Top 10 Tourist Spots in the Ōsumi Peninsula! A Journey to Visit the ‘Segodon’ Waterfall and Rocket Launch Site

Which peninsula is the Ōsumi Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture? That’s right! It’s the larger one on the right, where Sakurajima is connected to the mainland. The Ōsumi Peninsula is located at the southernmost part of Kagoshima Prefecture, with the Pacific Ocean on its east coast and Kagoshima Bay on its west coast. The charm of the Ōsumi Peninsula lies in its rich natural beauty, including flowers, autumn leaves, and waterfalls. The breathtaking waterfall featured in the opening of the historical drama Segodon is also here. There are many sightseeing spots such as scenic capes and observation decks, and you can’t miss the Uchinoura Space Center, where asteroid explorer Hayabusa was launched! You can also enjoy activities in the valleys. With its variety of attractions, the Ōsumi Peninsula is the perfect place for a refreshing trip!

1. Uchinoura Space Center

The Uchinoura Space Center, where the asteroid explorer Hayabusa completed its mission despite numerous challenges, is a must-visit tourist spot in the Ōsumi Peninsula. This facility has launched various space missions, including the solid-fuel Epsilon rocket and satellites such as Ōsumi. Here, you can see real rocket launch pads and massive parabolic antennas up close—just like in the news!
The Uchinoura Space Center is one of JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) leading rocket launch facilities, alongside the Tanegashima Space Center. It has an impressive track record of launching over 400 rockets, 30 satellites, and space probes. The name Ōsumi for the first Japanese satellite was inspired by the Ōsumi Peninsula.

After obtaining a visitor permit and a map at the entrance security office, you can freely explore the area by car. You’ll get to see full-scale rockets, a large rocket launch site, an observation rocket launch site, a control center, and a massive 34-meter parabolic antenna right before your eyes! Even adults will find themselves thrilled and amazed. Don’t forget to visit the Space Science Museum, which showcases space technology, and the Eiseigaoka Observatory, which offers a panoramic view of the entire facility. Surprisingly, all these attractions are free of charge!
Uchinoura Space Center is located in the eastern part of the Ōsumi Peninsula, about an hour’s drive from the Kasanohara IC on the Ōsumi Longitudinal Road. Why not visit this fascinating site that brings the dream of space exploration to life?

2. Kamikawa Otaki Park

Kamikawa Otaki, the largest waterfall in the Kamikawa River in Nishikō Town, is located about 4 km upstream from the river mouth. The surrounding area has been developed into Kamikawa Otaki Park, featuring parking areas, a restaurant called Otaki no Chaya, and a forest plaza.
You might think the waterfall near the parking area is Kamikawa Otaki, but that’s actually Kamikawa Kotaki, the smaller waterfall. Despite being called small, it’s still an impressive waterfall where children can safely play in the water. Across the Fureai Bridge on the opposite side, there’s a forest plaza with playground equipment.
For lunch or a break, Otaki no Chaya offers delicious dishes featuring hiramasa (yellowtail amberjack) from Nishikō Town, and in summer, its nagashi somen (flowing somen noodles) is especially popular. Now, if you go a little further upstream, past the large suspension bridge, you’ll reach Kamikawa Otaki—a grand waterfall selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. With a height of about 25 meters and a width of 35 meters, it has a powerful water flow that creates a misty spray when you get close!
The towering suspension bridge above is Ōtakibashi, which is 25 meters high and 130 meters long. You can reach it either by climbing stairs from Kamikawa Kotaki or by car. The view from the bridge is breathtaking!

3. Cape Sata

Cape Sata, located at the southernmost tip of the Osumi Peninsula, is also the southernmost point of mainland Japan. About 600 meters north of the cape, the 31st parallel north passes through—placing it at the same latitude as Cairo, Egypt.
Facing both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, Cape Sata offers spectacular views of Tanegashima, Yakushima, and Satsuma Iwojima. Several islands and reefs lie off the cape, the largest of which is Oowajima Island. Atop the island’s cliffs stands the white Cape Sata Lighthouse, selected as one of Japan’s Top 50 Lighthouses, adding to the breathtaking scenery.
The Cape Sata Observatory Park underwent renovations in March 2019, improving facilities such as souvenir shops and an information center. Upon arriving at the Sata Cape Road Park's first parking lot, you’ll be greeted by a large banyan tree. From there, a scenic 800-meter walking trail leads through a tunnel to the observatory plaza.
At the observatory, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the cobalt blue sea, surrounded by tropical plants like hibiscus and bougainvillea, creating a truly exotic atmosphere.
Note: Due to heavy rainfall on July 8, 2019, part of the walking path to the Cape Sata Observatory collapsed. However, a temporary walkway has since been built and is currently open to visitors.

