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Sakura-jima Island, an
active volcano sitting in Kagoshima Bay - Yaku-shima Island registered
as a World Natural Heritage
Located at the southern extremity of Kyushu, Kagoshima has a
territory extending about 600 kilometers from the prefectural border
in the north to the boundary between it and Okinawa. The temperate and
undulating coastline has a shape that looks as if it were hugging the
Sakura-jima Island, an active volcano sitting in the Kagoshima (Kinko)
Bay. On the sea far beyond to the south there are about 30 islands,
such as the Yaku-shima Island registered as a World Natural Heritage,
the Tokara Islands with a chain of twelve isles of different sizes
over about 162 kilometers, and Amami-Oshima, the third largest island
in Japan.
A further look at what is in the prefecture finds the Kirishima-Yaku
National Park containing the detached Yaku-shima Island and the
Nichinan Kaigan Quasi-National Park known for the communities of
subtropical plants, like Piro designated as a special natural monument
of Japan, the volcanic areas of Mt. Kirishima-yama, and Sakura-jima
Island. From this large number of natural parks, you can easily tell
the abundance of nature extending from the temperate to subtropical
zones. Also, Tanega-shima Island and Uchino-ura known for rocket
launching bases are the most advanced technology-packed gateway to
space.
Getting there
An hour and 50 minutes to Kagoshima Airport from Tokyo Haneda
Airport. An hour and 10 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport. Sixty
minutes from Kagoshima Airport to JR Nishi-Kagoshima Station by bus.
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Amami-Oshima Island
The best diving resort with transparent water - The island with
virgin forests remaining
Amami-Oshima Island, lying on the sea in the south of Kagoshima,
is situated in the middle of the Amami Islands which consist of
eight islands, and ranks as the third largest island in Japan next
to the Main Okinawa Island and Sado-ga-shima Island in Niigata. The
sea around the islands, designated as Amami-Gunto Quasi-National
Park, is blessed with transparent water, bright colored coral reefs
and tropical fishes, and is known as a fantastic diving spot. The
northern part of the island where Amami Airport is located, is a
popular resort spot for divers, where white beaches and shores with
beautiful coral reefs are dotted here and there.
About 95 percent of the whole island of Amami-Oshima is forest,
including as vast as 700,000 square meters of mangrove virgin
forests, and in them live rare species of amamino-kurousagi (a kind
of black hare) and ruri-kakesu (a kind of jay). The abundance in
natural resources is an attractive point. Not a few people have been
visiting the island for the purpose of bird watching in recent
years. Oshima pongee, a special product of the Amami Islands, is
weaved in about 400 factories, centering on Naze, the only city in
the islands.
Getting there
Amami-Oshima Airport is 2 hours 25 minutes from Tokyo Haneda
Airport, and 1 hour 50 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport, by plane.
Kagoshima Airport is 1 hour 45 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport,
and 1 hour 5 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport. Amami-Oshima Airport
is 55 minutes from Kagoshima Airport.
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Ibusuki
The largest crater lake in Kyushu - Sweating in a steaming-hot
sand bath
Ibusuki, located in the southeastern end of the Satsuma-hanto
Peninsula, is a typical tourist resort in Kyushu, full of the
atmosphere of southern countries, blessed with mild weather, and
surrounded by hibiscuses. It is known especially for its natural
steaming sand baths heated by subterranean geysers. Bathers clad in
kimono lie, covered up to their neck, in sand. After about 10
minutes, the comfortable weight and cozy heat of the sand stimulate
their blood circulation, causing them to break out in a sweat over
their whole of their body. It is cool, though, around their faces,
so that children and adults can enjoy themselves.
One of the attractions in Ibusuki is Lake Ikeda-ko, the largest lake
in Kyushu. It is a crater lake, formed by the subsidence of land
when Mt. Kaimon-dake erupted, 19 kilometers around and 265 meters
deep. By the lake in spring, rape blossoms are in their best, and
you can enjoy the sight of the beautiful contrast between the blue
lake and bright colored blossoms. In Chiran-cho, to the northwest of
Ibusuki, there are samurai residences, surrounded by stonewalls,
lined up about 700 meters along the road, remaining as they were
about 250 years ago.
