Ibusuki is known for it’s hot spring Onsen Resort, and it’s famous natural steam sand baths located on Kinko bay. To the east the Satsuma peninsula offers spectacular ocean views and this peaceful rural area is know as the “home of the sweet potato”.     Ibusuki Onsen resort It is best known for its steaming sand baths along the beach, where bathers in a yukata, or Japanese bathrobe get buried in the sand up to their neck.  The sand heated by steam containing marine minerals  is scientifically proven to have therapeutic effects on neuralgia, rheumatism, back pain and other ailments.   Ikeda-ko lake​ A circumference of 15 km and a maximum depth of 233 meter, where was created by volcanic activity long ago. Large eel with a length of 2 meter and circumference of 50 cm inhabit the lake. It was also known as the lake of a legendary monster called ” Issy” purported to live in the lake.   Nishi-Oyama Station The Station is the southernmost railway station in Japan operated by JR, boasts a breath taking view of Kaimon-dake volcano to the front.   Ryugu Shrine It is the Urashima Taro legendary shrine peninsula and this shrine is becoming popular as a power spot of matchmaking and good fortune in love.   Nagasaki-bana Cape The cape is the southernmost point of Satsuma peninsula, where a white lighthouse stands. You can enjoy the view of the magnificent Mount Kaimondake and rocks with the sea spray wearing them.  The Cape …

Ibusuki and Satsuma peninsula travel gui…の続きを読む

  The southern most major city in Kyushu and from here you can see Sakura-jima Island and it’s active volcano from which smoke and steam rise across Kagoshima Bay. Kagoshima prospered in the Edo period as a castle town. Tenmonkan is the biggest shopping arcade and here you can dine on local cuisines, especially succulent meats and also enjoy the vibrant night life, bars and restaurants.     Where to explore Sengan-en /UNESCO World Heritage Sengan-en is the most famous garden in Kagoshima-prefecture,  made by Shimazu lord in the 19th century at the beautiful bay side Kinko bay. The garden contains many historic artifacts that tell of its long history.   Shoko Shuseikan Modern Industrial Complex   / UNESCO World Heritage The museum of the Classics located here exhibits a various of objects related to the Shimazu family and the Satsuma domain, The stone building which houses the collection has been designated on the UNESCO World Heritage,  Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution   Shiroyama Park The park is most famous for its Shiroyama Observatory with spectacular views over downtown Kagoshima, Kagoshima Bay and Sakura-jima.   Sakura-jima Island Sakurajima Island is the symbol of Kagoshima. The smoke and steam rises almost every day from the active volcano Minamidake. Formerly an island, it became connected with the Osumi  Peninsula in 1914 when lava from its summit closed the channel between  the two. Observation points on the island can be accessed by ferry.   Sakura-jima Ferry …

Kagoshima travel guide…の続きを読む

  Nature-blessed region at Ono River basin, the northern part is surrounded by Aso & Kuju Mountains Okubungo consists of Takada, Kuju, Kusu, Kokonoe, Bungo-ono and Ogata.   Takeda and Kuju    Oka Castle Ruin  Great Castle wall construction, a magnificent view from the top.  The Castle originally constructed in 1185, and had been enlarged multiple times and eventually covered a widespread area on the steep hills overlooking a river and all the surrounding countryside  up to the Kuju mountain range clearly visible in the distance.   Nagayu Onsen resort The hot spring is known as one of the world’s top carbonate spring.   Kuju A plateau resort area and is a part of Aso Kuju National Park.  The plateau of 600 to 1000 metre altitude, spreading at southern part of Kuju and Taisen mountains foot, and is located in between Aso and Takeda.   Kusu including Kokonoe   Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan and the 2nd longest in the World Splendid and beautiful view from the thrilling suspension bridge over the Naruko river valley.   Takara Hachiman Shrine Have you ever seen a wild white boar?  The wild white bore at the Shrine has function as both guardians and messengers for the deities at Shinto shrines. The white boars are thought to bring happiness. After visiting the shrine, you should ask the cute boars for some good-luck blessings.   Sujiyu Onsen Resort A …

Okubungo travel guide…の続きを読む

Itoshima is located next to Fukuoka-city, the north side is facing Genkai Sea and has intricate coastline created by dynamic wave. The plain and several low mountains between the coastline in the north and Seburu mountain range in the south create beautiful landscape. The main industries are fishery and agriculture, including rice, fruits and flowers. Sake rice is also cultivated and there are also Sake Breweries. You can enjoy various cuisines such as sea food dish, oyster Barbecue, Sushi as well as Ramen.     Where to visit   Sakurai Futamigaura A beautiful sunset scenic spot at Genkai Sea, the place is selected as Japan’s 100 scenic beauty sunset beach.  Located in Genkai Quasi-National Park. The married rock is connected by the large Shimenawa with 30 metre length and 1 ton weight. Male rock is 11.8 metre high and Female rock is 11.2 metre height.   Anego-hama beach One of the most beautiful beach in Itoshima. Anego no Hama Beach is a beach of “singing” sand that makes a squeaking sound when people walk on it. It is said that singing sand exists only on clean beaches, and that 90 such beaches used to exist in Japan.     Mataichino shio The salt making plant by the ancient production method. A salt and a magnesium chloride are produced with Genkai sea water.     Keya Cave cruise The most largest basalt cave in Japan …

Itoshima travel guide…の続きを読む