“5 Centimeters per Second” and Tanegashima: A Complete Guide to Holy Land Pilgrimage
“5 Centimeters per Second,” a masterpiece animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai, has captivated many fans with its beautiful landscape depictions and poignant coming-of-age story. The second episode, “Cosmonaut,” is set on Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. This article provides a detailed introduction to the holy sites featured in the work and practical information for visiting them.
The Relationship Between “5 Centimeters per Second” and Tanegashima
“5 Centimeters per Second” is a feature-length animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai, released in 2007, consisting of three interconnected short stories. The second episode, “Cosmonaut,” takes place on Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, depicting the high school days of the protagonist Takaki Tono and Sumida Kanae.
Tanegashima is a remote island located south of Kagoshima Prefecture, known for having the Tanegashima Space Center. Director Makoto Shinkai actually visited Tanegashima and conducted detailed research, reflecting the island’s beautiful landscapes and unique atmosphere in the film. The movie faithfully depicts real locations on Tanegashima, including coastlines, schools, and rocket launch sites, making it a popular holy pilgrimage destination for fans.
How to Get to Tanegashima
Before beginning your holy pilgrimage, first check how to get to Tanegashima. As it is a remote island, you must access it by plane or ferry.
Access by Airplane
From Kagoshima Airport to Tanegashima Airport
- Travel time: Approximately 35 minutes
- Operating company: Japan Air Commuter (JAC)
- Number of flights: Approximately 3-4 flights per day
- Fare: Approximately 15,000-20,000 yen one-way (varies by season)
From Osaka (Itami Airport) to Tanegashima Airport
- Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Operating company: Japan Air Commuter (JAC)
- Number of flights: Approximately 1 flight per day
- Fare: Approximately 25,000-35,000 yen one-way
Access by Ferry
From Kagoshima Port to Tanegashima (Nishinoomote Port)
- Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by high-speed ferry, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes by ferry
- Operating company: Tanegashima and Yakushima Traffic
- Number of ferries: Approximately 2-3 ferries per day
- Fare: Approximately 7,700 yen for high-speed ferry, approximately 5,200 yen for ferry (2nd class)
Ferries allow vehicle boarding, making them ideal for those who want to move freely around the island. However, reservations are difficult to obtain during peak seasons, so early booking is recommended.
Transportation on Tanegashima Island
Tanegashima is a long, narrow island, approximately 58 km north to south and 5-12 km east to west. Since holy pilgrimage spots are scattered throughout the island, securing efficient transportation is crucial.
Rental Car (Most Recommended)
Rental car companies are available around Tanegashima Airport and Nishinoomote Port. Since public transportation is limited, a rental car is the most convenient option for holy pilgrimage. Cars can be rented for approximately 5,000-8,000 yen per day. Early advance booking is strongly recommended.
Bicycle and Motorcycle Rentals
Bicycle and motorcycle rentals are also recommended for those with confidence in their physical fitness or who want to leisurely enjoy the island’s scenery. However, due to the long distances on the island, it will take multiple days to visit all sites.
Local Buses
Route buses operated by Tanegashima Traffic are available, but with few services, they are not suitable for holy pilgrimage. You need to check the timetable in advance and plan use carefully.
Taxis
Taxi companies operate on the island, but with limited numbers, advance booking is recommended. Some companies offer tourist taxi plans.
Major Holy Pilgrimage Sites in Detail
Tanegashima Space Center
Scenes in the Film
It appears in an important scene as a model for the rocket launch site. It is depicted in the background of scenes where Kanae looks up at the rocket launch and where Takaki and Kanae converse.
Actual Location
- Address: 麻津 Asazu, Kushimoto, Minamikinko, Kumage, Kagoshima
- Viewing: The Space Science and Technology Museum is open for free viewing (9:30-17:00, closed Mondays)
- Features: Japan’s largest rocket launch facility where rockets such as H-IIA are actually launched
Pilgrimage Tips
From the observation deck of the Space Center, you can actually see the launch pads depicted in the film. With luck, you might witness a rocket launch. Launch schedules can be checked on JAXA’s official website.
Tanegashima High School (Model School)
Scenes in the Film
This is said to be the model for the high school attended by Takaki and Kanae. The film features the exterior of the building, the school gate, and the view from the classroom.
Actual Location
Kagoshima Prefectural Tanegashima High School is said to be the model, but as it is an educational facility, entry onto campus is not permitted.
Pilgrimage Tips
Limit yourself to viewing the exterior from public roads, and be considerate not to disturb students and staff. Visit outside school hours and student commute times.
