Kagoshima prefecture’s hidden charms and gourmet food! The ultimate guide for historical sightseeing trips!
Approaching the historical charm of Kagoshima Prefecture
A treasure trove of diverse culture spun by the history of Kagoshima
Kagoshima Prefecture is a beautiful region located at the southern tip of Japan, full of Japanese history, culture, and nature. Kagoshima is home to a mix of historical buildings dating back to the Edo period as well as natural beauty, and it was one of the places that particularly left an impression on me, Kasumi, during my travels throughout Japan.
During my trip, the time I spent in Kagoshima Prefecture felt like I had traveled back in time. When you visit this place, you can feel the rich history and culture. In particular, the townscape and buildings, where you can get a glimpse of the life of wealthy merchants and samurai during the Edo period, retain a strong atmosphere of that era.
Exploring the history of Satsuma, the castle town of samurai families
Kagoshima once flourished as a castle town of the Satsuma clan, and was home to many samurai families and merchants. When I visited, I was able to feel the strong history of Senganen, the castle of the Shimazu family, the lords of the Satsuma domain. Here you can learn deeply about the life and history of samurai at that time. Senganen is known for its beautiful Japanese garden and has been designated as a special scenic spot by the country.
Soothe your soul with rich nature and hot springs
Kagoshima is also rich in beautiful nature, including the active volcano Sakurajima. Sakurajima is an island in Kagoshima Bay that attracts many tourists every year. I was also captivated by the dynamic scenery. As someone who loves hot springs, Kagoshima’s hot springs are also a must. Kagoshima is dotted with beautiful hot springs, such as Kirishima Onsen and Ibusuki Onsen.
Experience Kagoshima’s traditional crafts
Kagoshima Prefecture also produces many traditional crafts. In particular, Satsuma Kiriko and Satsuma ware are known for their beauty and delicacy. I was able to experience making these crafts and spend valuable time learning techniques directly from local craftsmen. By touching these crafts, I was able to realize the depth and richness of Kagoshima’s culture.
Delight your palate with a variety of gourmet food
When it comes to sightseeing in Kagoshima, you can’t miss the local gourmet food. We enjoyed a variety of dishes made with local ingredients, including black pork shabu-shabu, fish cakes, and satsuma soup. In particular, the dishes made with fresh, locally caught seafood were exquisite, and we were able to fully enjoy the charm of Kagoshima’s food.
Kagoshima Prefecture continues to fascinate visitors with its rich history, beautiful nature, traditional crafts, and diverse gourmet food. I, Kasumi, was deeply drawn to its diverse charm, and it is one of the regions that left the most impression on me during my travels throughout Japan. I would like to continue to convey the charms of Kagoshima to as many people as possible.
Kagoshima’s natural beauty and outdoor activities
The magnificent nature of Sakurajima
Sakurajima is an active volcano that can be said to be the symbol of Kagoshima, and its magnificent natural scenery and occasional volcanic smoke overwhelm visitors. When I visited Sakurajima, I was captivated by its power. The view from Sakurajima was also spectacular, and the beauty of Kagoshima city and the looming volcano took my breath away.
Outdoor activities in Sakurajima
Sakurajima offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. I observed various plants and birds while walking along the nature-rich trails. There are also hot spring facilities on the island, so you can relax in the hot springs after your activities. The day at Sakurajima was a time of healing and contact with nature.
Refresh your mind and body at Ibusuki’s natural hot springs
Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture has a beautiful coastline where you can enjoy swimming and surfing. I was also soothed by the blue ocean and white sand. Another attraction of Ibusuki is its abundance of natural hot springs. Ibusuki Onsen, which I visited, is known for its high quality spring water, which left my skin smooth and smooth. In particular, the view from the open-air bath overlooking Mt. Kaimondake was spectacular, and I was able to truly relax.
Experience the mysterious nature of Kirishima
The Kirishima region is also a treasure trove of nature in Kagoshima Prefecture. The Kirishima Mountain Range is made up of many mountains formed by volcanic activity, and its mysterious scenery attracts many climbers and tourists. I also walked through the mountains of Kirishima and was impressed by its unique natural environment and clear air. In addition to hiking and trekking, you can also enjoy beautiful hot springs in the Kirishima region.
New discoveries in the sea of Kagoshima
Since Kagoshima Prefecture is surrounded by the ocean, you can also enjoy diving and snorkeling. I encountered a variety of marine life in the highly transparent waters of Kagoshima. In particular, we enjoyed the rich marine ecosystems of Amami Oshima and Tanegashima and made new discoveries.
Kagoshima Prefecture’s nature is diverse, from the mountains to the sea, and you can experience its beauty through a variety of activities. The magnificent scenery of Sakurajima, the beautiful sea and hot springs of Ibusuki, the mysterious mountains of Kirishima… These are all unique charms of Kagoshima, and I, Kasumi, was truly fascinated by them all.
Kagoshima gourmet and souvenir guide
Delicious local Kagoshima cuisine
Kagoshima Prefecture is blessed with fertile land and a rich sea, and is overflowing with delicious ingredients. Of course, what I was looking forward to when visiting Kagoshima was the local cuisine. Kurobuta pork shabu-shabu, fish cakes, bonito tataki…these are all delicious flavors that can only be found in Kagoshima. As I savored these local dishes, I felt the depth of Kagoshima’s food culture.
