Town with a Rocket SpaceTown Kushimoto / Nachikatsuura Town

Welcome to a town that you should visit at least once in your lifetime to experience the great outdoors and the universe

The towns of Kushimoto and Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture are popular tourist destinations where visitors can experience dynamic nature, including World Heritage sites. In recent years, not only Japanese tourists but overseas guests have been visiting the area.

In addition, rocket launch tours from SPACE PORT Kii, Asia's first private launch site, have begun, transforming the city into a world-class resort and tourist destination where visitors can enjoy nature, history, hot springs and fresh cuisine.

Experience a city where two different attractions, learning and entertainment, history and the future, healing and excitement merge.

About Spaceport Kii

SPACE PORT Kii is a rocket launch site built in December 2021 in the town of Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture.

Under the operation of Space One Co., Ltd., a private venture, we provide a space transportation service that carries artificial satellites into space using the small rocket "Kairos". This is the third rocket launch site in Japan and the first in Asia under private operation.

The first satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2023, and 20 satellites are planned to be launched annually during the 2020s.

Launch & viewing information

Vicinity information

Sightseeing

The area is located at the southernmost tip of Japan's Honshu Island and is the only subtropical region in Honshu. It has the world's northernmost coral colony and is rich in fish species, making it one of the best diving spots in Japan. The area is also dotted with peculiar rocks such as Hashikaiwa, a national natural monument.

Kushimoto Tourist attractions / Marine activities and other experiences(JP)

The deep, rugged mountainous region has been a sacred place of worship for more than 1,000 years. The World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo and Nachi Falls, one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan, attract tourists from all over the world.

Nachikatsuura World Heritage Sites / Experience / Model Course(EN)

Food

Natural good harbors nurtured by the Kuroshio Current and bounty from the deep mountains. Japanese, Western, Chinese and ethnic chefs gather here in search of the freshest ingredients.

From fresh tuna, which boasts the largest catch in Japan, to rare seafood such as lobster and longtooth grouper, can be enjoyed here.

Kushimoto Gourmet (JP) / Nachikatsuura Gourmet (EN)

Onsen / Accomodation

From spectacular ocean views, voted the best in Japan, to cave onsen, this onsen resort proudly hosts the largest number of resources in Wakayama Prefecture. New forms of accomodation such as luxurious old private house hotels, are also on the rise.

From campsites to guesthouses, aibnbs, inns and hotels, choose the accommodation that best suits your lifestyle.

Kushimoto Onsens / Accomodation (JP)

Nachikatsuura Onsens / Accomodation (EN)

What's New

Access

Location easily accessible from both Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) and Kansai International Airport.

From Tokyo

Haneda Airport→Nanki Shirahama Airport About 1 hour by Airplane

Nanki Shirahama Airport→Kushimoto Station Limousine bus Approx. 1 hour

Nanki Shirahama Airport→Kii-Katsuura Station Limousine Bus approx. 2 hours

From Osaka

Kansai Airport Station→Kushimoto Station approx. 3 hrs. by Train

Kansai Airport Station→Kii-Katsuura Station approx. 4 hrs by Train

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