Chiran travel guide
Chiran is a small town in the middle of the Satsuma Peninsula. It is called a “small Kyoto”
and has a preserved Samurai district including a collection of Samurai houses
and gardens. Another interesting place to visit is the Chiran Peace Museum.
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Those Samurai Houses were built about 250 years ago. Their gardens are beautiful designed, with Mt. Hahaga-dake as the background. Other natural elements are also incorporated, making the whole area resemble a series of miniature of Japanese gardens housed in boxes. |
Chiran Peace Museum for the Kamikaze Pilots
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This museum exhibits precious materials such as pictures, letters, wills, articles and mementos of the 1,036 Kamikaze pilots based in Chiran who participated in the Battle for Okinawa towards the end of World War 2. It also houses a No.3 type fighter aircraft, Hien. |
Kirishima travel guide
The Onsen Resort located at the foot of the Kirishima mountains. Kirishima jingu Shrine
is one of the most beautiful shrines in Kyushu surrounded by forest.
You can enjoy hiking trails with spectacular mountain views and soak in volcanic hot springs
Where to explore
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One of the most beautiful shrine in Kyushu, and is surrounded by forest. The Shrine buildings are constructed in 1715 and designated as Important Cultural Property of Japan. |
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Lying on the lower slopes of the Kirishima Mountain with a distant view over Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima below. The area is made up of over a dozen Onsen, of which the largest and best know is Maruo Onsen. |
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The Fukuyama area along Kinko Bay is home to the famous Japanese black vinegar. Over here, one can tour the old-fashioned Tshubobatake which literally means a field of vinegar jars, witness the traditional manufacturing process of the black vinegar, taste and purchase the finished product. |
Kirishima
Kagoshima travel guide
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.
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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
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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 |
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The park is most famous for its Shiroyama Observatory with spectacular views over downtown Kagoshima, Kagoshima Bay and Sakura-jima. |
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Sakurajima Island is the symbol of Kagoshima. 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. |
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The Ferry connects Kagoshima-city and Sakurajima in 15 minutes and is operated for 24 hours. |
Kagoshima City
Ibusuki and Satsuma peninsula travel guide
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”.
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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. |
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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. |
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The Station is the southernmost railway station in Japan operated by JR, boasts a breath taking view of Kaimon-dake volcano to the front. |
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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. |
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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 is said to be the birthplace of the legend of Ryugu. |
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Enjoy tasting Shochu at the most famous Shochu brewery in Kagoshima Meiji-gura is Satsuma Shuzo’s Shochu brewery and museum. |
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The unique Somen noodle nagashi in Tosenkyo ravine in Kaimon open throughout the year serving cold Somen noodle that swim in the revolving container. |