Getting there
Kagoshima Airport is 1 hour 50 minutes from Tokyo Haneda
Airport, 1 hour 10 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport, and 1 hour 5
minutes from Kansai International Airport. Then take a bus from
Kagoshima Airport to Ibusuki, which takes 1 hour 10 minutes. Hakata
Station is 5 hours from Tokyo Station by the JR Tokaido-Sanyo
Shinkansen Line. Nishi-Kagoshima is 4 hours 55 minutes from Hakata
by the JR Kagoshima Honsen Line Limited Express. Ibusuki is 1 hour
from Nishi-Kagoshima by the JR Ibusuki-Makura-zaki Line Rapid Train.
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Izumi
Cranes migrate from Siberia to Izumi.
Bansho-koen Park in Akune used to be the watch office for illegal
trade.
Izumi is located in the northwestern end of Kagoshima and
faces Yatsushiro-kai Sea. It is famous for Izumi-fumoto
Buke-yashiki-ato, or the site of samurai residences of the Edo
Period, from the 17th to the 19th century, and also as the visiting
place of cranes migrating from Siberia.
In the early 17th century, stonewalls were built around the
residence of samurai in Izumi-fumoto as fortification against the
neighboring provinces. Some residences still remain today and they
are in designated Important Preservation Districts for Groups of
Historic Buildings in Japan.
Every fall, tsuru (cranes) migrate from Siberia and stay till they
return home in spring. Visitors can see
cranes from the observation area of the Tsuru-Kansatsu Center. There
are various exhibits on cranes at the Crane Park Izumi, which is a
museum of cranes. A virtual experience of the flight of the crane is
possible at the Dome Theater, 15 meters in diameter.
Getting there
From Tokyo Haneda Airport, 1 hour 50 minutes to Kagoshima
Airport. From Osaka Itami Airport or Kansai International Airport, 1
hour 10 minutes. From Kagoshima Airport, 1 hour 30 minutes by bus to
either Izumi Station or Akune-shiyakusho-mae bus stop. From Tokyo
Station, 5 hours by the JR Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen Line to
Hakata Station. From Hakata Station, 4 hours 5 minutes by JR
Kagoshima Honsen Line Limited Express to Izumi Station.
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Kagoshima City
A castle town with Sakurajima, an active volcano - Historic spots
associated with the Meiji Restoration
Kagoshima, the administrative, economic, and cultural center of
Kagoshima Prefecture, is a castle town dating back to the 14th
century. Kagoshima and its suburbs are located in the northeastern
part of the Satsuma-hanto Peninsula, and face Kagoshima Bay, which
is also called Kinko Bay. In the city, there still remain lots of
historic spots associated with the Meiji Restoration during which
time political reforms were undertaken to convert the country from
feudalism to a modern unified nation.
Shiro-yama, 107 meters above sea level, is a hill known as the
last hard-fought battlefield of the Meiji Restoration. From the view
from the hilltop, you can see Kagoshima below, and also enjoy the
view of Kagoshima Bay in the distance with its quiet waves and the
grandeur of Sakurajima. At Kyuiso-Tei-en Garden, which is also
called Sengan-en, you can get a distant view of Sakurajima beyond
Kagoshima Bay, and also enjoy the beautiful sights of cherry
blossoms and the flowers of azaleas, chrysanthemums, and others
throughout the four seasons. In the Shoko-shusei-kan Museum, the
materials and records of the factories, which supported the
modernization of Kagoshima by manufacturing cannons, boats and
glassware called Satsuma-kiriko in the Edo Period in 17th century,
are preserved and exhibited.
The area most developed in recent years is around the north wharf,
and there lots of events, which take advantage of the vast green
zone, are held, including the fireworks display in which as many as
13,000 sets of fireworks are set off, live concerts, and sunset
cruises in summer. In autumn, the Ohara-matsuri Festival is held in
which about 20,000 people parade dancing through the main streets of
the city, which attracts more than 600,000 spectators.
Getting there
Kagoshima Airport is 1 hour 50 minutes from Tokyo Haneda
Airport, 1 hour 10 minutes form Osaka Itami Airport, and 1 hour 5
minutes from Osaka International Airport. Hakata is 5 hours from
Tokyo by the Tokaido-Shinkansen Line. Nishi-Kagoshima is 4 hours 55
minutes from Hakata by the JR Kagoshima Honsen Line Limited Express.
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Kirishima
Colonies of miyama-kirishima in full bloom - Majestic crater lake,
one of the highest above sea level
Kirishima Town is located in the north-eastern part of Kagoshima
and is the entrance to the Kirishima district of Kirishima-Yaku
National Park, that comprises the Kirishima volcanic chain, Sakura-jima
Island and Yaku-shima Island.
