this post was submitted on 29 Jan 2026
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[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago (2 children)

I want to get down to see a launch one of these days

If you do, would you be willing to share your experience with the community? Coincidentally, I happened to be in Japan during this launch, but decided against trying to make it all the way down to Tanegashima. I did see the JAXA facilities in Tsukuba though, which were pretty cool.

Definitely interested in trying to see a launch next time I'm in Japan though.

[–] ludu@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

I'm in Japan, so I've looked at the logistic to go to Tanegashima Space Center. From Tokyo, it's like a big plane to Kagoshima, then a small plane to the island, and then a bus (if you're lucky) or an expensive taxi I guess. Of course, you could also take a ferry with a car from Kagoshima.
The problem isn't transportation, it's the fact that the best (and arguably only "worth the effort") viewing spot is a park whose access is restricted to only a few hundred people during launch… and as usual for limited things in Japan, it's a lottery system. :(

[–] tiredofsametab@fedia.io 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Oof. I wonder if chartering a boat might be easier. I knew I should've gotten my boat license before I moved to the middle of nowhere, heh.

Some useful links digging a bit (google translate should mostly get you there if needed)

The exclusion zone doesn't look too terribly big (though is cut off). I'll have to poke at that a bit more.

[–] ludu@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago

I wouldn't know, haven't looked at the exclusion zone, but it's an idea.

[–] tiredofsametab@fedia.io 2 points 1 week ago

If I ever get around to it, I would absolutely be willing to share. I need to go to the tsukuba place. There are some facilities in tohoku as well, but I've never made it.