Information

Kagoshima Prefecture, which is about 600 kilometers north and south and long in the vertical direction, has various climates from temperate to subtropical. The average annual temperature is 19.2 ℃, which is the second highest in Japan, and the average annual rainfall is 1900mm. On March 12, 2011, the Kyushu Shinkansen was fully opened, connecting Hakata and Kagoshima Chuo in the fastest 1 hour and 17 minutes. Direct flights to Kagoshima Airport also operate from major cities in Japan. There are many flights from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka and it is comfortable.

Access

Tokyo and Kagoshima are connected with each other by the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. One transfer of trains is required along the way, typically at Shin-Osaka or Hakata Station. The one way trip takes about seven hours and costs around 30,000 yen. Japan Rail Pass holders will require an additional hour, because they cannot use the faster Nozomi and Mizuho trains, and have to use Hikari and Sakura trains instead.

5 MUST-SEE spots

Natural Sand Bath Center ‘Saraku’

You can regulate the temperature of the sand bath according to the sand’s depth. About 10 minutes in the sand will sweat out your bodies impurities and leave you feeling refreshed.

Information

Price: Adults 1,100yen, Children 600yen
Telephone Number: 0993-23-3900
Address: 5-25-18 Yunohama, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture

Yakushima Island

Yakushima Island is listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site for its unique ecosystem. About 20% of the island is designated as such, from the central part of the island where Jomonsugi Cedar is to the western part of the island through which the Seibu Rindo (West Forest Trail) road passes.

Satsuma Shuzo Shochu Distillery “Meijigura”

The Meijigura distillery at the Satsuma Shuzo Cultural Center is a shochu distillery that has been in operation since the Meiji period.
For generations the traditions of making things by hand and the making of clay vessels have been passed down, and are still in use today.
You can see the production process, and shochu made at the Mijigura is availible for free tasting.
We also have a joint project with Kedogawa Beer House to produce and sell happoshu made from satsumaimo sweet potatoes (potato beer).

Information

Business Hours: [Time] 9:00 am-4: 00pm
Closed days: Undecided [Notes] 31 Dec.-1 Jan.
Price: Observation Tour ￥0
Directions: About 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Kagoshima Chuo Station
About a 5 minute drive from Makurazaki Station, on the JR Ibusuki-Makurazakai Line
Telephone Number: 0993-72-7515
Address: 26, Tategamihonmachi, Makurazaki City, Kagoshima Prefecture

Learn techniques for making nationally-designated traditional crafts from a master craftsman

・ The experience will go more smoothly if you think of a design in advance
・ The tone of your wind chime depends on the depth and volume of the engraving
・ You can practice engraving before starting on the real thing
・ Your wind chime can be used as a Christmas ornament
・ If you make arrangements in advance, you can also participate in an experience at Sakura no Yakata (in Iwaya Park), which is deeply associated with Buddhist altar fittings

Information

Closed days: SunSatNational Holidays
Business Hours: [Time] 10: 00am-4: 00pm [Notes] Duration of event: Approx. 30 minutes
Price: Hands-on Experience ￥ 1,700
Directions: Approx. 10 minutes by car from the Chiran Samurai Residence Complex
Approx. 60 minutes by car from central Kagoshima City
Where to apply: Kawanabe Butsudan Kogei Kaikan: info@kawanabe-butudan.or.jp
Application deadline: 14 days in advance
Group size: 10 ~ 15 people
Other conditions: Experiences also available for other crafts made with Kawanabe butsudan (family Buddhist altar) techniques
Telephone Number: 0993-56-0240
Address: 6140-4 Hirayama, Kawanabe-cho, Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture

Chiran Peace Museum

Chiran is a town in which the army’s special air attack base was located toward the end of the Pacific War.
At the Chiran Peace Museum, valuable records and materials, such as deceased soldiers’ portraits and their belongings, are collected, preserved and displayed.
The peace museum tells about the true situation of that time to provide posterity and devote itself to contribute to permanent world peace.

Information

Business Hours: Open all year round [Time] 9:00 am-5: 00pm
Price: Adults ¥500, Children ¥300
Directions: About 1.5 hours from Kinsei bus stop at central Kagoshima city. Please take the Kagoshima Kotsu Bus (Destination: Chiran).
About 5 minutes on foot from Tokko Kannon Entrance bus stop.
Telephone Number: 0993-83-2525
Address: 17881 Chiran-cho, Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture