The Izumi, Kawauchi, and Kushikino areas offer tourist attractions such as Kumano Shrine, Kashima Shrine, and Maruyama Park; sightseeing events such as the Gion Festival, Kawauchi River Fireworks Festival, and Otaue Festival; and local delicacies such as Karukan, Kagoshima Ramen, and Kasutadon.
Ijuin is located in the middle of the Satsuma Peninsula. The site of Ichi-Uji Castle, where Francis Xavier was authorized to preach in Japan, is now maintained as Shiroyama Park. There are also several kilns, including the Chinsugan Kiln, which preserves a 400-year tradition and exhibits giant white Satsuma vases.
Also in Oguchi is Sogi Falls, known as the "Niagara of the East," with a width of 210 meters and a height difference of 12 meters, offering a powerful view. The area around the falls is rugged and rocky, with an attractive rugged appearance. In season, cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom, and cherry blossom viewing while taking a break on a bench along the promenade is a good idea.
The Izumi/Kawauchi area is also famous for the more than 10,000 cranes that migrate to the area during the winter. There is no other place in the world where such a large number of wild cranes overwinter in the vicinity of an urban area.
If you want to learn more about the ecology of cranes, you should visit the Izumi Crane Museum Crane Park. This is the only museum in Japan dedicated to cranes, and with 15 species of cranes from around the world on display, as well as the nest of a rare sandhill crane, you can become a bit of a crane doctor.
Located in the midst of nature, Shinonome-no-sato is one of the largest hydrangea gardens in Japan, covering an area of about 50,000 square meters. The "Gallery Sou" in the garden sells ceramics.
Another attraction is the "Izumi-Ruku Buke Yashiki", a group of samurai residences built by the Satsuma Clan for defense purposes. The Satsuma clan adopted a unique system of not having a castle in its territory, and most of the townscape from the Satsuma period remains as it was in those days.
Stone walls and samurai gates line the streets, and some of the mansions can be viewed inside and in the gardens. Visitors can also take a tour of some of the houses and their gardens, and watch the sightseeing ox carts slowly move through the streets, which is like stepping back in time.
After a day of leisurely fun and games, you can enjoy a full meal of local cuisine that makes the most of the local mountain and sea foods. Since the area is known for its tuna fishing, you can also enjoy a local B-class gourmet dish called "maguro ramen. Izumi Oyako Steak Gohan (Izumi Oyako Steak and Rice)," which is made from Izumi's specialty chicken and chicken eggs, is a new and highly anticipated menu item that can only be tasted in Izumi.
Sogi Waterfall is a spectacular natural attraction located along the upper reaches of the Sendai River in the southern part of Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Known as the “Niagara Falls of the East,” it is famous for its extraordinary width, powerful flow, and thunderous roar. Unlike conventional waterfalls that plunge down a narrow cliff, Sogi Waterfall spreads across a broad rocky riverbed, cre...»
Satsuma Kinzan Storehouse is a sightseeing facility in Ichikikushikino City, Kagoshima Prefecture, developed on the site of a historic gold mine. Visitors can explore former mining tunnels and learn about the history of gold mining, while also discovering the production and aging of shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled spirit. What makes the facility particularly distinctive is that the forme...»
Crane Museum Crane Park Izumi is a museum in Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture, where visitors can learn about the ecology of cranes and the efforts made to protect them. Developed between 1993 and 1995, the museum was designed to deepen people's understanding of these birds and encourage crane conservation. More than 10,000 cranes visit Japan every year. At the same time, habitats for large birds...»
Izumi City Crane Observation Center is a popular winter sightseeing facility in Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It opens during the crane migration season, from November 1 until the second Sunday in March, and attracts many visitors who come to see the birds gathering on the Izumi Plain. The center is a two-story reinforced-concrete building. Its main attraction is a panoramic observation deck ...»
The Sogi Power Plant Remains are the ruins of a historic hydroelectric power station in Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Built during the Meiji period, this industrial heritage site is usually submerged beneath the waters of a dam reservoir. It reappears only when the water level falls during certain months of the year, earning it the nickname "the Phantom Power Plant." The imposing red-brick buil...»
