5 Centimeters per Second Kagoshima Prefecture Sacred Site Pilgrimage Complete Guide: A Journey Through Tanegashima Filming Locations
The masterpiece animated film “5 Centimeters per Second” directed by Makoto Shinkai has captivated many fans with its beautiful landscape depictions and poignant coming-of-age story. The setting for the second episode, “Cosmonaut,” is Tanegashima in Kagoshima Prefecture. In this article, we introduce the sacred site pilgrimage spots featured in the work in detail and provide practical information for those planning to visit.
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 connected short stories. The second episode, “Cosmonaut,” is set on Tanegashima in Kagoshima Prefecture, depicting the high school years of the protagonist Takaki Tohno and Sumita Kanade.
Tanegashima is an island located south of Kagoshima Prefecture and is known for being home to the Tanegashima Space Center. Director Makoto Shinkai actually visited Tanegashima and conducted meticulous research, reflecting the island’s beautiful scenery and unique atmosphere in the work. In the film, actual locations such as Tanegashima’s coastline, schools, and rocket launch sites are faithfully depicted and have become popular sacred site pilgrimage destinations for fans.
How to Access Tanegashima
Before beginning your sacred site pilgrimage, let’s confirm how to get to Tanegashima. Since Tanegashima is an island, you need to access it by airplane or ferry.
Access by Airplane
From Kagoshima Airport to Tanegashima Airport
- Travel time: Approximately 35 minutes
- Operating company: Japan Air Commuter (JAC)
- Frequency: Approximately 3-4 flights daily
- Fare: Approximately 15,000 yen to 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)
- Frequency: Approximately 1 flight daily
- Fare: Approximately 25,000 yen to 35,000 yen one way
Access by Ferry
From Kagoshima Main 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 Transportation
- Frequency: Approximately 2-3 ferries daily
- Fare: High-speed ferry 7,700 yen, ferry approximately 5,200 yen (second class)
Ferries allow you to bring your own vehicle, making it recommended for those who want to move freely around the island. However, reservations can be difficult to obtain during peak seasons, so early booking is advised.
Transportation Within Tanegashima
Tanegashima is a narrow island approximately 58 km from north to south and 5-12 km from east to west. Since sacred site pilgrimage spots are scattered throughout the island, securing an efficient means of transportation is important.
Rental Car (Most Recommended)
Rental car companies are available near Tanegashima Airport and Nishinoomote Port. Since public transportation is limited, a rental car is the most convenient option for sacred site pilgrimages. You can rent one for approximately 5,000 yen to 8,000 yen per day. Early reservation is strongly recommended.
Rental Bicycles and Rental Motorcycles
For those with confidence in their physical fitness or who want to enjoy the island’s scenery at a leisurely pace, rental bicycles and rental motorcycles are also recommended. However, since the travel distances within the island are long, multiple days are required to visit all the spots.
Local Buses
Route buses are operated by Tanegashima Transportation, but with few departures, they are not suitable for sacred site pilgrimages. You need to check the schedule in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Taxis
Taxi companies are available on the island, but with limited numbers of vehicles, advance booking is recommended. Some companies offer sightseeing taxi plans.
Details of Major Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
Tanegashima Space Center
Appearance in the Work
The rocket launch site that appears in important scenes of the film. It is depicted as the background in scenes where Kanade looks up at a rocket launch and in conversations between Takaki and Kanade.
Actual Location
- Address: Kukie, Asama, Shimane, Minamitanegashima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Viewing: The Space Science and Technology Museum is available for free viewing (9:30-17:00, closed Mondays)
- Features: Japan’s largest rocket launch site where actual H-IIA rockets and others are launched
Pilgrimage Points
From the observation deck of the Space Center, you can see the launch pads that appear in the film. If you’re lucky, you might witness an actual rocket launch. Launch schedules can be confirmed on JAXA’s official website.
Tanegashima High School (Model School)
Appearance in the Work
This is considered the model for the high school that Takaki and Kanade attend. The school building’s exterior, gates, and the views from classrooms appear in the work.
Actual Location
Kagoshima Prefectural Tanegashima High School is considered the model, but as it is an educational facility, entry to the school grounds is not permitted.
Pilgrimage Points
You should limit yourself to viewing the exterior from public roads, and be considerate so as not to bother students and staff. Visit outside of class hours and commute times.
Urata Beach
Appearance in the Work
This is considered the model for the beach scene where Takaki and Kanade converse during dusk. The scene featuring the beautiful sunset and calm sound of waves was impressive.
