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What is Kagoshima like?
Kagoshima, located in the southern part of Japan, is an area abundant in beautiful nature and historical landmarks. Kagoshima City, a port town dominated by the towering volcano Sakurajima, serves as a prominent symbol of the city.
Kagoshima is also renowned for its hot springs and unique culinary culture, featuring delicacies such as Kurobuta pork and Satsuma-age.
Furthermore, the region boasts stunning beaches and resorts in southern Kyushu, perfect for enjoying activities like swimming and marine sports.
Visitors can also explore historical castles, shrines, and serene gardens.
Kagoshima offers a diverse range of attractions, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and nature.
Popular dishes in Kagoshima
Black Pork (Kurobuta)（黒豚）
Kagoshima is renowned for its high-quality black pork, known for its tender texture and rich flavor.
Locally referred to as “kurobuta,” it is used in various dishes such as tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet), shabu-shabu (hot pot), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and more.
Satsuma-age（さつま揚げ）
Originating from Kagoshima, Satsuma-age is a type of deep-fried fish cake made by mixing minced fish or vegetables with wheat flour and seasonings before frying.
It can be enjoyed as a snack or added to soups and stews for extra flavor.
Shirokuma（しろくま）
“Shirokuma” refers to a popular shaved ice dessert in Kagoshima.
It consists of shaved ice topped with condensed milk, fruit syrup, fresh fruit, and mochi (rice cake), providing a refreshing treat, especially during hot summers.
Shochu（焼酎）
Kagoshima Prefecture, also known as the “Shochu Kingdom,” boasts over 100 distilleries.
Shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled spirit, is made from various ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, rice, buckwheat, brown sugar, and shiso (perilla leaf).
There are over 2,000 brands of shochu, and it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, diluted with hot or cold water, or mixed with other beverages like green tea.
Eel (Unagi)（うなぎ）
Kagoshima Prefecture leads Japan in the production of farmed eel.
Thanks to its high-quality water filtered through the Shirasu plateau and a stable, warm climate year-round, Kagoshima provides excellent conditions for eel farming, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality eels throughout the year.
Sweet Potatoes (Satsumaimo)（さつまいも）
Satsumaimo, or sweet potatoes, are a representative agricultural product of Kagoshima.
Kagoshima boasts the highest production volume of sweet potatoes in Japan. “Chiranbeni,” a variety with vibrant red skin grown in Shirasu soil, is particularly famous for its sweet and flavorful taste, rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, making it a staple ingredient in Kagoshima cuisine.
Popular sightseeing spots in Kagoshima
Sakurajima（桜島）
Located across the bay from Kagoshima City, Sakurajima is one of Kagoshima’s iconic landmarks.
As an active volcano, visitors can witness its activity up close. Boat tours around the island or hiking/driving to the summit are popular ways to explore.
Senganen Garden（仙巌園）
Situated in Kagoshima City, Senganen is a beautiful Japanese garden where visitors can enjoy stone walls, traditional buildings, and cultural experiences.
It offers a serene space to appreciate the garden’s scenery and learn about traditional architecture and culture.
Shiroyama Park（城山公園）
Located in Kagoshima City, this scenic park offers panoramic views of the cityscape and Sakurajima.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, or simply admiring the beautiful scenery, especially during sunset.
Kagoshima City Aquarium（鹿児島水族館）
Also known as Io World Kagoshima Aquarium, this facility showcases a diverse range of marine life found along Kagoshima’s coastline.
Interactive exhibits, dolphin shows, and underwater tunnels provide immersive experiences for visitors.
Kirishima Onsen（霧島温泉）
Kirishima is one of Kagoshima’s prominent hot spring resorts, nestled at the foothills of active volcanoes.
With numerous ryokans and facilities, visitors can relax in hot springs sourced directly from the mountains.
Kirishima’s unique spring quality and therapeutic effects are complemented by various outdoor activities like hiking and nature walks.
Kirimoto Shrine（霧島神社）
Kirimoto Shrine is a historic shrine located at the foothills of the Kirishima mountain range in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
This shrine has been a focal point of faith, particularly within Kagoshima Prefecture, and has been cherished by locals since ancient times.
Situated amidst lush forests, Kirimoto Shrine captivates visitors with its serene ambiance and stunning natural scenery.
Within the shrine’s grounds, visitors can explore historical structures and sacred sites, offering insights into Japan’s traditions and culture.
Last Word
Kagoshima’s black pork shabu-shabu is exquisite, and renowned restaurants often require reservations due to their popularity.
Kagoshima, where you can enjoy both hot springs and food, is a must-visit destination in Kyushu travel!