For visitors who are staying overnight in Kirishima, be sure not to miss the traditional Japanese cultural performance "Kirishima Kumendaiko" and "Kirishima Kagura"!

Kirishima is well-known for the legend of "Tenson Korin", and the myth is based at Takachiho peak of the Kirishima mountain range. The "Tenson Korin" myth showcases the glory and valiance of the beginnings of a country. (Kirishima Kumendaiko Preservation Association)

The Miyama Conseru, where the performance is held, is located amidst the lush nature of a national park. It is a fascinating facility where the Kirishima International Music Festival is held.

·   Venue         : Miyama Conseru (Kirishima International Music Hall)

·  Time            : 20:00 (Admission starts); 20:30 (Show starts); 21:30 (Show  

                          ends; tentative)

·   Price            : Free of charge

** Some of the hotels in Kirishima provide ferry services to Miyama Conseru

Upcoming Performance Schedule

2011:   9^th Dec (Fri)

2012:   13^th Jan (Fri),    24^th Feb (Fri),    23^rd Mar (Fri),    7^th Apr (Sat),       

             26^th May (Sat),    9^th Jun (Sat),     22^nd Sep (Sat),  6^th Oct (Sat),

17^th Nov (Sat),   8^th Dec (Sat)

2013:    12^th Jan (Sat), 9^th Feb (Sat),    23^rd Mar (Sat)

The "Ohara Matsuri", a representative festival of southern Kyushu, will be held from 2 (Wed) to 3 (Thu) Nov 2011. During this festival, close to 22,000 people, both Japanese and foreigners, gather to dance along Tenmonkan, the busiest shopping and entertainment district of southern Kyushu. So why don't you join in the fun as well?

There will be a practice session for the Ohara dance and all participants will receive a Japanese hand towel as a memento!

[Dance Practice Session]

Date / Time         : 2 Nov 2011 (Wed), 15:30~16:30 (Tentative)

Venue                  : Kagoshima City Hall Main Building 2F Hall

                             11-1 Yamashita-cho, Kagoshima-shi

※ Tour groups staying in Kagoshima city during this period who are interested in this event, kindly check with your hotel regarding the possibility of holding a practice session at your hotel.

[Impromptu Participation Team]

There will be impromptu participation teams departing from the front of Washington Hotel and Kagoshima City Hall on both 2 Nov and 3 Nov. Interested parties, feel free to join in!

Further Enquiries              : Ohara Matsuri Shinkokai Jimukyoku, Kagoshima Kanko Shinkoka                                 (Kagoshima City Hall Tourism Promotion Division)

TEL                                    : 099-216-1327

Email                                 : kankou01@city.kagoshima.lg.jp

Sakurajima Summer Night Cruise

The Summer Night Cruise around Kinko Bay is an annual tradition. From 7 to 9 pm you can enjoy a floating beer garden and 50 fireworks fanning over the surface of the water.

○PLACE: Kagoshima City, Kinko Bay

○DAYS：July 16 - August 31（※excluding August 13 - 15）

○OFFICIAL WEBSITE：http://sakurajima-ferry.jp/?page_id=13

○CONTACT：　Kagoshima City Ship Operation Division　TEL:+81-99-293-2525

Sakurajima Yorimichi Cruise

Feel at home amid the majestic views of Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, and Kagoshima City as seen from the ferry. Please enjoy this 50 minute cruise from the port in Kagoshima City to Sakurajima.

http://sakurajima-ferry.jp/wordpress/?page_id=74#yorimichi

○COURSE：　Depart Kagoshima Port at 11:05～ Enter Sakurajima Port at 11:55　

○FARE：　     adults ¥500, children ¥250 (groups of 15 or more ¥450/person, 

                      student discount ¥350)

○TICKET COUNTER：　Kagoshima Port Ticket Counter or Kagoshima Chuo Station 

                                     Tourist Information Center

※tickets available one month in advance

※we ask that groups and guests with cars reserve one day in advance

　　　(Tickets may be available the day of, so please call to confirm.)

○CONTACT：Kagoshima City Ship Operation Division　　TEL:+81-99(293)2525

Kagoshima Kinko Bay Summer Night Fireworks

This fireworks display is a popular summer event with the world-famous active volcano Sakurajima and the gentle Kinko Bay as a backdrop. Over 10,000 fireworks are launched over the bay in late summer, colorfully painting the Kagoshima night sky.