Urata Beach
Scenes in the Film
This is said to be the model for the beach scene where Takaki and Kanae converse at dusk. The beautiful sunset and quiet waves were striking in the scene.
Actual Location
- Address: Kukimoto, Minamikinko, Kumage, Kagoshima
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Tanegashima Airport
- Features: Beautiful beach with white sand and highly transparent seawater
Pilgrimage Tips
Visiting in the evening allows you to recreate the film’s scenes. The time when the sun sets over the sea is ideal for photography. In summer, the beach is crowded with swimmers; if you prefer a quiet atmosphere, spring and autumn are recommended.
Chikura no Iwaya (Chikura Cave)
Scenes in the Film
This is a place that likely appears in the film as a distinctive coastal landscape of Tanegashima.
Actual Location
- Address: Hirayama Hamada, Minamikinko, Kumage, Kagoshima
- Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Tanegashima Airport
- Features: A cave created by wave erosion where seawater enters at high tide, creating a mystical place
Pilgrimage Tips
Visit during low tide when you can enter the cave interior. Check tide times in advance before visiting. The rocks are slippery, so wearing sturdy shoes is recommended.
Nishinoomote City Center
Scenes in the Film
The scenery of the city where Takaki lives is depicted, with the shopping district and port area featured.
Actual Location
The city center of Nishinoomote, the gateway to Tanegashima Island. There is a ferry terminal and shopping district.
Pilgrimage Tips
Explore the city while searching for buildings and scenery featured in the film. You can also purchase souvenirs unique to Tanegashima at local shops.
Kadokura Cape
Scenes in the Film
Located at the southernmost tip of Tanegashima, this cape may have influenced the landscape descriptions in the film.
Actual Location
- Address: Nishi, Minamikinko, Kumage, Kagoshima
- Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Tanegashima Airport
- Features: Tanegashima’s southernmost point with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean
Pilgrimage Tips
On clear days, you can see Yakushima Island. The view from the observation platform is spectacular, offering the kind of expansive sky and sea scenery typical of Makoto Shinkai works.
Recommended Holy Pilgrimage Routes
One-Day Course (Using Rental Car)
Morning
- 9:00 Arrive at Tanegashima Airport, pick up rental car
- 9:30 Enjoy coastal scenery at Urata Beach
- 10:30 Visit Tanegashima Space Center (Space Science and Technology Museum)
- 12:00 Lunch in Minamikinko
Afternoon
- 13:30 Visit Chikura no Iwaya
- 15:00 Enjoy the scenic views at Kadokura Cape
- 16:30 Around Tanegashima High School (exterior only)
- 17:30 Explore Nishinoomote city center
- 19:00 Dinner and accommodation
Two-Day Course (Thorough Pilgrimage)
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive in Nishinoomote, explore the city center
- Afternoon: Visit tourist sites in northern Tanegashima
- Evening: Enjoy the sunset at Urata Beach
Day 2
- Morning: Visit Tanegashima Space Center
- Afternoon: Visit southern sites including Chikura no Iwaya and Kadokura Cape
- Evening: Depart from Tanegashima Airport or Nishinoomote Port
Photography Tips and Etiquette
Photography Precautions
- No Trespassing on Private Property: Do not enter private property such as schools or homes without permission.
- Consideration for Local Residents: Avoid loud noise or blocking roads.
- Take All Trash Home: To preserve the beautiful nature of Tanegashima, always take trash home.
- Respect Restricted Areas: Never enter restricted areas such as Tanegashima Space Center.
Recommended Photography Equipment
- Wide-angle Lens: Ideal for photographing expansive sky and sea landscapes
- Tripod: Useful for photography during dusk
- PL Filter: Captures sea and sky colors more vividly
Tanegashima Cuisine and Accommodation Information
Local Tanegashima Specialties
Anan’no Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes native to Tanegashima. Roasted sweet potatoes and Anan’no sweets are recommended.
Flying Fish Dishes
Dishes made from flying fish caught in waters near Tanegashima. Sashimi and fried flying fish are delicious.
Tanegashima Brown Sugar
Brown sugar made using traditional methods is ideal as a souvenir.
Ingii Chicken
Tanegashima’s native free-range chicken with a distinctive rich flavor.
Accommodation Facilities
Tanegashima has various types of accommodations.
