[Kagoshima] What is Inutabu Cape?｜A Spot Where the Battleship Yamato Memorial Tower Stands

We bring you information about Inutabu Cape (Inutabu Misaki).

Located on Tokunoshima Island in the Amami Archipelago of Kagoshima Prefecture, Inutabu Cape is a scenic tourist spot with breathtaking views. Additionally, it is believed to be the closest land to the site where the famous battleship Yamato sank, and thus, the Battleship Yamato Memorial Monument stands here.

There’s also a café called "Tokunoshima Coffee Shop: Café Coffee Smile". If you're visiting Tokunoshima, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to try the locally produced "Tokunoshima Coffee".

This article explains the must-see attractions of Inutabu Cape on Tokunoshima and provides information on access via rental cars or local buses. Be sure to check it out.

What is Inutabu Cape?

Inutabu Cape is located on Tokunoshima Island, about 460 km from Kagoshima City in Kagoshima Prefecture. Tokunoshima consists of three towns (Tokunoshima Town, Amagi Town, and Isen Town), and this cape is situated in the southern town of Isen.

Isen Town is also known for once being recognized by the Guinness World Records® as the birthplace of the "World's Oldest Person."

This place has a deep connection with the battleship Yamato, which sank on April 7, 1945. There is a memorial monument and a song monument for the song "Ah, Inutabu Cape" as seen in the top image.

On April 7, the day the battleship sank, bereaved families and various related individuals visit Inutabu Cape to pay their respects and remember the victims.

Although it is somewhat distant from Tokunoshima Airport, Kametoku Port, and
Hetono Port, the gateways to Tokunoshima, Inutabu Cape remains a must-visit tourist spot.

The Connection Between Inutabu Cape and the Battleship Yamato

The reason Inutabu Cape is deeply connected to the battleship Yamato is that survivors of the battleship testified that "the Yamato sank west of Tokunoshima." Because of this, Inutabu Cape was long believed to be the closest land to the sinking site of the Yamato.

Later investigations revealed that the Yamato actually sank further north than initially thought, at latitude 30°43′N and longitude 128°04′E. The accurate sinking location is more appropriately described as "off Makurazaki" rather than "off Inutabu Cape."

◆ Battleship Yamato Memorial Tower

The "Battleship Yamato Memorial Tower" was erected in 1968 (Showa 43) to preserve the memory of the 3,056 crew members, including Captain Kosaku Aruga, who perished when the battleship Yamato sank on April 7, 1945.

This distinctive design, inspired by the gesture of "praying hands," was created by Shinya Nakamura, a renowned sculptor representing Kagoshima.

Recently, due to deterioration, the town of Isen raised funds through crowdfunding, and as of April 2024, the "Battleship Yamato Memorial Tower" is undergoing restoration work.

Tourism, written as "to see the light," is typically about viewing the "light," but this site is more suitable for "dark tourism," where visitors reflect on the "shadows" of history.

◆ The Cliffs Seen from Inutabu Cape

Another recommended sightseeing point is the cliffs on the northern slope! Many tourists visit to witness the breathtaking scenery of the rough waves of the East China Sea crashing against the cliffs.

Be sure to climb the two-story observation deck and fully enjoy the spectacular views.

After Visiting Inutabu Cape... Enjoy Tokunoshima Coffee

After sightseeing at Inutabu Cape, why not try the rare Tokunoshima coffee? At "Coffee Smile" near Inutabu Cape, you can enjoy Tokunoshima coffee. This coffee is a masterpiece meticulously refined by the plantation's owner, who passed away in 2023.

Now, his wife has taken over and continues the business. The café is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays for plantation work and operates only on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

This coffee is naturally low in bitterness, but pairing it with the brown sugar served alongside allows you to enjoy it black with a light and smooth taste.

◆ Battleship Yamato Exhibition Room Also Available

Next to Coffee Smile, there is a large-scale model of the battleship Yamato and a wealth of materials related to it. For military enthusiasts, this alone makes the visit worthwhile. Be sure to enjoy it to your heart's content.

How to Access the Inutabu Cape? A Guide from the Nearest Bus Stop

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Using a rental car is convenient for visiting Inutabu Cape. It is approximately 20 km from Tokunoshima Airport and about 20 km from Kametoku Port.
Next, let’s explain access via local buses.

◆ Access by Local Bus

If you’re taking a local bus, board the bus bound for Hetono via Inutabu from either "Kametoku Shin Port," near Kametoku Port, or "Kamezu," the central area of Tokunoshima Town. There are 5–6 buses per day, but only 2 of them end at Inutabu.
You might mistake the "Inutabu" bus stop as the nearest stop to Inutabu Cape, but the closest stop is actually the "Cape Entrance" (Misaki Iriguchi) bus stop, which is two stops before Inutabu when coming from Kamezu.

If traveling from the airport, transfer at the Hetono bus stop to head toward the Cape Entrance bus stop. Be aware that there are only 3–4 buses per day from Hetono, so plan accordingly.

Since this bus stop isn’t listed on the official route maps or timetables (external site), it’s a good idea to inform the driver when boarding that you’re visiting Inutabu Cape.

◆ The Journey from the Bus Stop to Inutabu Cape

From the Cape Entrance bus stop, it’s about a 2.7 km walk. The scenic single road you’ll follow passes through a picturesque landscape where cows are raised, making the views of the sea and grasslands along the way part of the sightseeing experience.

On the way, you’ll find the "Inutabu Riot Memorial," which commemorates a farmers' uprising against heavy taxes on sugarcane. For a break, you can stop at "Iwai Shop," which sells drinks, snacks, and light refreshments.

Additionally, there are two cafés along the route from the Cape Entrance bus stop to Inutabu Cape. These are perfect for a rest when you’re tired or while waiting for the return bus after your visit.

Once you spot the two-story observation deck, you’ve reached your destination.

Access to Tokunoshima: Flights and Ferries from Osaka/Itami Also Available

The Battleship Yamato Memorial Tower stands as a symbol conveying the horrors of war to this day and continues to pray for peace from this land, now and in the future.

Tokunoshima, home to fascinating tourist attractions like Inutabu Cape, can be accessed by both flights and ferries.

Flights primarily operate from Kagoshima and Amami Oshima, but for two days during Obon (August 10 and 18 in 2024), direct flights from Osaka/Itami Airport are available. (You can purchase tickets for flights from Itami to Tokunoshima here.)

Additionally, two ferry companies, Marix Line and Maru-A Ferry, connect Kagoshima and Naha, alternating stops at Tokunoshima/Kametoku Port. Traveling leisurely by ferry over peaceful seas is another delightful way to experience the journey.

Why not plan a trip to Tokunoshima and visit Inutabu Cape on your next vacation?

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[Kagoshima] What is Inutabu Cape?｜A Spot Where the Battleship Yamato Memorial Tower Stands