○DATE：　Sunday, August 20, 19:30～20:40

○PLACE：Kagoshima Honko port area（Kagoshima City）

○OFFICIAL WEBSITE：http://hanabi.kankou-kagoshima.jp/

○TEL： +81-99-808-3333 San San Call Kagoshima

Tosenkyo Flowing Noodles

Summer is the perfect time to eat flowing soumen noodles. Ibusuki is the birthplace of the circular-type 'soumen nagashi' and was chosen by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism as one of the top 100 water sources in Japan. You can enjoy the flowing noodles and fresh spring water at any time of the year. You'll feel at peace amidst the sweet smell of the trees and the gentle sound of water.

 

○ACCESS： 20 minutes by car from the Ibusuki city center. 

                    10 minutes from Lake Ikeda.

    JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line to Kaimon Station à Kagoshima Kotsu bus

    to Ibusuki Station (about 10 minutes)

○ADDRESS：Ibusuki City, Kaimon Jitcho 5967

○PARKING：space for 500 vehicles

○BUSINESS HOURS：9:30～17:00（extended hours during the summer）

○MENU：Soumen lunch sets start at ¥1,300

○SHOP：

                Chojyuan　http://minami-hp.com/chojyuan/kaimon/menu.html

             　Ibusuki City's Tosenkyo Soumen Nagashi 

                                 http://www3.pref.kagoshima.jp/kankou/touris/shosai/692/

'Shirokuma' Shaved Ice

Mujaki, located in the heart of Kagoshima's Tenmonkan shopping district, is

nationally renowned as the birthplace of shirokuma. People line up for a taste of this

sweet summer confection made with shaved ice, fresh fruit, and a milky syrup. 

http://www.mujyaki.co.jp/

○PLACE：Kagoshima City, Sennichi-cho 5-8

○TEL：099-222-6904　○FAX：099-222-8379

○E-MAIL : mail_to_sirokuma@mujyaki.co.jp

○Opens at 11:00（10:00 on Sundays, holidays and during July, and August）／Closes at 22:00（last order at 21:30）

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Together with the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen Kagoshima Route in March, the sightseeing limited express train "Ibusuki no Tamatebako" has begun service on the JR Ibusuki - Makurazaki line.

"Ibusuki no Tamatebako", literally translated "Ibusuki Treasure Box", is named for the famous Japanese folk tale "Taro Urashima"(※) which remains along the JR Ibusuki - Makurazaki railway line. The train is also nicknamed "Ibutama".

◆Unique Exterior

                            

You'll be surprised to see the paint job on the body of the train. The front of the train is divided into right and left, black and white, and the same paint motif continues down the sides―――In other words, the side by the sea is pure white and the side by the mountains is pitch black. This design is based on the story of when Taro Urashima opened the treasure box, was transformed into an old man and his black hair turned white.

◆Welcoming Passengers with White Mist!

Once the doors open it's "all aboard"! White smoke pours out from above the door as you board the train. This is a special performance to welcome the passengers, and it's based on the white smoke which pours out from the treasure box that Taro Urashima opens in the story.

◆Parlor-Style Sofa and Bookshelves

With seats facing out the windows towards the ocean, parlor-style sofas and shelves, and a baby circle for the children with adorable little chairs, the train interior will make you feel like you've come to play in your friend's kids' room.

  

The sightseeing limited express train "Ibusuki no Tamatebako" has two train cars (capacity 60 people) and makes three trips per day (round trip) between Kagoshima Chuo Station and Ibusuki Station. Reservations are required.

 

＜Timetable＞

Sightseeing Limited Express Train	Kagoshima Chuo Station	Kiire Station	Ibusuki Station
Ibusuki no Tamatebako #1	9:54	10:24	10:46
Ibusuki no Tamatebako #3	11:52	12:21	12:43
Ibusuki no Tamatebako #5	14:01	14:34	14:58

 

Sightseeing Limited Express Train	Ibusuki Station	Kiire Station	Kagoshima Chuo Station
Ibusuki Tamatebako #2	10:53	11:16	11:45
Ibusuki Tamatebako #4	12:52	13:15	13:46
Ibusuki Tamatebako #6	15:06	15:29	16:00

 

 

（※）Taro Urashima

 In the legend, Taro Urashima is a fisherman who saves a sea turtle from being bullied by children. As thanks, the turtle brings Taro to Ryugu Castle at the bottom of the sea. Princess Otohime warmly receives him at the castle. After a while Taro states his intention to return home, and the princess gives Taro a treasure box, saying "no matter what, don't open it". The sea turtle carries Taro back to his village, but there is no longer anyone there he recognizes. When he opens up the treasure box, mist pours out and Taro, bathed in the magical mist, is suddenly transformed into an old man. He had only spent a few days at Ryugu Castle, but on the surface many, many years had gone by.