Kushikino Tuna Ramen is a regional ramen specialty created in Ichikikushikino City, Kagoshima Prefecture, a port town known for its distant-water fishing industry and its close association with tuna. The dish was developed to promote the city's signature tuna and introduce its seafood culture to a wider audience. It brings together locally prized tuna and ramen, creating a distinctive bowl that r...»
A Carefully Crafted Spirit from a Small, Long-Established Distillery The Isa region has long been known as one of the birthplaces of shochu. It is a misty basin with abundant water, offering views of the Kirishima mountain range to the east. Its inland climate, with a large difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, provides ideal conditions for shochu production. Isa Oizumi is a car...»
A Delicious Local Vegetable Cultivated in Kagoshima Since Before World War II In Kagoshima, pale green-white eggplants known as Satsuma white eggplants have been widely cultivated since before World War II. They are resistant to disease, relatively easy to grow, and prized for their excellent flavor. These eggplants contain little bitterness and have slightly firm skin surrounding soft flesh. Th...»
Tsukihigai is a distinctive two-shelled shellfish and a specialty of Kagoshima Prefecture. Its name, which combines the Japanese words for “moon” and “sun,” comes from the contrasting colors of its shells. The outer side is reddish, resembling the sun, while the other side is white, reminiscent of the moon. Tsukihigai is harvested mainly along the coast of Fukiagehama, one of Japan's three major ...»
Carefully Raised from Juvenile Fish to Market, with a Focus on Safety and Quality Yellowtail from Kagoshima Prefecture is a specialty seafood product, with the prefecture ranking among Japan’s leading producers of farmed yellowtail. Its excellent quality and flavor have earned it a strong reputation both in Japan and overseas. Blessed with a warm climate and abundant marine resources, Kagoshima o...»
A Special Feeding Method Incorporating the Benefits of Tea Charmy Pork is one of Kagoshima Prefecture’s renowned branded pork products. It has attracted attention as interest in health-conscious eating has grown. Developed as a new specialty alongside the prefecture’s famous Kurobuta black pork, Charmy Pork is raised using a distinctive feeding method that incorporates components of tea. It is ap...»
Hokusatsu Wide-Area Park is a large prefectural urban park located in Torai, Satsuma-cho, Satsuma District, Kagoshima Prefecture. The area was formerly part of Miyanojo Town. The park is managed and operated by the Kagoshima Prefectural Regional Promotion Corporation under Japan's designated administrator system. One of the park's distinctive features is its use of bamboo, a local specialty of th...»
The Izumi Crane Migration Area is located in Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Every year, approximately 10,000 cranes migrate here to spend the winter, arriving from northern regions between October and November and remaining until March of the following year. Recognized for its international importance as a habitat for migratory birds, the area was designated a Special Natural Monument of Japan...»
The Koshiki Islands are a beautiful group of islands belonging to Satsumasendai City in Kagoshima Prefecture. Located in the East China Sea, the islands are known for their dramatic coastal scenery, distinctive geological formations, and long history. Their combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes them an appealing destination for travelers seeking a quieter side of Japan....»
Nitta Shrine is located in Miyauchi-cho, Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It has been revered for centuries as the Ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of the former Satsuma Province. Its former official shrine rank was Kokuhei Chūsha, and today it is listed among the special shrines under the Association of Shinto Shrines. The shrine stands on the summit of Mount Shinkame, a place dee...»
Imuta Pond (Imutaike) is a volcanic lake located in Imuta, Kedoin-cho, Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Approximately one kilometer in diameter, the lake is surrounded by mountains and is known for its distinctive wetlands and floating islands. In 1921, the area's peat-forming plant communities were designated a National Natural Monument of Japan under the name “Peat-Forming Plant Commun...»
Sendai Space Museum (Satsumasendai-shi Uchūkan) is a municipal science exhibition facility and astronomical observatory located in Nagatoshi-cho, Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Combining an observatory with interactive science exhibits, it offers visitors an opportunity to experience the mysteries of space and learn about astronomy....»
