Japan · Public viewing: Limited · 1 spot, last verified 2026-10-02.
Uchinoura, in southern Kagoshima, is where JAXA launches small Epsilon rockets and sounding rockets. It is a rural, mountainous coast. Most launches are watched on the livestream, with one controlled viewing site that opens for some launches.
Public viewing at Uchinoura, Japan
Public viewing: LimitedViewing needs registration, a ticket, an organised tour, or is limited to a few specific spots.
JAXA's Uchinoura centre is closed to visitors on launch days. For Epsilon launches, one viewing site about 3 km south of the centre has a direct view of the launcher, normally locked and opened by paid advance registration set by Kimotsuki Town.
JAXA's page says the centre cannot be visited on launch days, so launches cannot be watched from inside.
The town's tourism office says the IHI Space Port Uchinoura (Miyabaru rocket viewing site), about 3 km south of the centre along Route 448, is the only site with a direct view of the Epsilon launcher, is normally locked, and in past years entry for Epsilon launches was by paid advance application announced by Kimotsuki Town once the date is set.
JAXA posted a notice about visitor restrictions at Uchinoura for October 2026; read it before planning.
If you cannot be there: JAXA streams its launches on its website and YouTube channel. The launch page lists the webcast when Launch Library 2 has the link.
Stay out of restricted zones. Launch sites, safety zones and military areas are closed on purpose; entering them, or photographing them where that is banned, can bring fines, detention or worse under local law. Only use viewing places that the site operator, the local authority or an accredited tour operator names, and follow staff and police instructions.
Upcoming launches and crowd estimates
No launches with a firm date from this area in the current data.
These dates are placeholders from Launch Library 2 until a real date is announced.
Crowd estimates are computed from launch type, local time and weekday; they are a guide, not a measurement. How we estimate it.
Map
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Excellent (direct view). The only viewing site with a direct view of the Epsilon launcher, about 3 km south of the centre.
Straight-line distance
1.9 mi (3.1 km) to Mu Center / Epsilon launch area
Computed from the coordinates below; not driving distance.
Official distance
About 3 km south of the Uchinoura Space Center along Route 448 (town tourism office).
Access
Normally locked. For Epsilon launches, entry in past years was paid and by advance application, announced by Kimotsuki Town after the launch date is set.
Parking and fees
Not stated.
Best for
Epsilon launch visitors who get a place
Coordinates
31.2323, 131.0592
Last verified
Verify before you go
The page describes Epsilon and sounding-rocket launches. Whether the site opens for the launches in our feed (LL2 lists a 'Mu Center' pad) is not stated.
Entry details for each launch are published by Kimotsuki Town after the launch date is set.
Travel advisories and local rules
Follow posted signs and local instructions near restricted sites, including any rules on drones.
Entry rules, permits and security conditions differ by country and change. Read your own government's current travel advice before you plan a trip around a launch.