Kagoshima
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Kagoshima
Kagoshima Prefecture is located at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu, Japan, with Kagoshima City as its capital. Boasting an amazing natural landscape, this prefecture attracts many tourists from all over the world every year.
Recognized as the "Naples of the East," Kagoshima Prefecture has the picturesque Kinko Bay. Dominating the landscape is Sakurajima, an active volcano and an iconic symbol of Kagoshima Prefecture.
Apart from the view of Sakurajima from Kinko Bay, Kagoshima Prefecture also has the Yakushima World Natural Heritage Site, which adds to the list of Kagoshima Prefecture's natural tourist attractions.
Kagoshima is also close to other volcanoes, such as Shinmoedake Mountain, and this contributes to the large number of hot springs or onsen within the area. In fact, Kagoshima Prefecture has around 100 onsen.
Fukuoka tourism should definitely get into your no-skip agenda. Its natural beauty and cultural richness make this prefecture a must-visit place if you go to Japan.
Travel Tips for Kagoshima
What you need to know before traveling here
Getting Around Kagoshima
A guide to Kagoshima's local transportation
Kagoshima Prefecture still has many small islands in the southern area. If you plan to explore the Kagoshima islands in the south, then use a plane that operates from Kagoshima Airport. One-way fare prices vary from around 7,800 JPY. Prices change depending on what island you want to visit.
Practical Tips for Kagoshima
Things to prepare and best way to visit
Kagoshima Prefecture is a place famous for pottery crafts. This prefecture is the origin of Satsuma pottery, which is a ceramics art originating from Kagoshima. Satsuma pottery possesses a distinctive history and characteristics that set it apart from other forms of Japanese pottery–it only has white and black as its main colors. During the early modern years, Satsuma pottery was heavily exported.
Apart from that, Kagoshima is also known for its world-quality agricultural products. The most well-known exports are radish, Satsuma ware, sweet potato, and green tea. You can experience these things directly through the wide variety of food in Kagoshima.
You can see the splendor of one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Sakurajima. This mountain cannot be climbed to the top, but it is possible for you to walk across the lava expanse. To get there, you can use the ferry.
Apart from enjoying the beauty of nature, you can relax at the Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park Footbath or the onsen in the Sakurajima area and mainland Kagoshima Prefecture. Another natural tourist attraction that you can visit is Maruo Falls, which also has flowing hot springs.
If you want to enjoy a national cultural heritage that can take you back to the Edo period, try going to Izumi Fumoto, which is in the northern part of Kagoshima Prefecture. You can take a tour there with a tourist ox cart.
Apart from enjoying the traditional side of Kagoshima Prefecture, a vibrant nightlife adventure can be had at Tenmonkan. During the evening, the lively activity shifts to sections of Tenmonkan, such as Bunka-Dori and Yamanokuchi-Dori, which brim with bars and pubs. Additionally, within a convenient walking distance from Tenmonkan, you'll find impeccably kept green parks, museums, shrines, temples, and churches—an ideal place for a leisurely and calming stroll.
Consider spending a minimum of 3 days exploring the captivating Kagoshima Prefecture, as this allows you to explore the key attractions in the prefecture without feeling too rushed.
As you wrap up your holiday in Kagoshima, it's a must to bring back some souvenirs. Here are a few recommendations for what you can purchase during your visit.
One of the most popular souvenirs is a variety of teas from Kagoshima Prefecture. Renowned as one of Japan's premier green tea producers, Kagoshima offers an excellent selection, making tea a perfect and quintessential souvenir choice.
Additionally, consider acquiring ceramic teapots or Satsuma ware, embodying a cultural heritage that spans centuries in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Make sure not to overlook Karukan, a must-buy item. Recognizable by its unique moist and springy texture, this traditional delicacy sets itself apart from other Japanese sweets. The subtle sweetness of Karukan enhances the overall pleasure of savoring these delectable treats.
Kagoshima Prefecture offers a delightful variety of culinary experiences for holidaymakers. Taste in the region's signature dish, kurobuta pork, is renowned for its sweet and tender qualities derived from the pigs' diet of sweet potatoes. This delectable pork is transformed into various dishes like tonkotsu, shabu-shabu, and tonkatsu.
Beyond red meat, savor the freshness of sea bream, known as tai in Japanese, either as sashimi or in a flavorful shabu-shabu preparation. For those of you who have a sweet tooth, the steamed cake known as karukan provides a delightful treat.
Craving something different? Explore jambo mochi, a once-popular snack among samurai. And for enthusiasts of savory snacks, satsuma aage is the perfect choice!
Travel Tips for Kagoshima
More Destination Near Kagoshima
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