Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Otatsu Metatsu Rock, a black basalt formation.
Overall, the island is sparsely populated. Indeed, much of it seems wild and uninhabited.
Although sugar cane is grown, it's not densely cultivated as it is on so many islands in the Ry-
ukyus. Here, it seems more like an afterthought, just the occasional cane field here and there.
Although it may be technically correct to characterize Tanegashima as “flat,” that term
really doesn't fully describe the topography, for in many places it is moderately to quite hilly,
with most scenic ups and downs in all directions. In fact, the island's highest point is a not
too shabby 925 feet (282 meters) at Mt Tennyogakura (
天女ケ倉山
; Ten-nyo gakura-yama).
It's on the island's northeast side, about a 5-mile (8-kilometer) drive from Nishinoomote.
Tanegashima is a very pretty island to drive around. Moreover, it has a beautiful coast-
line—and a lot of it. Its shores vary considerably, from great black basalt rock formations,
as at Otatsu Metatsu Rock (
雄龍雌龍の岩
; Otatsu Metatsu no iwa; lit. “Male Dragon-Female
Dragon Rock”) along the central west coast to extremely fine white sand beaches found in
several places, but most famously along the full length of the island's southern coast. Along
the southeast shore, you'll find Chikura Caverns (
千座の岩屋
; Chikura no iwa ya), a group
of water-eroded caves on a white sand beach. The caves can be entered at low tide. There are
picnic tables and some foods stands here as well.
Most visitors will arrive by sea or by air, for there is an airport. By sea, and depending on
the season, there are 3-5 high-speed “Rocket” or “Toppy” jet hydrofoils per day. The less than
two-hour sailing originates in Kagoshima, but one or two per day continue over to nearby
Yakushima. Less expensive, but of course slower, the Cosmo Line runs the vehicle, freight and
passenger ferry “Princess Wakasa.” It's a beautiful ship and a comfortable sail, a little less than
four hours. Most of the year, service is daily except Sundays. In the busy summer season, it
runs every day.