Sugawara Shrine, commonly known as Fujikawa Tenjin, is located in Fujikawa, Togo-cho, Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It was formerly classified as a village shrine under Japan's modern shrine-ranking system and is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, who is widely revered as the deity of learning. The shrine is especially famous for its plum trees, known as the Garyubai, or Dragon-Shape...»
Kuronoseto Bridge is a road bridge spanning the Kuronoseto Strait between Akune City and Nagashima Town in Kagoshima Prefecture. The strait is famous for its powerful tidal currents and is regarded as one of Japan's three major rapid-current straits. The bridge provides both a roadway for cars and motorcycles and a pedestrian walkway. It offers a convenient connection between the mainland and Nag...»
Izumi-Fumoto, located in Izumi City in Kagoshima Prefecture, is a historic district known for its beautifully preserved samurai residences. During the Edo period (1603–1868), it served as an important defensive stronghold of the Satsuma Domain. Today, its traditional streets and former samurai homes offer visitors a glimpse into the history, military organization, and everyday life of samurai in t...»
Akune Oshima is a small uninhabited island located approximately 3 km off the coast of Akune City in Kagoshima Prefecture. With a circumference of about 4 km, it is one of the area's most appealing natural attractions and offers visitors beautiful coastal scenery, clear seawater, and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The island was originally known simply as Oshima. To distinguish it from othe...»
Shibi Shrine is located in Shibi, Satsuma Town, Satsuma District, Kagoshima Prefecture. Formerly known as Shibiyama Sansho Gongen, it has a long history of religious devotion and has traditionally been revered as the principal shrine of the seven villages of Kedoin: Yamazaki, Omura, Kuroki, Sashi, Imuta, Miyanojo, and Tsuruta. It has also been respected as a guardian shrine of the northern Satsuma...»
Shibi Onsen is a quiet hot spring resort located in Satsuma Town, Satsuma District, Kagoshima Prefecture. Known for its long history and peaceful mountain setting, it is an appealing destination for travelers seeking relaxation away from busy tourist areas. The hot spring water is classified as a simple sulfur spring and is traditionally appreciated for its gentle feel on the skin. Surrounded by ...»
Hishikari Mine is located in the eastern part of the Hishikari district of Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It is currently the only gold mine in Japan operating on a commercial scale. Historically, it has also been Japan's largest gold producer in terms of both total gold output and estimated reserves. In addition to gold, the mine also produces silver....»
Kanoya Station was a railway station formerly located in Kyoei-cho, Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It served as a central station for the city on the Japanese National Railways (JNR) Osumi Line. The station closed on March 14, 1987 (Showa 62), when the entire Osumi Line was discontinued. Although trains no longer run through the area, the history of the station and the railway is preserved at...»
The Kanoya Air Base Museum is an aviation history museum operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It is located in Nishihara, Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The museum displays valuable historical materials and actual aircraft, covering the history of the Imperial Japanese Navy through to the modern Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Its exhibits provide visitors with an opportunity...»
Arahira Tenjin, officially known as Sugawara Shrine, is located in Tenjin-cho, Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Although its official name is Sugawara Shrine, it is much more widely known by its popular name, Arahira Tenjin. The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the scholar and statesman revered throughout Japan as the deity of learning. It has long been respected by local residents...»
Airanoyamanoue-misasagi is an imperial mausoleum located in Uenagami, Aira-cho, Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It is commonly called “Aira Sanryo” by local residents. The Imperial Household Agency officially designates this site as the mausoleum of Amatsu-hikohiko-nagisa-take-ugayafukiaezu-no-mikoto, generally known as Ugayafukiaezu. According to Japanese mythology, he was the father of Emper...»
Kirishimagaoka Park is a large recreational park located in Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It spreads across the area of Mount Kirishimagaoka, which has an elevation of 173.7 meters. The park combines beautiful natural scenery with a wide range of recreational facilities. It is one of Kanoya City's well-known sightseeing destinations and offers visitors opportunities to enjoy flowers, panoram...»