 

 

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Let's Go to the Southernmost End of Mainland Japan

"Osumi" by Free Rental Car!

If you go to Osumi by rental car, visit the tourists sites, and stay at an Osumi area hotel you can get a 24-hour compact car rental for free!

●Recommended Sightseeing Spots（northwestern area）　

http://www.pref.kagoshima.jp/__filemst__/66463/OUR-10-11.pdf

●Recommended Sightseeing Spots（eastern area）

http://www.pref.kagoshima.jp/__filemst__/66464/OUR-22-23.pdf

●Recommended Sightseeing Spots（central area）

http://www.pref.kagoshima.jp/__filemst__/66465/OUR-50-51.pdf

●Recommended Sightseeing Spots（southern area）

http://www.pref.kagoshima.jp/__filemst__/66466/OUR-40-41.pdf

●Kagoshima Tourist Information

http://www3.pref.kagoshima.jp/kankou/select/index/#5

●Delicious Shops

http://b-post.com/our1005/

 

STEP1:　

The sightseeing bonnet bus "DISCOVERY IBUSUKI" begins running March 12 with service from Japan's southernmost JR rail station "Nishi-Oyama Station"!

This is a sightseeing bus designed especially for those who board the JR train from Ibusuki Station to Nishi-Oyama Station (the southernmost JR rail station in all of Japan). The bus visits various destinations in the surrounding area and offers a special ticket with park entrance and public bath entrance fees packaged.

This colorful bus with a retro design and nostalgic shape will surely catch your eyes. Guests with reservations will be given priority.

■Days of Operation
The bus runs on weekends and holidays starting March 12, 2011 (Saturday)
※The bus runs every day during spring vacation，Ｇolden Ｗeek，summer  vacation，and winter vacation.（please contact us to confirm）

　　◎Spring vacation：March 28～April 3

　　◎Ｇolden Ｗeek ：April 29～May 8

　　◎Summer vacation：August 1～August 31

　　◎Winter vacation：December 24～January 8

■Bus Course
　Nishi-Oyama Station（depart 1:45 pm）
　Cape Ryugu（arrive 1:55 pm　depart 3:00 pm）
　Snapdragon Flower Field（arrive 3:05 pm　depart 3:20 pm）
　Yamakawa Natural Steam Sandbath Sayuri（arrive 3:30 pm  depart  4:25pm）
　Nishi-Oyama Station（arrive 4:35 pm）

     Download the tour course flyer（Japanese）

■Price（regular ticket）
Adult ¥2800
Child ¥1700（free for children 3 years old or below）
※Included in the set price：bus fare, Nagasakibana Parking Garden entrance fee, natural steam sandbath entrance fee (with towel), others (hot springs boiled egg, steamed potato, hot springs cider, etc.)

■Other
There is no observed seats on the bus.
We cannot provide car seats for children 3 years of age or below. Thank you for your understanding.

■Advance Reservations
Ibusuki Station grounds "Tourism Information Desk"
TEL：0993-22-4114
Business Hours：Weekdays 9 am to 6 pm
　　　　　　7:30 am to 7:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays

※　In addition to purchasing a ticket from Ibusuki Station to Nishi-Oyama Station, please be sure to buy the package ticket (kyoutsuu riyou ken) and reserve the sightseeing bus. We will take reservations until 3 pm three days before the day of your bus ride. Cancellation is available until noon the day before your scheduled bus ride. It is possible to ride the bus without an advance reservation, but please understand that you may be refused when the seats are full.

■Enquiries

　Nagasaki Parking Garden

　TEL: 0993-35-0111

The yellow mailbox incorporates the cheerfulness of the color yellow with Ibusuki's famous yellow Nanohana flowers.

Won't you send your love to that special person from this southern railway station?

This yellow mailbox sends your important feelings with lots of joy and happiness.

Ibusuki City, at the southern tip of the Japanese mainland, is a tourist destination famous for its steam sandbaths.

From "Nishi-Ōyama Station" you can see Mount Kaimon, the pyramid shaped volcano which has recently gained popularity as a "power spot". Every January the Nanohana Marathon takes place in this area while

the Nanohana flowers are in full bloom.

At the JR Nishi-Ōyama Station Tourist Info Center, in addition to purchasing postcards and stamps, you can also get the original Ibusuki commemorative stamp. 

◆1 postcard　¥100; 8 postcard set  ¥800（with case）

"JR Japan Southernmost Station Arrival Certificates" will also be issued.

How about getting a certificate to commemorate your journey?