Kagoshima’s exquisite sweets
Kagoshima also has many delicious sweets. I especially liked the sweets made with purple sweet potatoes. The rich and sweet taste of purple sweet potatoes is a deliciousness that you will never forget once you try it. Chiffon cake and gelato are also popular in Kagoshima, and you can enjoy a variety of flavors in various locations.
Specialty products recommended as souvenirs
Choosing souvenirs is also essential as a memento of your trip to Kagoshima. When it comes to souvenirs from Kagoshima, Satsuma ware and Satsuma Kiriko are famous. These traditional crafts are beautiful and delicate, making them great gifts. Locally produced brown sugar and ginger sweets are also popular as souvenirs. I also gave Kagoshima’s special products as souvenirs to friends and family and shared their charm.
Taste Kagoshima’s local sake
Kagoshima Prefecture is also known as a producer of potato shochu. Locally, many breweries produce various types of shochu, each with a rich flavor. During my stay in Kagoshima, I visited a local brewery, observed the process of making potato shochu, and sampled a variety of shochu. I was surprised by the variety of flavors and ended up buying several bottles as souvenirs.
Find fresh produce at local markets
You can buy fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, and more at Kagoshima’s local markets. I also visited the market and enjoyed interacting with the locals and foraging for fresh produce. In particular, the freshness and taste of locally caught seafood is exceptional, and shopping at the market has become a daily pleasure.
Kagoshima Prefecture’s food culture is characterized by its diverse ingredients and the unique flavors created by its unique food culture. From local cuisine to sweets and alcohol, Kagoshima’s food captivates the hearts of visitors. I, Kasumi, am deeply fascinated by Kagoshima’s delicious food, and would like to spread the word about its taste and diversity.
Impressions of the trip
The trip to Kagoshima Prefecture was a very special and heartwarming experience for me, Kasumi. Among the 47 prefectures I traveled to, Kagoshima deeply touched my heart with its beautiful nature, rich history, and delicious local cuisine.
Impressed by the beauty of nature
In particular, the magnificent natural beauty of Sakurajima was overwhelming, and I was truly moved by its power and beauty. Every time I visited the island I discovered something new and was fascinated by its natural dynamism. The mountains of Kirishima and the beautiful sea of Ibusuki were also impressive, and I was reminded of the beauty and diversity of Japan’s nature.
Depth of history and culture
Kagoshima’s history was also very fascinating. As I glimpsed the lives of the samurai and wealthy merchants of the Satsuma domain, I felt the depth of Japan’s history and culture. As I walked through Senganen and the old townscape, imagining the lives and thoughts of people in the past, I felt like I was connected to them beyond time.
The joy of gourmet food
Kagoshima’s gourmet food was also a highlight of the trip. Each dish made with fresh local ingredients is delicious and the taste is unforgettable. In particular, the black pork shabu-shabu and purple sweet potato sweets were exquisite, and I really wanted to visit Kagoshima again to try these flavors.
The warmth of the local people
Above all, I am deeply grateful for the warmth and hospitality of the local people of Kagoshima. Their kindness and openness made me fall in love with this place even more.
In the end, my trip to Kagoshima was deeply etched in my heart due to its beautiful scenery, rich history, delicious food, and warm people. These wonderful experiences and encounters will serve as the driving force for me to continue traveling throughout Japan, and will serve as inspiration for me to convey the charms of Kagoshima to as many people as possible.
“Historical building selected by Kasumi”
Kagoshima Prefecture is home to many wonderful historical buildings that strongly reflect Japan’s history. Here, I would like to introduce five historical buildings that I, “Kasumi,” found particularly impressive, along with “Kasumi Points.”
* Senganen (Kagoshima City)
* Senganen was built as a villa for the Shimazu family, the lords of the Satsuma domain, and has been designated as a special scenic spot by the country. At Sengan-en Garden, you can feel the traditional beauty of Japan with its rich nature and elegant Japanese garden.
* “Kasumi Point”: Its historic architecture and garden blend beautifully, allowing you to enjoy nature in all four seasons.
* Kaimondake (Ibusuki City)
* Kaimondake has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, and is a mountain with an impressive unique shape. The area is also dotted with many historical shrines and temples.
* Kasumi Point: The view from the top of the mountain is spectacular, and you can enjoy the history and beauty of nature while visiting the surrounding historical buildings.
* Sakurajima General Park History Museum (Kagoshima City)
* At this history museum located within Sakurajima General Park, you can learn about the history and nature of Sakurajima.
* “Kasumi Point”: Walking around Sakurajima with the knowledge you learned at the museum will help you understand Sakurajima’s charm even more deeply.
* Shimadzu Historical Museum (Kagoshima City)
*Historical materials and ancient documents related to the Shimazu family are on display. This is a very valuable place to learn about the history of the Satsuma clan.
* “Kasumi Point”: By unraveling the history of the Shimazu family, the depth of Kagoshima Prefecture’s history and culture will become clearer.
* Kirishima Shrine (Kirishima City)
* Kirishima Shrine is a historic shrine surrounded by the beautiful nature of Kirishima. This shrine enshrines the gods that appear in Japanese mythology, and is crowded with many worshipers.
* “Kasumi Point”: You can experience Japanese mythology and tradition while enjoying the beautiful nature of historical buildings and shrines.
By visiting these historical buildings, you can deeply feel Kagoshima Prefecture’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. I hope that you will be able to experience the charm of these places as much as I, Kasumi, did.
