Must-see attractions in Ōsumi Islands

  • Space Science & Technology Museum

    Ōsumi Islands

    Reopened in 2017 after an extensive re-design, Tanegashima's Space Centre, on the spectacular southeastern coast of the island, is a large parklike…

  • Jōmon-sugi

    Ōsumi Islands

    This enormous yakusugi tree is estimated to be between 3000 and 7000 years old, and though no longer living, it remains a majestic sight. Most hikers…

  • Yakusugi Museum

    Ōsumi Islands

    In a forested spot with sea views, the Yakusugi Museum has informative, beautifully designed exhibits about yakusugi and the history of the islanders'…

  • Umigame-kan

    Ōsumi Islands

    This nonprofit organisation has displays and information about turtles, mostly in Japanese. During nesting (June and July) and hatching (August) seasons,…

  • Ōko-no-taki

    Ōsumi Islands

    On the west coast is Yakushima's highest waterfall, at 88m. It's a five-minute walk from Ōko-no-taki bus stop, which is the last stop for some of the…

  • Takezaki-kaigan

    Ōsumi Islands

    Nearby to the Space Centre, this coastline is home to a beautiful stretch of white sand popular with surfers. The best spot to enjoy it is the beach in…

  • Gessōtei

    Ōsumi Islands

    At the southern border of the Akaogi Castle ruins, this preserved samurai house and garden contains a few cultural artefacts. A short informational video…

  • Nagata Inaka-hama

    Ōsumi Islands

    On the island's northwest coast, Nagata Inaka-hama is a beautiful beach for sunsets, and it's where sea turtles lay their eggs from May to July. It's…

  • Issō-kaisuiyokujō

    Ōsumi Islands

    This small, coarse-sand beach is located on the north coast of the island, about midway between Miyanoura and Nagata. It's a short walk from the Yahazu…

  • Nagahama-kaigan

    Ōsumi Islands

    The west coast of Tanegashima is home to a 12km stretch of beach known as the Nagahama-kaigan (coastline) that is equally popular with diehard surfers and…

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