In the red-painted main building of Kirishima-jinja Shrine, an
Important Cultural Property, the kagura dance, music and festivals
are dedicated: the Minami-kyushu Kagura-matsuri Festival in summer,
Kumen-daiko drums and the fantastic fire festival of
Tenson-korin-gojinka-sai Festival in winter. Kagura is a traditional
performing art of dance and music that dates back to ancient Japan.
It is performed in order to serve and entertain the gods
wholeheartedly by performing music, song and dance.
There are ten crater lakes, the highest in elevation in Japan, at
the peak of Mt. Kirishima-yama, 1,239 meters above sea level. The
beautiful miyama-kirishima (a kind of azalea) flowers bloom there in
early summer. The panoramic view from the top is spectacular. Hot
spring areas such as Myoban, Yunotani and Shin-yu are on the
southwestern slope of Mt. Kirishima-yama. Facilities are provided so
that the visitors can stay overnight or just enjoy the hot spring
for the day.
Getting there
From Tokyo Haneda Airport, 1 hour 50 minutes to Kagoshima
Airport. From Osaka Itami Airport or Kansai International Airport, 1
hour 10 minutes. From Kagoshima Airport, 60 minutes by bus to
Nishi-Kagoshima Station. From Tokyo Station, 5 hours by the JR
Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Hakata Station. From Hakata
Station, 4 hours 55 minutes by JR Kagoshima Honsen Line Limited
Express to Nishi-Kagoshima Station. From Nishi-Kagoshima Station, 50
minutes by JR Nippo Honsen Limited Express to Kirishima-jingu
Station.
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Nagasaki-bana Point
and Mt. Kaimon-dake
Overcrowded with flowers in mild weather - Mt. Kaimon-dake, one of a
hundred best mountains in Japan
Nagasaki-bana Point, located in the southernmost end of the
Satsuma-hanto Peninsula, is a beautiful land, blessed with mild
weather and flowers blooming all the year round. In the flower theme
park Flower Park Kagoshima, where as many as 400,000 plants
consisting of 400 kinds are displayed in their natural growth, you
can enjoy the flowers for each season. In Nagasaki-bana Parking
Garden, where tropical and sub tropical plants grow, you can enjoy
shows by orangutans and flamingos.
Mt. Kaimon-dake, which is 922 meters above sea level and ranked as
one of the hundred best mountains in Japan, is the symbol of the
southernmost of the Satsuma-hanto Peninsula, and known as
Satsuma-Fuji. It belongs to Kirishima-Yaku National Park, and
because there are no high mountains around, you can get a fine view
from anywhere. The mountain trails are well laid out, and from the
peak you can get a fine view of Sata-misaki Point to the east, and
on clear days you can enjoy a distant view of Tane-ga-shima Island,
Yaku-shima Island, and smoking Io-jima Island.
Getting there
Kagoshima Airport is 1 hour 50 minutes from Tokyo Haneda
Airport, 1 hour 10 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport, and 1 hour 5
minutes from Kansai International Airport. Then take a bus from
Kagoshima Airport to Ibusuki, which takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
Yamakawa is 6 minutes from Ibusuki by the JR Ibusuki-Makura-zaki
Line Rapid Train. Then take a bus from Yamakawa Station to Nagasaki-bana,
which takes 17 minutes, and to Kaimon-sanroku, which takes 26
minutes. Hakata Station is 5 hours from Tokyo Station by the JR
Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Line. Nishi-Kagoshima is 4 hours 55 minutes
from Hakata by the JR Kagoshima Honsen Line Limited Express. Ibusuki
is 1 hour from Nishi- Kagoshima by the JR Ibusuki-Makura-zaki Line
Rapid Train.
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Sakura-jima
A volcano, the symbol of Kagoshima - An isolated island became
adjacent to the mainland through eruptions
Sakura-jima, with a rising column of smoke, floating in
Kagoshima Bay, also called Kinko Bay, in the southern part of
Kyushu, is the mountain symbol of Kagoshima, located in the sea, 4
kilometers away from the center of Kagoshima. It has had repeated
big eruptions throughout history, and is one of the most famous
active volcanoes in the world. Sakura-jima had originally been an
isolated island, but the big eruption in 1914 caused the island to
become adjacent to the Osumi-hanto Peninsula. Lava fields are
spotted here and there on the island, which testifies to the history
of its violent eruptions.
