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- A town with a rocket, Space Town Kushimoto / Nachikatsuura Town
A town with a rocket, Space Town Kushimoto / Nachikatsuura Town
「Sora-Miru, the Space Fureai Hall」 has opened！
The 「Space Fureai Hall Sora-Miru」 has opened in Kushimoto-cho, Wakayama Prefecture, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025! Sora-Miru is an educational facility based on the concept of 「making space more accessible」. It allows visitors to feel and learn about space and rockets, with a focus on the Kairos rocket and Spaceport Kii.
Three tips for enjoying the launch of Kairos
① Watch the video explaining the launch and introducing local tourism
②Read the official guide
KAIROS 2nd Flight OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK JP
③ Find stores nearby
Support Kairos! Recommended by locals (limited time tourist benefits available)
Welcome, to the city that you must visit at least once in your life for an experience of nature and the universe.
The cities of Kushimoto and Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture are popular tourist destinations where visitors can experience dynamic nature and world heritage sites. In recent years, not only Japanese tourists but also many overseas guests have visited 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 learning and entertainment, history and the future, healing and excitement come together.
About Spaceport Kii
SPACE PORT Kii is a rocket launch site built in December 2021 in the city of Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture.
Under the operation of Space One Co., Ltd., a private company, we provide a space transportation service that launches 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 throughout 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 the main island of Japan and is the only subtropical region. It has the northernmost coral colony in the world 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 Kumano Kodo World Heritage Site 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 bounty nourished by the Kuroshio Current and the bounty of the deep mountains. Japanese, Western, Chinese and Ethnic chefs gather here in search of the fresh ingredients.
From fresh tuna, which boasts the largest catch in Japan, to rare seafood such as lobster and longtooth grouper, you can enjoy it 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 boasts the largest number of onsen in Wakayama Prefecture. New forms of accommodation, such as luxurious old private house hotels, are also on the rise.
From campgrounds to minshuku, guesthouses, ryokan, and hotels, choose the accommodation 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 plane
Nanki Shirahama Airport→Kushimoto Station by limousine bus Approx. 1 hour
Nanki Shirahama Airport→Kii-Katsuura Station, by limousine bus approx. 2 hours
From Osaka
Kansai Airport Station→Kushimoto Station, about 3 hours by train
Kansai Airport Station→Kii-Katsuura Station, approx. 4 hrs. by Train