- Hotels and Inns: Several are located mainly in Nishinoomote City (approximately 7,000-15,000 yen per night)
- Minshuku (Family Inns): Enjoy meals made with local ingredients (approximately 6,000-10,000 yen per night with two meals)
- Guest Houses: Affordable lodging for backpackers (approximately 3,000-5,000 yen per night)
- Campgrounds: Recommended for those wanting to enjoy nature
During peak seasons (summer vacation, Golden Week, rocket launch periods), reservations are difficult to obtain, so early booking is recommended.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May)
- Weather: Mild and pleasant
- Advantages: Relatively few tourists, can enjoy pilgrimage leisurely
- Disadvantages: Ocean still cold for swimming
Summer (June-August)
- Weather: Hot with typhoon risk
- Advantages: Can enjoy ocean swimming, beautiful blue sky and sea
- Disadvantages: Many tourists, hard to make accommodation reservations
Fall (September-November)
- Weather: Pleasant with reduced typhoon risk
- Advantages: Best tourism season, ideal for landscape photography
- Disadvantages: Possible crowds during rocket launch periods
Winter (December-February)
- Weather: Warmer than mainland but sometimes windy
- Advantages: Few tourists, cheaper accommodations
- Disadvantages: Limited water activities
Best seasons are spring (April-May) and fall (October-November). The weather is mild and there are relatively few tourists, allowing you to enjoy holy pilgrimage leisurely.
Other Tourist Spots on Tanegashima
Here are other fascinating spots on Tanegashima to visit along with holy pilgrimage sites.
Teppo Museum
A museum where you can learn about the history of Tanegashima, where firearms were first introduced to Japan. Located in Nishinoomote city center with convenient access.
Mangrove Park
Tanegashima’s only mangrove forest offers canoe experiences.
Takesaki Coast
A beach featuring beautiful coral reefs and highly transparent seawater. Popular as a snorkeling spot.
Tanegashima Development General Center (Teppo Museum)
A facility where you can learn about Tanegashima’s history and culture, gaining detailed knowledge of the history of firearms transmission.
Holy Pilgrimage Preparation Checklist
Essential Items
- Driver’s license (if using rental car)
- Camera or smartphone
- Chargers and mobile battery
- Sunscreen and hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain gear (folding umbrella, etc.)
- Cash (many shops on the island accept only cash)
Useful Items to Have
- Film images and materials (for confirming photo spots)
- Binoculars (for observing rocket launch pads)
- Insect repellent (in summer)
- Swimsuit (if planning to swim)
- Cooler box (for keeping souvenirs cold)
Budget Estimate
For 1 Night, 2 Days (Per Person)
- Transportation: 30,000-50,000 yen (round-trip flights or high-speed ferry)
- Rental car: 8,000-10,000 yen (1 day)
- Accommodation: 7,000-15,000 yen (1 night)
- Food: 5,000-8,000 yen
- Sightseeing and other: 5,000-10,000 yen
Total: Approximately 55,000-93,000 yen
Costs can be reduced by using ferries or staying at minshuku (family inns).
The Appeal of Tanegashima Holy Pilgrimage
Visiting Tanegashima, the setting of “5 Centimeters per Second,” allows you to understand the work’s world view more deeply. By actually experiencing the beautiful sky, vast ocean, and the island landscape where rockets take off as depicted by director Makoto Shinkai, your appreciation for the work will deepen further.
Tanegashima is not merely a holy pilgrimage site but an island with abundant natural beauty, unique culture, and delicious cuisine. Even those not fans of the film can sufficiently enjoy it as a tourist destination.
Rewatching the film before visiting adds the joy of discovery, thinking “this scene was filmed here.” Re-watching the film after your visit will bring new emotional experiences.
Summary: Tips for a Successful Tanegashima Holy Pilgrimage
When visiting Tanegashima as a holy pilgrimage site for “5 Centimeters per Second,” keep the following points in mind.
- Don’t forget advance reservations: Book flights, ferries, rental cars, and accommodations early.
- Rental car use is recommended: Rental cars are the most convenient for getting around the island.
- Follow etiquette: Act with consideration for local residents and other tourists.
- Allow extra time: Being a remote island, consider potential weather-related transportation delays and plan a flexible schedule.
- Rewatch the film before visiting: Rewatching the movie beforehand deepens your enjoyment of the pilgrimage.
- Enjoy Tanegashima’s attractions: Beyond holy pilgrimage, savor the island’s unique nature and food culture.
A holy pilgrimage to Tanegashima is a precious experience immersing yourself in the film’s world while enjoying the island’s beautiful nature and unique culture. Use this article as a reference to plan a pilgrimage journey that becomes a lasting memory. Why not see the landscapes that Takaki Tono and Sumida Kanae witnessed through your own eyes?