Near Oki Islet in Sakura-jima-cho, is the Sakura-jima Marine Park,
where you can observe the seabed with its coral reefs and sea
anemones. Also the museum, the Sakura-jima Visitor's Center, plainly
shows you a history of the eruptions in Sakura-jima and the
relationship between the volcano and the local people. The Yunohira
Observation Spot, 373 meters above sea level, is the one nearest to
the active Minami-dake crater, from which you can get a panoramic
view in all directions and the sight of vast lava fields. In
addition, there are some other observatories well arranged, such as
the Arimura Lava Observation Spot having an attraction of dynamic
sights. Sakura-jima is also known for the Sakura-jima radish, the
largest in the world, and Sakura-jima mandarin, the smallest in the
world.
Getting there
Kagoshima Airport is 1 hour 50 minutes from Tokyo Haneda
Airport, 1 hour 10 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport, and 1 hour 5
minutes from Osaka-International Airport. Then take a bus from
Kagoshima Airport to Nishi-Kagoshima Station, which takes 60
minutes. Hakata is 5 hours from Tokyo by the JR Tokaido-Shinkansen
Line. Nishi-Kagoshima is 4 hours 55 minutes from Hakata by the JR
Kagoshima Honsen Line Limited Express. Then take a bus from
Nishi-Kagoshima Station to Suizokukan-guchi (Sakura-jima-sanbashi),
which takes 12 minutes. Take a ferry from Sakura-jima-sambashi to
Sakura-jima-ko Port, which takes 15 minutes.
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Sata-misaki Point
The southernmost cape washed by the Black Current - Enjoying a
comfortable marine stroll
Sata-misaki Point, located at the end of the Osumi-hanto
Peninsula on the southernmost end of Kagoshima, is a peninsula
having the atmosphere of southern countries, its sheer sea cliffs
washed by the Black Current. The cycads grow wild there, which are
designated as natural monuments, and the cape belongs to
Kirishima-Yaku National Park.
About a nine-kilometer drive from O-domari to Sata-misaki Point is
Sata-misaki Road Park. Subtropical plants, such as hibiscus, stand
in rows along the road, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of southern
countries. At the tip of the cape, a 15-minute-walk from the
terminus of the Road Park, is an observation spot, surrounded by
glass panes on all sides, from which you can get a panoramic view in
all directions as if you were in the air.
An underwater observation boat of semi-submarine type, the Satadei,
is in service for a marine stroll at Port Tajiri. The sea area
around Sata-misaki Marine Park is under the influence of the Black
Current, and the water is warm and transparent. You can fully enjoy
the sight of another world through the glass, full of colorful
corals and tropical fishes swimming. Kamino-kawa Waterfalls Park is
on the upper stream of the Kamino-kawa River that flows through O-nejime
Town from east to west, and the sight of water dropping from the
sheer cliff of waterfalls 25 meters high is a highlight.
Getting there
Kagoshima Airport is 1 hour 40 minutes from Tokyo Haneda
Airport, and 1 hour 10 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport or Kansai
International Airport. Then take a bus from Kagoshima Airport to
Kayano-bus-center, which takes 1 hour. Take a bus from the Kayano
Bus Center to Sata-misaki via O-domari, which takes 2 hours 15
minutes.
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Tane-ga-shima Island
The island where guns were first introduced to Japan - The most
advanced space base in Japan
Tane-ga-shima Island, lying on the sea to the south of the
Osumi-hanto Peninsula in the southern part of Kagoshima, is the
island where guns were introduced to Japan for the first time in the
16th century. It is known as an island where the largest space base
in Japan is situated, from which satellites and rockets are
launched. A gentle hill spreads over the whole island, with the
highest spot being 282 meters above sea level. The island is in a
long and narrow shape, being 57.5 kilometers from north to south,
and 5-12 kilometers from east to west.
Tane-ga-shima Kaihatsu Sogo Center in the north of Iriomote is a
unique museum which exhibits the first gun made in Japan, called
Tane-ga-shima gun. Tane-ga-shima teppo (gun)-matsuri Festival is an
annual event in summer worth seeing, which includes firing of a
matchlock gun and the Nanban Parade in which a float is brought out
to celebrate the festival.
Nakatane Town, in the center of the island, is a gateway to the air,
with Tane-ga-shima Airport. On the western beach, is Nagahama Beach
known for beautiful white sand and turtles. On the eastern beach,
there are some scenic spots, including Kumano Beach, and
Matate-no-iwaya and Chikura-no-iwaya, which are full of strange
rocks and bizarre stones.