Actual Location
- Address: Kukie, Minamitanegashima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Tanegashima Airport
- Features: A beautiful beach with white sand and highly transparent ocean water
Pilgrimage Points
Visiting in the evening allows you to recreate the film’s scenes. The time when the sun sets over the ocean is an ideal photography moment. During summer, the beach is crowded with swimmers, so if you want to enjoy a quieter atmosphere, spring and autumn are recommended.
Chikura no Iwaya (Chikura Cave)
Appearance in the Work
This location may appear in the work as a distinctive coastal landscape of Tanegashima.
Actual Location
- Address: Hirayama Hamada, Minamitanegashima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Tanegashima Airport
- Features: A mysterious cave created by wave erosion where seawater enters during high tide
Pilgrimage Points
You can enter the interior of the cave if you visit during low tide. Be sure to check tide times beforehand. The rocks are slippery, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended.
Nishinoomote City Center
Appearance in the Work
The landscape of the city where Takaki lives is depicted, including the shopping street and port areas.
Actual Location
The city center of Nishinoomote City, the gateway to Tanegashima. There is a ferry terminal and shopping streets here.
Pilgrimage Points
As you stroll through the city center, look for buildings and scenery that appear in the work. The local shopping streets offer souvenirs unique to Tanegashima.
Kadokura Cape
Appearance in the Work
Located at the southern tip of Tanegashima, this cape may have influenced the landscape depictions in the work.
Actual Location
- Address: Nishi, Minamitanegashima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Tanegashima Airport
- Features: The southern tip of Tanegashima where expansive views of the Pacific Ocean stretch out
Pilgrimage Points
On clear days, you can see Yakushima. The view from the observation deck is spectacular, allowing you to experience the vast sky and ocean scenery characteristic of Makoto Shinkai’s works.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
1-Day Course (Using a Rental Car)
Morning
- 9:00 Arrive at Tanegashima Airport and 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 Minamitanegashima-cho
Afternoon
- 13:30 Visit Chikura no Iwaya
- 15:00 Enjoy spectacular views at Kadokura Cape
- 16:30 Visit area around Tanegashima High School (exterior only)
- 17:30 Stroll through Nishinoomote city center
- 19:00 Dinner and accommodation
2-Day Course (Leisurely Pilgrimage)
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive in Nishinoomote and explore the city center
- Afternoon: Tour sightseeing spots in the northern part of Tanegashima
- Evening: Watch the sunset at Urata Beach
Day 2
- Morning: Visit Tanegashima Space Center
- Afternoon: Tour southern spots including Chikura no Iwaya and Kadokura Cape
- Evening: Depart from Tanegashima Airport or Nishinoomote Port
Photography Tips and Etiquette
Photography Considerations
- No trespassing on private property: Do not enter schools, residences, or other private property without permission.
- Consideration for local residents: Avoid making loud noises or blocking roads.
- Take trash with you: To preserve the beautiful nature of Tanegashima, always take your garbage with you.
- Respect restricted areas: Never enter restricted areas such as the Tanegashima Space Center.
Recommended Photography Equipment
- Wide-angle lens: Ideal for photographing expansive sky and ocean scenery
- Tripod: Convenient for photography during dusk
- Polarizing filter: Captures the colors of the ocean and sky more vividly
Tanegashima Cuisine and Accommodation Information
Tanegashima’s Famous Foods
Anno Potatoes
Sweet potatoes that are a specialty of Tanegashima. Roasted sweet potatoes and anno potato sweets are recommended.
Flying Fish Dishes
Dishes made from flying fish caught in waters near Tanegashima. Sashimi and fried flying fish are exquisite.
Tanegashima Brown Sugar
Brown sugar made by traditional methods is also perfect as a souvenir.
Ingii Chicken
A local breed of chicken native to Tanegashima with a distinctive savory flavor.
Accommodation Facilities
Tanegashima has various types of accommodation options.
