Kakuda Space Center

Welcome to Miyagi's Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Justin Velgus Jan 31, 2014 - 1 min read

Children had lots of fun building their own water-powered rockets and then shooting them into the heavens...until half of them returned to earth and smashed into pieces.

This is where the shuttle bus from the station will drop you off.

Outside one of the main two buildings guests are allowed to enter during the open house.

A table of space food for the Japanese appetite: wasabi, mayonnaise, and curry.

A bit of history on the place in Japanese. Also it features nice aerial views of the center.

A rocket ship provides a great backdrop for photos.

A video monitor along with nearby cases exhibit information on engine design and development.

My lunch was out of this world (I couldn't resist). A space version of bread, cake, rice, and takoyaki are given out as free samples during open house visits and are also sold at the gift shop.

Rocket and satellite models are found all around the center--even outside!

A map showing other JAXA centers around the country.

What's this? Come here and find out for yourself!

Kakuda Space Center is located in Miyagi Prefecture. It is an actual JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) facility which researches how to take humans and technology into the depths of space. Also on weekdays it displays public exhibitions of rockets and engine parts. The best time to go is during their biannual open houses during Science Week in April and around Space Day on September 12. During this time additional research facilities are opened, tours are given, and you can participate in activities such as sampling space food or building a water rocket. Enjoy the pictures from a previous open house.

More information can be found on their English website: https://global.jaxa.jp/about/centers/kspc/index.html

Justin Velgus @justin.velgus

Justin Velgus (ジャスティンベルガス) is the Miyagi Prefecture expert for Japan Travel and a long-term contributor since 2012 with a focus on the Tohoku region. Justin has written extensively for JT, and other publications such as VisitMiyagi and Sake Today, amassing over 350 published articles...