At the southernmost end of Minami-tane Town in the south of the
island, is Tane-ga-shima Space Center, which contains a launching
site and control tower. Within a five-minute walk from there, is the
Space Museum, where you can enjoy the simulation and experience of
outer space.
Getting there
Tane-ga-shima Airport is 3 hours from Tokyo Haneda Airport, and
2 hours from Osaka Itami Airport, by plane. Kagoshima Airport is 1
hour 40 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport, and 1 hour 10 minutes
from Osaka Itami Airport. Tane-ga-shima Airport is 40 minutes from
Kagoshima Airport. Tane-ga-shima Iriomote Port is 1 hour 50 minutes
from Kagoshima-hon-ko Port by the Kagoshima-Shosen jetfoil.
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Yaku-shima Island
Primeval forests still remaining - Natural heritage Japan boasting
to the world
Yaku-shima Island, lying on the sea to the south of Sata-misaki
Point in the southern part of Kagoshima, is, because of its abundant
nature, designated as a world heritage natural property, together
with Shirakami-sanchi in Aomori, for the first time in Japan.
Seventy-five percent of the whole area of the island is mountainous.
With Mt. Miyano-ura-dake, the tallest in Kyushu, in the middle
surrounded by lots of mountains more than 1,500 meters high, the
island is also called the Alps on the ocean.
Going up from around the coast to the mountaintop, with the height
increases, the climate changes from that of a subtropical zone to
that of a sub-arctic zone, and the plant systems change in the same
way, as if nature in the Japanese Archipelago were condensed. With
much rainfall throughout the year, the island is covered with deep
green forests, including more than 1,000-year-old Yaku cedars, and
produces a mysterious atmosphere. There are lots of points worthy of
note, such as Shiratani-unsui-kyo Gorge with beautiful gorges and
primeval forests, Yaku Cedar Land with magnificent woods, and
Inaka-hama Beach with turtles coming for laying their eggs. Echo
Tour is also available in which you can enjoy mountain climbing and
strolling attended by a guide.
Yaku-shima-Goshinzan-matsuri Festival, held at the stage of the
Miyano-ura-gawa River, is peculiar to the land with its mountain god
cult. It is a joint summer festival of a solemn shrine ritual and an
enjoyable event in which even tourists can take part. You should not
miss seeing the fantastic ceremony of building a fire on a turret
constructed in the middle of the river.
Getting there
Kagoshima Airport is 1 hour 40 minutes from Tokyo Haneda
Airport, and 1 hour 10 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport. Yaku-shima
Airport is 40 minutes from Kagoshima Airport. Yaku-shima Nishino-ura
Port is 2 hours 40 minutes from Kagoshima-hon-ko Port by the
Kagoshima- Shosen jetfoil.
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Yoron-To Island
Semitropical flower island embraced by coral reefs where you can
enjoy marine sports any time of the year
The Yoron-To (-jima) Island is situated at the southernmost end
of Kagoshima. It is comprised of coral reefs that have surfaced in
the Amami Islands having a circumference of 24 kilometers. It is
part of the Amami Islands Quasi-National Park. It is famous for the
beautiful ocean with barrier reef and fringing reef that developed
around the island and the semitropical climate where the average
temperature is over 20 degrees centigrade. Many divers visit this
island to enjoy marine sports all the year around.
The largest O-kaneku Beach has a 2-kilometer long white sand beach
with shallow water, an ideal and popular sea-bathing spot. The Yuri-ga-hama
Beach situated 1.5 kilometers offshore of the O-kaneku Beach is
noted as the stardust beach because the deposits of dead plankton on
the beach look like star-shaped sand grains. A glass-bottomed boat
service can take you to this mysterious beach that only appears at
ebb tide. The Yun'nu-Rakuen Garden is a botanical garden in a
tropical atmosphere with 40 kinds of hibiscuses and 150 other kinds
of semitropical plants. Flowers bloom all the year round. It is a
popular spot for strolling.
You can learn the history and culture of the Yoron-To Island at the
Southern Cross Center. This center displays a wide range of
exhibits, from the stoneware of 3,000 years ago to the development
of the present Yoron-To Island. The top floor has the highest
observation deck in the Island. You can see Okinawa Island and
Okino-erabu-jima Island on fine days.
Getting there
An hour and 50 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport, and 1 hour and
10 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport to Kagoshima Airport. Another 1
hour and 40 minutes from Kagoshima Airport to Yoron Airport.
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Information
provided by Japan National Tourist Organization.