Kaigata Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Kaigata, Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Facing Kagoshima Bay, it offers visitors relaxing bathing experiences accompanied by views of Sakurajima across the water. The hot spring area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and its connection with the natural environment of the Osumi Peninsula. The scenery of Kagoshima Bay, with Sakurajima rising ...»
Uchinoura Space Center is a space science facility operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It is located in Kimotsuki Town, Kimotsuki District, Kagoshima Prefecture, on the Pacific coast of the Osumi Peninsula. The facility was established in 1962 (Showa 37) as the Kagoshima Space Center of the Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science at the University of Tokyo. It was later...»
Hanaze is a scenic natural area in Nishihara, Kinko Town, Kimotsuki District, Kagoshima Prefecture. It is known for its unusual riverbed, where broad, flat rock formations spread across the river like a natural stone pavement. The area is designated as part of Hanaze Nature Park and is a popular destination for visitors who wish to enjoy the natural scenery of the Osumi Peninsula....»
Cape Sata is located in Sata-Magome, Minamiosumi Town, Kimotsuki District, Kagoshima Prefecture. Facing the Osumi Strait, it marks the southernmost point of the Osumi Peninsula and of mainland Kyushu. Its geographical coordinates are 30°59′42″ north latitude and 130°39′42″ east longitude. The cape is part of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, formerly known as Kirishima-Yaku National Park. With it...»
Ogawa Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located in Nejime-Kawakita, Minamiosumi Town, Kimotsuki District, Kagoshima Prefecture. It lies in the upper reaches of the Ogawa River, which flows through the central area of Minamiosumi Town on the southern Osumi Peninsula. The waterfall is famous for the striking emerald-green color of its plunge pool and the broad rock face from which water emerges th...»
Sata Former Medicinal Garden is a historic site in Sata-Izashiki, Minamiosumi Town, Kimotsuki District, Kagoshima Prefecture. It preserves the remains of a medicinal plant garden established by the Satsuma Domain during the Edo period (1603–1868). Located near Cape Sata, the garden benefited from the area's warm subtropical climate and fertile volcanic soil. These conditions made it possible to c...»
Daguri Cape Amusement Park is located in Natsui, Shibushi-cho, Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Managed and operated by Taniguchi Seisakusho, a Shibushi-based amusement ride manufacturer, the park opened on January 1, 1981. Since 2005, it has been the only amusement park in Kagoshima Prefecture. It is also known as the southernmost amusement park in Japan, offering a nostalgic seaside setting...»
Yokose Kofun, also known as Yokose Otsukayama Kofun, is an ancient burial mound located in Yokose, Osaki Town, Soo District, Kagoshima Prefecture. It is a keyhole-shaped burial mound, with a rounded rear section and a rectangular front section, and is designated as a National Historic Site of Japan. It is the second-largest kofun in Kagoshima Prefecture and is believed to have been constructed du...»
Biro Island is located in Shibushi Bay and belongs administratively to Cho, Shibushi-cho, Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture. This small island is known for its dense subtropical vegetation and distinctive natural environment. The island's name comes from the biro, or Chinese fan palm, which grows abundantly across the island and gives it a characteristic tropical appearance. Its plant communiti...»
Maruike is a pond formed by impounding natural spring water in Koba, Yusui Town, Aira District, Kagoshima Prefecture. In 1985 (Showa 60), it was selected as one of Japan's 100 Remarkable Waters under the name “Kirishima Foothills Maruike Spring Water.” Nearby is the Maruike Spring Brick Culvert, which has been recognized as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization....»
Kirishima Open-Air Museum is a prefectural outdoor art museum located on a highland at an elevation of approximately 700 meters, at the foot of Mount Kurino in the Kirishima Mountains, in Yusui Town, Kagoshima Prefecture. The area was formerly part of Kurino Town. The museum has been developed to make the most of the natural terrain and surrounding woodland, with the aim of allowing visitors to e...»