4. Sarugajo Gorge & Mori no Eki Tarumizu

Located in Tarumizu City in the western Osumi Peninsula, Sarugajo Gorge is a nature-rich canyon formed by the upper reaches of the Honjogawa River. The area offers thrilling outdoor activities such as canyoning. Along the walking trails, you’ll encounter scenic spots like the "Three Sisters Waterfall," the 4-meter-deep Hajirai Waterfall, and the unique "Porcelain Floor", a massive single rock formation.
At the lower end of the gorge, "Mori no Eki Tarumizu" serves as a base for exploring the area. From July to September, visitors can try canyoning, a natural waterslide adventure, and shower climbing, where you hike along giant granite rocks and wade through crystal-clear streams.
For thrill-seekers, the zipline adventure is a must-try! Families with children can enjoy the "Fluffy Dome", a new-generation trampoline, the first of its kind on the Osumi Peninsula. Other hands-on activities include baumkuchen (layered cake) baking, rainbow trout fishing, and hiking in the Takakuma Mountain Range.
For those wanting an overnight stay, Mori no Eki Tarumizu offers 8 spacious and well-maintained cottages, each accommodating up to 10 people, as well as an auto camping site for a relaxing retreat in nature. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Tarumizu, Sarugajo Gorge is a perfect getaway to experience the beauty of the outdoors.

5. Tarumizu Senbon Ginkgo Garden

From late November to early December, the Tarumizu Senbon Ginkgo Garden transforms into a golden wonderland, with stunning ginkgo tunnels and a ginkgo carpet covering the ground. This breathtaking autumn landscape won the first-ever Kagoshima Scenic Award and is one of the most famous attractions on the Osumi Peninsula.
Surprisingly, this ginkgo garden is privately owned. The landowners, a husband and wife, began planting ginkgo trees in 1978 on what was once barren land. Today, the garden boasts around 1,200 ginkgo trees. Despite being privately owned, it is open to visitors for free and is affectionately called the "Tarumizu Senbon Ginkgo" (Thousand Ginkgo Trees of Tarumizu).
Covering approximately 4.5 hectares, the garden is divided into three sections:
Block A: Easily accessible and close to the parking lot
Block B: The main area with the largest number of trees
Block C: A steeper slope, but offers a fantastic panoramic view
From the higher ground, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Tarumizu City, Sakurajima, and even Kaimondake.
During peak season, the garden is illuminated until around 9 PM, creating a magical nighttime scene. Located just a 5-minute drive from central Tarumizu, it’s a must-visit spot in autumn. Before you go, be sure to check the website for updates on the foliage conditions and plan your visit accordingly.

6. Roadside Station Tarumizu "Yuttarikan"

Located about 20 minutes from Tarumizu Port, along National Route 220, Roadside Station Tarumizu Yuttarikan offers both stunning views of Sakurajima and Kirishima Mountain Range and a relaxing natural hot spring experience.
One of its main attractions is the 60-meter-long foot bath, which is free to use. While soaking your feet, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and Sakurajima—a perfect rest stop during a drive through the Osumi Peninsula.
The facility also features a natural hot spring known for its excellent heat retention and moisturizing effects. The open-air bath and indoor bath both offer a magnificent view of Sakurajima. There’s also a mist sauna and walking bath, with complimentary body soap, shampoo, and conditioner. The baths are open from 1 PM to around 9 PM, making them a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing or driving.
At the station’s restaurant, visitors can enjoy dishes made with locally sourced seafood and Miyu-ton, a special breed of pork raised on hot spring water. A variety of soft-serve ice creams are also available, including the unique Tarumizu Loquat flavor.
The marketplace sells locally branded seafood such as "Buri Taisho" yellowtail and "Umi no Oukan" amberjack, as well as fresh loquats and other regional specialties.

7. Kihoku Tenkyukan (Kihoku Celestial Observatory)

Resembling Howl’s Moving Castle with its unique architectural design, Kihoku Tenkyukan (Kihoku Celestial Observatory) is a facility where visitors can learn about and observe celestial bodies. Designed by Kagoshima-born architect Shoji Takasaki, who took inspiration from outer space, this building won the Japan Institute of Architects Newcomer Award.
The four-story, reinforced concrete structure features:
1st floor: A multipurpose space called "Chi no Za" (Earth’s Seat), inspired by mountains and rivers
2nd floor: A space called "Zero no Kukan" (Zero Space), representing outer space
3rd floor: An exhibition hall with photos of planets, nebulae, and star clusters, along with space-related panels
4th floor: A 65cm Cassegrain reflector telescope, capable of observing first-magnitude stars even in daylight
Kihoku Tenkyukan is located within Kihoku Uwaba Park, which features an athletic playground popular with children, a healing forest for nature walks, a wind turbine for power generation, and a small shop. The highland park sits at over 500 meters in elevation, offering 360-degree panoramic views of Sakurajima to the west, Kirishima to the north, Shibushi Bay to the east, and the Takakuma Mountain Range to the south.
For those who want to fully immerse in nature, the park offers star-shaped bungalows and two-story lodges, making it a great place to stay overnight and enjoy the stunning night sky.
Located in the northwestern Osumi Peninsula, the observatory is about 40 minutes from Kokubu IC on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway or just 10 minutes by car from central Kanoya City.