◆Arrival Certificate　¥100（tax included）

Nishi-Ōyama Station Tourist Info Center

○Open　8：00～17：00 every day

○Telephone:　0993-34-0132 

【JR Nishi-Ōyama Station Time Table】(as of January 2011)

●   JR Nishi-Ōyama Station (to Kagoshima Chuo Station) :

     5:45 / 7:06 / 8:30 / 9:03 / 14:18 / 16:39 / 19:20 / 20:52

●   JR Nishi-Ōyama Station (to Makurazaki Station) :

     6:26 / 7:33 / 11:56 / 13:37 / 17:16 / 18:41 / 20:08 / 21:36

☆　Ryūgū Cape Bicycle Rental　☆

JR Nishi-Ōyama Station is surrounded by wide open spaces and an expensive sky that stretches to the horizon as far as the eye can see. Nearby, the beautiful Mount Kaimon, often called "the Mount Fuji of Satsuma", can be seen facing the East China Sea.

At Nishi-Ōyama Station, you can rent a motor-assisted cycle to enjoy the surrounding area.

◆Fee:　2 hrs ¥500／4 hrs ¥1,000／more than 4 hrs ¥1,500 

A cycling map has also been provided.

MAP PDF①：nishioyama_map_omote_4kou.pdf

MAP PDF②：nishioyama_map_ura_4kou.pdf 

Next up: an introduction to the nearby sightseeing spots you can visit by bicycle.

● Nagasakibana

Nagasakibana is a cape which protrudes into the ocean from the southernmost coast of Satsuma Peninsula.

There is an old Japanese folktale about Urashima Tarō travelling on the back of a sea turtle from this cape to the Dragon King's Palace (Ryūgū Palace) at the bottom of the ocean. Ryūgū Shrine, also in the Ibusuki area, honors the Prince and Princess of the Sea. Considering the legend surrounding this place, it's appropriate that sea turtles also come to lay their eggs here in the summer. Blue sea and sky, ocean spray, a white lighthouse and the majestic peak of Mount Kaimon: the scenery here is truly picturesque.

（about 4km from JR Nishi-Ōyama Station, about 30 minutes by bicycle）

○TEL: 0993-22-2111（Ibusuki City Tourism Division）

○FAX: 0993-23-4987（Ibusuki City Tourism Division）

○Location: Ibusuki City Yamakwa-Okachogamizu-Nagasaki

● Nagasakibana Parking Garden

http://www.synapse.ne.jp/npgyamakou/

Adjacent to Nagasakibana is the Nagasakibana Parking Garden, a nature park where subtropical plants are grown and rare animals are allowed to roam freely. You can see a flamingo and parrot show and pet the grazing animals while enjoying a fun family outing.

（about 4km from JR Nishi-Ōyama Station, about 30 minutes by bicycle）

○TEL: 0993-35-0111 　

○FAX: 0993-35-0112

○Location@: Ibusuki City Yamakawa-Okachogamizu 1571-1

○Fee：Adult (16 or older)： ¥1,200; Child (4 years of age or older)： ¥600;

 3 years of age or younger： free

● Flower Park Kagoshima

http://www.fp-k.org/

Flower Park Kagoshima is Japan's largest flower theme park with a total area of 36.5 hectares. This flower park, featuring over 2,400 varieties of subtropical and tropical flowers and plants, is the perfect place to surround yourself with flowers and greenery. Bathed in sunlight and warm climate, enjoy the pleasant sea breeze of this natural paradise.

（about 3.5km from Nishi-Ōyama Station, about 25 minutes by bicycle）

○TEL:  0993-35-3333 　

○FAX: 0993-35-5555

○Location : Ibusuki City Yamakawa-Okachogamizu 1611

○Admission： Adult ¥600; Child（15 years or younger）¥300

Group rate（20 people or more）: Adult：¥480; Child：¥240

● Healthy Land Open Air Bath

http://www.seika-spc.co.jp/healthy/?page_id=337

Although there are many ocean-view open air baths in Kagoshima Prefecture, the Healthy Land Open Air Bath is especially close to the ocean and thus particularly popular. Once you slip into the bath, the bath and the ocean appear to merge into one and you can even enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Kaimon. It's the ideal location to refresh and recharge your mind and body. Yamakawa steam sandbath is also nearby.  

