KagoshimaLeisure

Tanegashima Development Comprehensive Center Teppo-kan Gun Museum (種子島開発総合センター鉄砲館)

Flow of the course

About 60 min here

About 30 min to the next stop

Next stop: Gather Information at the Tourist Information Center, Take a Breather, and Stroll the Island's Central District

About this spot

This museum tells the story of 1543, when firearms were first introduced to Japan on Tanegashima. It displays real and replica matchlock guns along with materials from the time of their introduction, letting visitors understand why Tanegashima still holds its Teppo Matsuri (Gun Festival) today. Located on a hill overlooking the port, it also offers views of the Nishinoomote townscape from inside. Visiting before the fireworks display lets you learn the origins of the festival before enjoying the night.

Tips

About a 10-minute drive from Nishinoomote Port. It can get crowded with tourists during summer vacation, so an early afternoon visit is recommended. Exhibits are sometimes rotated, so it's a good idea to check opening information on the official website.