🕓 2023/1/28
#Sightseeing
About Kagoshima Prefecture
Kagoshima Prefecture is located in the southwestern part of Japan, a region where rich nature, unique culture, and vibrant history converge. Kagoshima is renowned for the majestic volcanic activity of Sakurajima and the magnificent natural landscapes of the Kirishima Mountain Range, offering beautiful scenery throughout all four seasons. Additionally, the primeval forests and Jomon Sugi (ancient cedar trees) of Yakushima, registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, are among Kagoshima’s many charms. These natural environments provide ideal settings for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and hot spring bathing.
The culture of Kagoshima Prefecture also captivates the many visitors who come to this area. Traditional crafts such as Satsuma Kiriko (cut glass) and Satsuma-yaki (pottery), along with historic castle ruins and samurai residences, still preserve their beauty without fading. Furthermore, Kagoshima is known as the “Land of Satsuma,” and many cultural properties and memorial halls document the historical events from the end of the Edo period through the Meiji Restoration, allowing visitors to deeply connect with Japanese history.
Food culture is another great attraction of Kagoshima Prefecture. Kurobuta (black pork), satsuma-age (fried fish cakes), and the sake and shochu produced in Kagoshima offer unforgettable flavors for visitors. Kagoshima also thrives in agriculture, taking advantage of its warm climate, with an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits.
3 Handpicked Tourist Attractions in Kagoshima
Kirishima Jingu Shrine
● Attractions of Kirishima Jingu
Kirishima Jingu Shrine is situated in a location surrounded by the mystical Kirishima Mountain Range, where the natural beauty of each season stands out magnificently. This shrine is said to be the place where the gods descended from heaven (Tenson Korin), deeply rooted in Japanese mythology, where legends of many gods and heroes, including Emperor Jimmu and Ninigi-no-Mikoto, live on. The main hall and other structures are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, allowing visitors to appreciate traditional Japanese beauty through works that embody the essence of traditional craftsmanship and aesthetics.
Kirishima Jingu is also known as a spiritually powerful shrine that brings hope and comfort to visitors who come with various wishes, including health, romantic connections, and business prosperity. A visit to Kirishima Jingu offers not just the enjoyment of beautiful scenery, but also the precious experience of touching Japanese mythology, history, and culture, and quietly reflecting on oneself in a sacred atmosphere.
The grounds of Kirishima Jingu are surrounded by nature throughout the four seasons, and its beauty is particularly striking during the autumn foliage season. The shrine architecture is also impressive, with the main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Walking along the approach path, visitors can feel the breath of nature and history.
● History of Kirishima Jingu
The history of Kirishima Jingu Shrine dates back to before the Common Era, and it holds an important position in Japanese mythology and history. This shrine enshrines Ninigi-no-Mikoto, a deity who appears in Japanese mythology, and continues to convey the sanctity of the place where the gods descended from heaven. Since ancient times, this site has been revered by many members of the imperial family and military commanders, and records remain of Emperor Jimmu worshiping here during his eastern expedition. Throughout history, many scholars and warriors have visited Kirishima Jingu and praised its spiritual power.
Kirishima Jingu has also suffered damage from volcanic eruptions on multiple occasions, yet has been rebuilt each time through the power of faith. Particularly since its reconstruction in 1715, it has been enshrined at its current location with the Kirishima Mountain Range as its backdrop, allowing visitors to feel the presence of the gods within the solemn natural surroundings. In this way, Kirishima Jingu has walked alongside natural disasters throughout its long history, serving as a constant source of spiritual support for the people as an unwavering place of worship.
● Access to Kirishima Jingu
- Address: Kirishima Taguchi, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Website: Kirishima Jingu Official Website
- Google Maps Link: Kirishima Jingu
- By Bus:
- Take the bus bound for Kirishima Jingu from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, and get off at the last stop.
- By Car:
- About 50 minutes from Kagoshima-Chuo Station.
- About 1 hour and 20 minutes from Miyazaki Airport.
Mizonokuchi Cave
● Attractions of Mizonokuchi Cave
Mizonokuchi Cave is located in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, and its formation is a natural wonder shaped by volcanic activity over tens of thousands of years. This lava cave is an attractive destination not only for explorers and nature enthusiasts but also for those interested in history and science. Inside the cave, lava flows that tell of the powerful forces of volcanic activity and stalactites formed over time allow visitors to feel the ancient history of the Earth.
