Space Interaction Hall Sora-Miru is an interactive museum in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can discover the fascinating world of rockets, space exploration, and astronomy in an easy and entertaining way.
Opened in April 2025, the facility was created around the concept of “Bringing Space Closer to Everyone.” Designed for visitors of all ages, Sora-Miru offers hands-on exhibits, immersive video experiences, and educational displays that make space technology accessible even to people who know little about rockets.
Kushimoto is famous as the southernmost town on Japan’s main island of Honshu. In recent years, however, it has gained a new identity as a “town of rockets” following the development of SPACE PORT Kii, Japan’s first privately operated rocket launch site.
Sora-Miru was created to help visitors understand this new chapter in Kushimoto’s history. Housed in a renovated former Koza Branch Office, the facility combines local community heritage with cutting-edge space technology and has become an important new point of connection between the town and the world of space exploration.
The Tahara area of Kushimoto is home to SPACE PORT Kii, Japan’s first privately operated spaceport. The facility is operated by the private company SPACE ONE and is designed primarily for launching small rockets carrying satellites into orbit.
Its location was chosen because Kushimoto faces the wide-open Pacific Ocean to the south and east and has relatively few densely populated areas nearby. These geographical conditions make the region particularly suitable for rocket launches.
The name SPACE PORT Kii reflects the idea of creating a new gateway between Earth and space. The word “Kii” refers to the Kii Peninsula, while the concept of the spaceport is closely associated with opening a new “key” to commercial space transportation.
The small rocket developed for launches from the site is called KAIROS. It is designed to transport small satellites efficiently and to support a new generation of frequent commercial launches.
At Sora-Miru, visitors can learn about SPACE PORT Kii and KAIROS through videos, models, interactive displays, and hands-on activities. The museum provides a rare opportunity to learn about the forefront of Japan’s private space industry in a relaxed tourist setting.
The first floor features the Rocket Museum, where visitors can discover the history of space development and learn how rockets work.
One of the highlights is the large-scale Rocket Tower video installation. Powerful images, sound, and simulated vibrations recreate the excitement of a rocket launch, giving visitors the sensation of being close to an actual launch site.
Another popular attraction is the Space Worker experience. Using digital imagery, visitors can see themselves dressed virtually in a space-worker or astronaut-style uniform. It makes an especially fun photo opportunity for children and families.
Visitors can also explore models showing the internal structure of the KAIROS rocket. The Rocket See-Through Scope is designed to make the complicated technology inside the rocket easier to understand.
By moving a monitor across the display, visitors can explore different parts of the rocket’s internal structure. The interactive design makes concepts that might otherwise seem difficult to understand much more visual and accessible.
Other activities include rocket assembly experiences, programming activities, and exhibits introducing artificial satellites. Rather than simply looking at displays, visitors are encouraged to learn by doing.
The first floor also includes a Starry Sky Library where visitors can browse books and reference materials about space, astronomy, rocket engineering, and related subjects.
The quiet library area provides a relaxing place to deepen your knowledge after exploring the interactive exhibits. It is suitable both for dedicated space enthusiasts and for visitors who are simply beginning to develop an interest in astronomy and space exploration.
One of Sora-Miru’s greatest attractions is the Space Theater on the third floor.
The theater uses high-definition 8K video technology to create an exceptionally detailed and immersive visual experience. The giant screen fills the viewer’s field of vision, making scenes of rocket launches appear remarkably lifelike.
When the rocket engines ignite and the vehicle rises into the sky, the combination of enormous images and powerful sound creates an experience that can feel surprisingly close to witnessing a real launch.
The experience is not limited to visuals. A sophisticated three-dimensional sound system reproduces the deep rumble and explosive sound of rocket engines, allowing visitors to feel the launch as well as see it.
The theater program also introduces the beautiful coastline and natural scenery of Kushimoto. As a result, visitors can experience both sides of the town’s new identity: its connection to space technology and its spectacular Pacific landscapes.
The screening lasts approximately 10 minutes, but the combination of 8K imagery and immersive sound makes it one of the most memorable experiences at Sora-Miru.
The second floor houses the Koza Satellite Office, which serves as a base for regional development, information sharing, and community activities.
It provides opportunities for local residents and people from outside the region to meet and exchange ideas. This makes Sora-Miru more than simply a tourist attraction—it is also part of Kushimoto’s effort to connect its community with the emerging space industry.
The facility also promotes cooperation with local educational institutions, including projects developed in collaboration with Wakayama Technical High School. Such activities help introduce young people to science, engineering, and the possibilities of future careers in the space industry.
Through these programs, Sora-Miru reflects Kushimoto’s broader ambition to develop a space-related community and inspire the next generation.
A museum shop is located near the entrance, offering a selection of space- and rocket-themed souvenirs.
Visitors can find items such as rocket models, space food, stationery, and original limited-edition merchandise. The shop is also accessible without entering the museum exhibition area, making it convenient for travelers who simply want to browse for souvenirs.
For families and space enthusiasts, the shop offers a fun way to take home a small reminder of Kushimoto’s unique connection with the space industry.
359 Nishimuki, Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
Former Koza Branch Office
Sora-Miru is conveniently located approximately five minutes on foot from JR Koza Station on the Kisei Main Line, also known as the Kinokuni Line.
Its location close to the railway station makes it an easy stop for travelers exploring Kushimoto by public transportation. It can also be combined with sightseeing at the many coastal, cultural, and natural attractions in the Kushimoto area.
Sora-Miru is much more than a conventional museum. It is an interactive experience center designed to make the world of space feel closer and more accessible.
Visitors can experience the excitement of a rocket launch, explore the structure of a modern rocket, learn about artificial satellites, discover astronomy, and enjoy spectacular 8K images—all within one facility.
For children, Sora-Miru can be a place where a first interest in science or space begins. For adults, it offers an opportunity to discover the rapidly changing world of private space development and see how that industry is becoming connected with a small coastal town in Japan.
The combination of Kushimoto’s beautiful Pacific coastline and its cutting-edge space industry makes the experience particularly distinctive. Few places offer the chance to enjoy dramatic natural scenery while also learning about modern commercial rocket development.
Together with SPACE PORT Kii, Sora-Miru is helping create a new identity for Kushimoto—one where the traditions and natural beauty of southern Wakayama meet the dreams and possibilities of space exploration.