（about 5.4km from Nishi-Ōyama Station, about 40 minutes by bicycle）

○TEL: 0993-27-6966

○FAX: 0993-27-6966

○Location : Ibusuki City Yamakawa-Fukumoto 3292 (Kyūyamakawa Town)

○Closed on Tuesdays（If Tuesday is a national holiday, the bath will be closed Wednesday instead）

○Admission : Adult ¥330; Child（12 years of age or younger）¥200

● Yamakawa Steam Sandbath (Sayuri)

http://www.synapse.ne.jp/npgyamakou/sayuri/

Yamakawa Steam Sandbath is a seaside steam sandbath with a view of Mount Kaimon. To enjoy this sandbath, first lay down in the spot where beach sand has been scooped out. An assistant will then pile the sand on top of you, and you can bathe your entire body in the steamy sand as the warmth of the hot spring bubbles out. After 10〜15 minutes in this "natural sauna", the sand temperature and pressure will cause sweat to seep out from within your body. The sandbath is good for arthritis, stiff shoulders, lower back pain, sensitivity to cold, etc. Rising from the sand after your "bath", you will experience the refreshing feeling of your body becoming lighter. There's nothing quite like this sandbath where you can lay on this beautiful natural beach, listen to nothing but the sound of the waves and experience the exhilarating feeling after emerging from the warm sand.

（about 5.4km from Nishi-Ōyama Station, about 40 minutes by bicycle）

○TEL: 0993-35-2669

○FAX: 0993-35-2669

○Location : Ibusuki City Yamakawa-Fukumoto 3339-3 (Kyūyamakawa Town)

○Business hours : 9:00 ～ 17:30 （October～June） 　9:00 ～ 19:00 （July～September）

○Entrance fee (yukata included）: Adult ¥800; Child (12 years or younger) ¥400; towel rental ¥100

●　Tosenkyo Flowing Noodles

http://www.ibusuki.or.jp/modules/xfsection/article.php?articleid=37

Tosenkyo is the birthplace of circular-type flowing noodles. It was chosen as one of "100 Famous Water Hamlets" so scooping the flowing soumen noodles out of the refreshing spring water is a real treat at any time of the year. This special meal wrapped in the fragrance of the trees and the trickling sound of the water will fill your heart and your stomach.

（about 6km from Nishi-Ōyama Station, about 45 minutes by bicycle）

○TEL: 0993-32-2143

○FAX: 0993-32-3364

○Location : Ibusuki City Kaimon-Tocho 5967

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The entire line of the Kyushu Shinkansen will begin operating on Saturday, March 12^th, 2011.

Travel time between Hakata Station (Fukuoka) and Kagoshima Chuo Station will be shortened to 1 hour and 19 minutes (fastest time).

Access to Kagoshima from overseas will also become fast and convenient!

<JR Kyushu Railway Company>

Japanese：http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/train/

English：http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/index.html

Korean：http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/korean/index.html

The "sakura" and "mizuho" trains of the N700 series were created with Japanese-style hospitality in mind. The beautiful, powerful, and dignified features are superb.

The tranquility and comfort of the genuine cherry wood armrests and tables is palpable.　The train is divided into first class seats, reserved seats, and non-reserved seats which all have different designs. 

First class seats

The friendly train attendants will greet you with a smile.

Please enjoy your trip to Kagoshima while viewing Kyushu's calm and leisurely scenery. You can even see Nagasaki Prefecture's Mount Unzen (Fugendake Peak), Kumamoto Castle, etc. along the way.

Many delicious new train lunches are being released in anticipation of the Shinkansen opening. 

You can't talk about trains without mentioning ekiben train lunches!

Please ride the Kyushu Shinkansen and come to Kagoshima!

January 28, 2011 Issue

Fish! Fish! Fish!

Kagoshima! Fish Market Tour Experience

【Overview】

This tour, sponsored by a number of local hotels and Japanese-style inns, aims to provide guests with the opportunity to explore and experience an early morning fish market at Kagoshima's very own Chuo Wholesale Fish Market. As part of this tour, you can observe the lively fish auction up close and examine many varieties of freshly caught Kagoshima fishes and shellfish. Learn to recognize fresh fish, get great cooking tips, tour a refrigerated locker, and watch a professional slice up a tuna. Witness the everyday magic of this fish market!

【Tour Period】

　　March - November 2011

【Tour Days】

Every Saturday morning ※Possible changes due to weather, the sponsors' availability, Obon and year-end holidays. Please enquire for details.

【Participation Fee】

¥800 per person (tax included) (tour eligibility limited to junior high school  

students and older)

　　※The paths in the market are heavily trafficked and slippery. We apologize for the inconvenience,   

          but no small children please.

【Registration】

　　Please register by 5pm the day before (Friday) at the hotel front desk. See  

       below for a list of participating hotels. The first 15 people to register may 

       participate in the tour.

【All participants receive】

An official guidebook, guided tour of the market (approx. 45 minutes), and a 

wide variety of special coupons

【Schedule】

　　6:45 Meet at the large gate in front of Kagoshima Chuo Wholesale Market Fish 

       Market (Jounan-cho)