Kagoshima is located at the southwestern tip of the island of Kyushu. Kagoshima is composed of the main land, Sakurajima island (桜島), Tanegashima island (種子島), Yakushima island (屋久島), Amami-Oshima island (奄美大島) and many other islands. Sakurajima island is located in the middle of Kagoshima and known as the symbol of the city.
Tanegashima island is famous for Tanegashima Space Center, where giant rockets launch in Japan.
Yakushima island is the very sacred island, which is registered as a World Heritage Site. Jomon-Sugi cedar (縄文杉) is the symbol of Yakushima and it is said that Jomon-Sugi cedar has a history of more than 7000 years. Kokemusu-mori Moss covered forest (苔むす森) is a very famous place. If you have watched Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫), you may know this place.
Amami-Oshima island is a tropical island and surrounded by the beautiful clear sea. You can see coral reefs and mangrove forests here. The most famous spot in Amami-Oshima is a Heart Rock. The rock looks like heart when the water is filled with the rock. If you are lucky, you can meet sea turtles.
Sengan-en (仙厳園) is a traditional Japanese garden, which was built by Mitsuhisa Shimadzu (島津光久) who was the 19th head of the Shimadzu family. The view from Sengan-en is wonderful. You can enjoy the traditional Japanese garden in the background of Sakurajima and Kinko-wan Bay (錦江湾) at the same time.
Ibusuki (指宿) is famous for onsen spot ,especially sand steamed hot spring. You can enjoy the natural sand steam hot spring only here in Japan. This is so interesting experience. You are buried in the sand only without your head. The sand containing marine minerals has an effect on neuralgia, rheumatism, back pain and other ailments.
Kagoshima is the city of delicious food and drink. Kagoshima-Kurobuta pork (かごしま黒豚) is a fantastic pork and the most famous pork in Japan. You can eat Kagoshima-Kurobuta pork in various ways. For example, Shabu-shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ), Tonkatsu (とんかつ), Kakuni (角煮) and steaks. We recommend all the style of enjoying Kagoshima-Kurobuta. You have never eaten this delicious pork before.
Kagoshima is also known for Shochu (焼酎), which is a kind of Japanese Sake. Kagoshima has its own original Shochu brands. So please try flight of Shochu.
As you can see, Kagoshima has many reasons to visit. You can enjoy all the day in Kagoshima. Please enjoy your original Kagoshima life.