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- A Town with a Rocket, Space Town Kushimoto / Nachikatsuura Town
A Town with a Rocket, Space Town Kushimoto / Nachikatsuura Town
Three tips to enjoy the launch of Kairos 2
(1) Watch the launch explanation and local tourism introduction video
(2) Read the official guidebook
KAIROS 2nd Flight OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK JP
(3) Look for shops in the vicinity
Support Kairos! Recommended by locals (limited time tourist benefits available)
Welcome, to the town that you should visit at least once in your life 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 the dynamic nature, along with 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 types of attraction, learning and entertainment, history and the future, healing and excitement merge together.
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 was launched in March 2024, and 20 satellites are planned to be launched annually during the 2020s.
Official launch & viewing information
KAIROS Rocket Launch support website
other rocket-related information
Vicinity information
Sightseeing
The area is located at the southernmost tip of Japan's Main Island and is the only subtropical region there. 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 Hashigui-iwa, 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 onsen sources in Wakayama Prefecture. New forms of accommodations such as luxurious old private house hotels, are also on the rise.
From campsites to guesthouses, AirBnBs, inns and hotels, choose the accommodations that best suits your lifestyle.
Kushimoto Onsens / Accommodation (JP)
Nachikatsuura Onsens / Accommodation (EN)
What's New For the Surrounding Areas
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