Furthermore, the interior of Mizonokuchi Cave maintains a constant temperature throughout the year, staying cool in summer and relatively warm in winter. This natural air-conditioning effect provides visitors with a comfortable exploration experience. Looking beyond the cave, the surrounding area is enveloped in lush greenery and beautiful landscapes, offering the opportunity to enjoy nature walks before and after cave exploration.
In this way, Mizonokuchi Cave attracts interest from many fields by offering natural beauty, scientific value, and a comfortable exploration experience.
● History of Mizonokuchi Cave
Mizonokuchi Cave is a magnificent lava cave created by nature in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, with its formation dating back to volcanic activity tens of thousands of years ago. The area is surrounded by active volcanoes centered on Mount Kirishima, and the cave was formed when lava from past eruptions cooled and solidified. This region has long been known for its active volcanic activity, and this cave, created by the forces of nature, is a precious natural heritage that conveys the dynamic activity of the Earth to the present day.
Over the long course of time, Mizonokuchi Cave was discovered by local residents and came to be visited by people seeking its mysterious beauty and the grandeur of nature. However, since records of the exact time of discovery and the first person to enter the cave have not been preserved, much remains shrouded in mystery. In recent years, its value has been reassessed from the perspective of nature conservation, and it has also become a subject of scientific investigation and research.
Visitors can not only appreciate the natural beauty of Mizonokuchi Cave but also experience up close the long history of the Earth and the effects of volcanic activity. This cave is highly valued not only as a work of natural sculptural beauty but also as a place of learning for earth science and volcanology.
● Access to Mizonokuchi Cave
- Address: Makizono-cho Mizobe, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Website: Mizonokuchi Cave Official Page
- Google Maps Link: Mizonokuchi Cave
- By Car:
- About 1 hour from Kagoshima-Chuo Station.
- About 20 minutes from Kirishima Onsen Village.
Yakushima
● Attractions of Yakushima
Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage-registered island boasting magnificent natural landscapes and deep history. The island’s greatest charm lies in its unique natural environment, nurtured over thousands of years. Among its treasures, the Jomon Sugi (ancient cedar) is the symbol of Yakushima, deeply moving all who visit. Yakushima also offers natural artwork everywhere, from mysterious moss-covered forests where ferns thrive to waterfalls where crystal-clear water flows.
There are numerous trekking and hiking courses available, allowing visitors of all levels from beginners to advanced hikers to enjoy nature at their own pace. At night, the starry sky spreads out, and within the tranquility of Yakushima, the Milky Way and constellations can be observed with the naked eye — a special experience unique to this island. In this way, Yakushima is beloved by many tourists as a place where the beauty and mystique of nature can be fully experienced.
● History of Yakushima
It is believed that people have inhabited Yakushima since the Jomon period, and since ancient times, people have lived within this rich natural environment. Yakushima played a particularly important role in Japan’s ancient history, and many legends and historical events remain on the island.
The existence of the Yakusugi (ancient cedar trees) is a symbol of Yakushima’s nature and culture. These cedars have survived for thousands of years, growing in the island’s harsh natural environment. The Yakusugi forests have also been important as places of nature worship since ancient times, and people have paid deep respect to these ancient trees and learned the wisdom of living in harmony with nature.
During the Edo period, Yakushima became part of the Satsuma domain’s territory, and during this time, logging of the Yakusugi was carried out. However, to protect these precious resources, restrictions on logging were established early on. This is evidence that the people of Yakushima valued their natural environment and practiced sustainable use.
The UNESCO World Natural Heritage registration in 1993 recognized that Yakushima’s nature holds extremely important value on a global scale, marking a new step in the conservation of Yakushima’s history and natural heritage. Through this registration, the protection and research of Yakushima advanced further, and the island became a natural heritage site attracting attention from around the world.
● Access to Yakushima
- Address: Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Website: Yakushima Tourism Information
- Google Maps Link: Yakushima
- By Ferry:
- Ferries operate from Kagoshima Port to Yakushima, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours.
- By Air:
- Direct flights are available from Kagoshima Airport to Yakushima Airport, with a flight time of approximately 35 minutes.