- Hotels and Inns: Several are located mainly in Nishinoomote City (approximately 7,000 yen to 15,000 yen per night)
- Minshuku (Guesthouses): Enjoy cuisine made with local ingredients (approximately 6,000 yen to 10,000 yen per night with two meals)
- Guest Houses: Affordable options for backpackers (approximately 3,000 yen to 5,000 yen per night)
- Camping Sites: Recommended for those who want to experience nature
During peak seasons (summer vacation, Golden Week, rocket launch periods), reservations are difficult to obtain, so early booking is advised.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Mild and comfortable
- Advantages: Relatively few tourists, allowing leisurely pilgrimage
- Disadvantages: Ocean water still cold for swimming
Summer (June to August)
- Weather: Hot with typhoon risks
- Advantages: Ocean swimming possible, beautiful blue skies and sea
- Disadvantages: Many tourists, difficult to get accommodation reservations
Autumn (September to November)
- Weather: Comfortable with reduced typhoon risk
- Advantages: Best season for tourism, ideal for landscape photography
- Disadvantages: Potential crowds during rocket launch periods
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Warmer than mainland but windy on some days
- Advantages: Few tourists, lower accommodation costs
- Disadvantages: Limited ocean activities
Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are recommended. The weather is pleasant, tourist numbers are relatively low, and you can enjoy your sacred site pilgrimage at a leisurely pace.
Other Tourist Attractions on Tanegashima
We introduce attractive spots on Tanegashima to visit along with your sacred site pilgrimage.
Teppo Museum
A museum where you can learn about the history of Tanegashima, where firearms were first introduced to Japan. Located in central Nishinoomote City with convenient access.
Mangrove Park
Tanegashima’s only mangrove forest where you can also experience canoeing.
Takesaki Beach
A beautiful beach featuring coral reefs and highly transparent ocean water. Also popular as a snorkeling spot.
Tanegashima Development Comprehensive Center (Teppo Museum)
A facility where you can learn about the history and culture of Tanegashima and understand the history of firearms transmission in detail.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Preparation Checklist
Essential Items
- Driver’s license (if using a rental car)
- Camera/smartphone
- Chargers/mobile battery
- Sunscreen and hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain gear (folding umbrella, etc.)
- Cash (some shops on the island accept cash only)
Convenient Items to Have
- Images or materials from the work (for confirming photography points)
- Binoculars (for observing rocket launch pads)
- Insect repellent spray (summer)
- Swimwear (if enjoying ocean swimming)
- Cooler box (for keeping souvenirs cool)
Budget Estimate
For a 1-Night, 2-Day Trip (Per Person)
- Transportation: 30,000 yen to 50,000 yen (round-trip airplane or high-speed ferry tickets)
- Rental car: 8,000 yen to 10,000 yen (1 day)
- Accommodation: 7,000 yen to 15,000 yen (1 night)
- Food: 5,000 yen to 8,000 yen
- Sightseeing and other expenses: 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen
Total: Approximately 55,000 yen to 93,000 yen
You can reduce costs by using the ferry or staying at a minshuku.
The Appeal of Tanegashima’s Sacred Site Pilgrimage
By visiting Tanegashima, the setting of “5 Centimeters per Second,” you can gain a deeper understanding of the work’s worldview. By actually experiencing the beautiful sky, vast ocean, and landscape of the island from which rockets take off as depicted by Director Makoto Shinkai, your affection for the work will deepen further.
Tanegashima is not merely a sacred site pilgrimage destination but an island with many attractions including rich nature, unique culture, and delicious food. Even those who are not fans of the film will find plenty to enjoy.
Rewatching the film before your visit and then exploring the actual locations will reveal new discoveries about the filming sites. Viewing the work again after your visit will provide new emotional experiences.
Summary: How to Make Your Tanegashima Sacred Site Pilgrimage a Success
When visiting Tanegashima as a sacred site pilgrimage for “5 Centimeters per Second,” keep the following points in mind:
- Don’t forget advance reservations: Book airline tickets, ferries, rental cars, and accommodation early.
- Rental car recommended: A rental car is the most convenient way to get around the island.
- Observe proper etiquette: Be considerate of local residents and other tourists and conduct yourself appropriately.
- Allow extra time: Since it’s an island, allow extra time in your schedule to account for potential transportation delays due to weather.
- Rewatch the film before visiting: Reviewing the movie beforehand will allow you to enjoy the sacred site pilgrimage more deeply.
- Enjoy Tanegashima’s appeal: In addition to sacred site pilgrimages, fully enjoy Tanegashima’s unique nature and food culture.
The sacred site pilgrimage to Tanegashima is a valuable experience where you can immerse yourself in the film’s world while enjoying beautiful nature and unique culture. Use this article as a reference to plan a memorable pilgrimage trip. Why not see the scenery that Takaki Tohno and Sumita Kanade witnessed with your own eyes?
