Kagoshima Prefecture is located in southern Kyushu and is a region of beautiful nature, rich history, and hot springs. The volcanic mountains of Sakurajima, the Kirishima mountain range, and Mount Kaimondake offer spectacular views, and historical spots such as the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze pilots and Sengan-en Garden are scattered throughout the prefecture. Visitors can also enjoy local delicacies such as Kurobuta pork, Satsuma-age (fried fish cake), and shochu (distilled spirit). The prefecture is also rich in tourism resources and diverse attractions, such as the Ibusuki hot spring’s sand baths and the World Heritage Site of Yakushima Island.
Sakurajima
Sakurajima is an active volcano in Kinko Bay, Kagoshima Prefecture, and is a symbol of Kagoshima. It was born about 26,000 years ago and continues to erupt even today. There are several sightseeing spots on the island, including the Yunodaira Observatory and the Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Trail, where visitors can experience the lava fields and volcanic fumes up close. Accessible by ferry from Kagoshima City in about 15 minutes, this is a place where visitors can enjoy dynamic nature and spectacular views.
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Kirishima Mountain Range (Kirishima City and vicinity)
The Kirishima mountain range is a group of volcanoes straddling Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, with beautiful mountains and hot springs. Representative spots include the mysterious Kirishima Shrine, the crater lake Onami Pond, and the Ebino Highlands, where you can enjoy the seasonal scenery. The area is also known for its fresh greenery and autumn foliage, making it ideal for driving and hiking. In Kirishima Hot Spring Village, visitors can enjoy an abundance of hot spring water and a variety of spring qualities, and enjoy nature and healing to the fullest.
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Ibusuki Skyline
The Ibusuki Skyline is a toll road from Kagoshima City to Ibusuki City, and is a superb driving course with a panoramic view of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima. Along the 32-km-long road, there are many observation decks and rest spots where visitors can enjoy the scenery of Mt. The route is also popular as a route to enjoy sightseeing and driving at the same time, as there are many sightseeing spots along the route, such as “Chiran Buke Yashiki” and “Ikeda Lake.
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Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots and Chiran Tea Field
Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots is a facility that exhibits the belongings and letters of the young men who lost their lives as Kamikaze pilots at the end of the Pacific War, and conveys the history of these pilots. The Chiran Kamikaze Peace Museum** is visited by many people as a valuable place to experience the thoughts and feelings of these young men and think about the importance of peace.
Chiran Tea Field is one of Japan’s leading tea production areas, and the beautiful scenery of its vast tea fields is an attraction. The green of the neatly lined tea fields is especially vivid, and visitors can enjoy the peaceful rural scenery while driving through the area. The Chiran area, where history and nature are in harmony, offers a memorable trip.
Access (Chiran Peace Museum)
Access (Chiran Tea Field)
Nagasaki-bana (Ibusuki City)
Mt. Kaimondake (Satsuma Fuji) is a beautiful cone-shaped mountain 924 meters above sea level, and is selected as one of the “One Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan. It is a symbol of the Satsuma Peninsula, with its spectacular views that can be seen from the observatory and from climbing the mountain. Flower Park Kagoshima is a botanical garden with seasonal flowers blooming on a vast site of about 36 hectares, and is popular among families and couples. Furthermore, the Nagasaki Hana Parking Garden is a facility where visitors can interact with animals and enjoy unique shows, making it an ideal base for sightseeing in the Nagasaki Hana area. Visitors can enjoy nature and healing to the fullest.
Sumarry
Kagoshima Prefecture is rich in natural and historical spots, making it a perfect destination for a road trip. Typical spots include the dynamic scenery of Sakurajima, the mysterious Kirishima mountain range with its hot springs, and the Ibusuki Skyline, which offers a panoramic view of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima. It is also attractive to experience the importance of peace at the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots and to enjoy the peaceful scenery at the beautiful Chiran tea plantation. Kaimondake, also known as Satsuma Fuji, Flower Park Kagoshima, where you can enjoy flowers and nature, and the family-friendly Nagasaki Hana Parking Garden are just a few of the diverse sightseeing spots scattered throughout Kagoshima. A drive in Kagoshima is sure to be a special time while enjoying the spectacular scenery, history, and gourmet food.
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