8. Kirishimagaoka Park & Kanoya Rose Garden

Kirishimagaoka Park is a free-entry tourist park where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers such as poppies, sunflowers, and cosmos. Located in western Osumi Peninsula, about 30 minutes by car from Kanoya City, this scenic park is especially breathtaking in late autumn, when about one million cosmos flowers bloom, forming a cosmos maze.
Since the park is situated on hilly terrain, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the observatory deck. The park also features a go-kart track, a campground, bungalows, cabins, a picnic area, a fountain plaza, and a flying disc golf course, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities and a full-day adventure.
Located within Kirishimagaoka Park, the Kanoya Rose

Garden is Japan’s largest rose garden by area. It hosts Rose Festivals in spring and autumn, as well as illuminations in summer and winter. Various events are also held throughout the year. Before visiting, check the official website for blooming updates.
On September 8, 2019, admission is free, so take this chance to visit!

9. Panorama Park Nishiharadai

Located at an altitude of 439 meters, Panorama Park Nishiharadai is a scenic observation deck in southwestern Osumi Peninsula. From here, you can enjoy a stunning view of Kinko Bay with Mount Kaimondake directly in front. To the north, you can see Sakurajima, while to the south, the view extends to Cape Sata and Yakushima. Looking east, the Takakuma mountain range and Shibushi Bay complete the breathtaking 360-degree panorama.
The park features an observation deck, tables, and benches, making it an ideal spot to relax while enjoying the spectacular scenery. In autumn, the area around the observation deck turns vibrant red with salvia flowers, creating a picturesque landscape.
Panorama Park Nishiharadai is also a popular paragliding spot. On days with favorable wind conditions, the sky is filled with paragliders soaring over the scenic views, making it a favorite destination for paragliding enthusiasts.

10. Ogawa Falls

Ogawa Falls is a graceful and stunning waterfall located in the upper reaches of the Ogawa Valley, in the central-western Osumi Peninsula. It gained nationwide recognition after appearing in the opening sequence of the historical drama “Segodon”.
The waterfall is about 60 meters wide, forming an impressive arch-shaped cascade. Water plunges from a 46-meter-high cliff, with underground spring water gushing from the cracks in the rock wall, creating a crystal-clear waterfall basin that captivates visitors with its serene beauty.
From the parking lot with a rest area, a well-maintained tourist trail (approximately 1 km long) leads to the waterfall basin. A 10-minute walk will bring you to Takimibashi Bridge, which marks the halfway point. After passing a resting area, you will reach the end of the trail, where Ogawa Falls awaits.
Usually, the waterfall has a gentle water flow, and the pool beneath it shimmers in mesmerizing emerald green and cobalt blue hues under the sunlight. However, after heavy rainfall or during water releases from the upstream hydroelectric plant, the waterfall transforms into a powerful and dynamic sight.
The sound of the flowing stream, the cool mist in the air, and the negative ions from the falls make Ogawa Falls a perfect place for a refreshing nature walk. This hidden gem in Osumi Peninsula is beautiful in all four seasons—why not visit and experience its natural charm?

◎ Access Information & Tips for Touring the Osumi Peninsula

If you’re planning to explore the vast and nature-rich Osumi Peninsula, renting a car is highly recommended. By car, it takes about 1 hour to travel from Kagoshima Airport to Kasanohara IC on the Osumi Jukan Road.
For those traveling by sea, the ferry “Sunflower” operates between Osaka Nanko and Shibushi Port, making it a convenient option. If you’re coming from Satsuma Peninsula to Osumi Peninsula, ferries operate between the following routes:
Kagoshima Port – Sakurajima Port
Konoike Port – Tarumizu Port
Yamakawa Port – Nejime Port
We’ve introduced 10 carefully selected must-visit attractions in Osumi Peninsula—did it make you feel a little more familiar with this beautiful region? Whether you prefer a scenic drive, exciting outdoor activities, or a relaxing stay at an onsen or cottage, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your trip in Osumi Peninsula. Choose your own travel style and make the most of your adventure!

Search

Customer Support

Top 10 Tourist Spots in the Ōsumi Peninsula! A Journey to Visit the ‘Segodon’ Waterfall and Rocket Launch Site