tree out the front. Accommodation is in simple Japanese-style rooms. It’s on the northwest coast, about five minutes’ drive from town.
Koryōri Shirō (; 23-2117; dishes from ¥1000; 5-11pm) Head to this friendly little izakaya in Nishi-no-Omote to sample island hospitality and tasty dishes like the sashimi teishoku (sashimi full set, ¥1200). There are plants out front and blue-and-white noren (doorway curtains). It’s a short walk from the Hotel New Tanegashima (look for the tall hotel building then ask directions when you get nearby).
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Tanegashima has flights to/from Kagoshima (¥11,550, 35 minutes) and Osaka’s Itami Airport (¥29,950, 90 minutes) on JAC.
There are also several daily high-speed ferries to/from Kagoshima and Yakushima; for details, see opposite. Finally, Kashō Kaiun (099-261-7000) operates one normal ferry a day between Kagoshima and Tanegashima (¥3000, three hours