kagoshima
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Kurobuta: Kagoshima’s Special Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)
Kurobuta, or “black pork”, is a speciality lean pork cutlet, one of the signature dishes from Kagoshima Prefecture. Located in the southern part of Kyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture hosts a breed of pig known as the “Kagoshima Berkshire”, a species first imported from Berkshire, UK, in the 1860s. History During the Edo Period, very little “meat”…
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Shinsui Gorge: Beautiful Columnar (Lava) Jointing
Located in Kirishima city, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, Shinsui Gorge (known as ‘Shinsuikyo’ 神水峡 in Japanese) is a 20-metre gorge that has an intimate history with the surrounding volcanoes that the area is famous for. History of Shinsui Gorge Shinsui Gorge is in Kirishima Geopark, an area with over 20 active volcanoes in close proximity, known…
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Seiryu-ji: Beautiful Buddhist Temple in the Mountains of Satsuma
In southern Kagoshima Prefecture lies the Satsuma Peninsula, an extremely mountainous region with beautiful beaches, stunning volcanoes and a long history intertwined with Japan’s. Near the middle of this peninsula lies a solitary temple inspired by Chinese designs. Named Seiryu-ji, it is stunning for not only the artwork on display but also its golden pavillion.…
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Inukai Falls: Largest Waterfall in Southern Kyushu
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Kumaso Cave: Psychedelic Cave Paintings
In Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Kyushu lies Kumaso Cave. Near the city of Kirishima, the cave is steeped in a combination of myth, history and legends. Today, you can visit the cave to see modern, psychedelic-like paintings on the cave walls. Myth, History and Legends of Kumaso Cave In the first and second centuries CE,…
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Tabinoyu: Ryokan in the mountains near Kirishima (Kagoshima, Japan)
About Tabinoyu Tabinoyu is an independent Ryokan located in the mountains north of Kirishima. You have to get to it by going up a mountain road, on which it sits near the end. In addition to traditional Ryokan rooms (multi-purpose tatami rooms that you rent for eating and sleeping), there are also mountain cabins that…
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Kirishima Jingu: Nikko of the West
Located in Kagoshima Prefecture near the slopes of Mt. Takachiho-no-mine, Kirishima Jingu is one of the holiest shrines in Japan. About 1.5 hours from Kagoshima Station and less than 30 minutes from Kagoshima Airport, a visit to Kirishima Jingu is definitely worth it. History of Kirishima Jingu Kirishima Jingu is dedicated to Ninigi-no-mikoto, the grandson…
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Ne Vegan Restaurant: Yakushima Hidden Gem
When we booked a week-long holiday to Yakushima for the end of October 2024, we thought we were going to have amazing weather. Summer is over, so the oppressive heat and humidity would be finished. Moreover, typhoon season is usually only until the beginning or middle of October, so we should have been fine. Unfortunately…
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Yokko Keikoku Valley: Nagata’s Massive Granite Boulders and Serene Pools
Near the settlement of Nagata on Yakushima is Yokko Keikoku Valley (横河渓谷), a nature reserve that contains the upper part of the Nagata River. The Yokko Keikoku Valley is a forested valley that has been cut over thousands of years by the river, creating a nature reserve where Yakushima deer and macaques, along with other…
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Guest House Friend: Yakushima (A Review)
About Guest House Friend Guest House Friend is located in the town of Miyanoura, one of two ferry towns on the island of Yakushima south of Japan’s Kyushu island. Also known as “Minshuku Friendo” (民宿ふれんど) in Japanese, it is located in the middle of the town. Guest House Friend is a privately-owned guest house which…
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Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen: Yakushima’s Thermal Bath with a View
Part of Kagoshima Prefecture, Yakushima lies to the south of the Kyushu mainland. On the southern part of the island is Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen – an onsen which makes its debut at low tide. It is a rare underwater hot spring that is only accessible at certain times of the day. Underwater onsen The natural…
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M104 Kagoshima: cheap hostel/hotel (a review
About M104 Kagoshima M104 Kagoshima is a stand-alone guest house located near Kagoshima’s Ferry Port and downtown Kagoshima. The lobby is located on the second floor, with a common area on the third floor, dormitories on the third and fourth floors, private rooms on floors 5 and 6, and tatami rooms on the highest (7th)…
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Review of Big Barns Apartment Tagami (Kagoshima, Japan)
About Big Barns Apartment Tagami Big Barns Apartment Tagami (also known as 短期賃貸ビッグバーンズマンション田上) is a holiday rental located in a suburban neighbourhood in Kagoshima City, Japan. The apartment can sleep a maximum of 4, although if you are spending any length of time here or spending any time in the apartment other than to sleep,…
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Family Ryokan Kawakyu: a comprehensive review (Ibusuki, Japan)
About Family Ryokan Kawakyu Family Ryokan Kawakyu is a ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn) located in the town of Ibusuki in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Ryokan Kawakyu boasts Japanese-style rooms with Nitanda River views, green tea and traditional futon bedding. The Nitanda River is known for its white egrets, so you may spot one from the room.…
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Bandokorobana Park: Where Ocean Breezes Meet Panoramic Bliss
Imagine this: you stand on a rugged coastline, the scent of salty air swirling around you. The endless expanse of the East China Sea stretches before you, a canvas of tranquil turquoise kissed by the golden rays of the rising sun. Gentle waves lap at the volcanic rocks, their rhythmic lull a symphony of serenity.…
