1) Hokusatsu
Here are the featured attractions in ‘Hokusatsu’ [11 pic.]
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1_Ushinohama Beach
Marvel at the stunning sunset & island views
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2_Bontan Citrus Bath
This unique winter tradition is alive & well in many bathhouses in Akune
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3_Cranes of Izumi
Over 10,000 cranes emigrate & stay over the winter
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4_Hakozaki Hachiman Shrine
Japan’s largest Shinto bell: Ring for a great wish
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5_Marutake Sangyo
The home of Japan’s historic armor craftsmanship
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6_Koshiki Ohashi Bridge
1.5km overwater viaduct joins the archipelago
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7_Statue of Tsun @Shrine of Fujikawa Tenjin
Pricked up ears & curly tail: the historical Satsuma dog
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8_Napoleon Rock
127m sea stack resembles profile of the French emperor
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9_Kannon Falls Park
Feel the transient beauty of nature across four seasons
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10_Tsuruda Dam
Popular cherry blossom viewing spot is on the left bank
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11_Nagashima Flower Festival
Marks the start of Spring on the islands
2) Kirishima
Here are the featured attractions in ‘Kirishima’ [18 pic.]
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12_Uenohara Jōmon-no-Mori Park
Interpretive archeological site for all ages
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13_Kirishima Hot Springs
Nine Onsens offer a variety of water types that benefit different conditions
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14_Kirishima Kumen-Daiko Drums
Soul-stirring taiko drums and graceful dancing in the Kirishima evening
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15_Kirishima Jingu Shrine
Spiritual symbol of the city.
Splendid architecture gleams in the volcanic landscape. -
16_Cherry Blossoms @Kirishima Jingū Shrine
Cherry Blossoms @Kirishima Jingū ShrineBlooming spectacle blends into the lush mountains
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17_Kirishima Mountains
Volcanic peaks, caldera lakes, and seasonal blooms create distinctive sceneries
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18_Black Vinegar Jars
Brewed & aged for over a year in the same way as had been done since the Edo period
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19_Hatsu-Uma Festival
Adorned horses lead dancers in drumming & strumming in this most unique tradition
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20_Kirishima International Concert Hall (Miyama Conseru)
A music hall with miraculous sound
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21_Memorial of Sakamoto Ryōma & Oryō’s Honeymoon Stay
Iconic couple is believed to have bathed in the hot spring that still stands nearby
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22_Red Spider Lilies of Ōta
Red blanket contrasts w/ the lush rice paddies
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23_Koriyama Hachiman Shrine
Home to the oldest reference to shochu
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24_Sogi Falls Park
The Niagara Falls of the East
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25_Maples@Sogi Falls Park
480 maples & 50 ginkgoes add to the glistening grandeur
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26_Sogi Power Plant Ruins
Brick buildings resembling a medieval European castle emerge during the low water season
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27_Great Kamou Okusu (Camphor tree)
The biggest camphor tree in Japan.
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28_Kirishima Open Air Museum
Sculpture garden incorporates Sakurajima vista into the frame
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29_Maruike Spring Water Pond
Pristine, crystal-clear water attracts visitors from far & wide
3) Nakasatsuma
Here are the featured attractions in ‘Nakasatsuma’ [26 pic.]
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30_Ishibashi Memorial Park
Study, explore, and unwind at this local favorite
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31_Museum of the Meiji Restoration
Learn stories of brave youth during the significant eras of Japan
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32_Foreign Engineers’ Residence (aka Ijinkan)
Learn about Japan’s Industrial Revolution & the first Western-style cotton mill
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33_Iso Beach
The nearest beach from Kagoshima city center
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34_Dolphins
Exhibit tanks reflect Kagoshima’s southernly environment
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35_Statue of Ōkubo Toshimichi
One of the ‘Three Great Nobles of the Meiji Restoration’
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36_Ohara Festival
Southern Kyushu’s largest festival joined by 20,000 dancers
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37_A STREET CAR
100+ years old transport still in demand by locals & tourists
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38_Remains of Shūseikan Reverberatory Furnace
Listed by UNESCO as part of ‘Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution’
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39_Yellow Cosmoses @Kinkōwan Park
Past the long stone steps, breathtaking views await
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40_Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park
100m long public footbath
fed by a real active volcano -
41_Shūseikan Machinery Factory (aka Shōko Shūseikan Museum)
Japan’s oldest surviving of its kind, listed as a World Cultural Heritage
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42_Jigenji Park / Jigenji Somen Nagashi
Stroll through gentle creeks & lush vegetation on the nature trails
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43_Cosmoses @Jigenji Park
40,000 blooms along creeks, fall foliage create a stunning destination
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44_Baby Blue Eyes @Jigenji Park
56,000 Nemophila flowers create an endlessly beautiful blue carpet
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45_Statue of Saigō Takamori
Historic local icon in his imposing presence
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46_Tsurumaru Castle Ruins(Goromon Gate)
Largest castle gate in Japan
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47_Statue of Tenshōin
Shōgun’s consort, who ran the imperial concubines at Edo Castle
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48_Tenmonkan Millionation
Be enchanted by the winter lights created by a million LED lamps
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49_Minato Odori Park Illumination
The fountain and illumination weave together to create a fantasy world.
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50_History Road: Home of Meiji Restoration Heroes
Wander through Japan’s crucial moment in history
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51_Memorial of Satsuma Students
These youth, sent abroad, later led Japan’s modernization
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52_Arego Ajisai garden
500 blossoms invite visitors to an array of colors
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53_Statue of Shimadzu Yoshihiro
‘God of War’ emanates a commanding stature
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54_Kushikino Beach Horse Races
One of the few held on the beaches of Japan. It’s a harbinger of Spring for the town.
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55_Satsuma Students Museum
Trace the history of the Satsuma students, who contributed to the modernization of Japan
4) Nansatsu
Here are the featured attractions in ‘Nansatsu’ [18 pic.]
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56_Makurazaki Port Festival (aka Kibarankai)
Folk dance processions, float parades, and 10,000 fireworks all rolled in one. A special gigantic firework is a must watch.
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57_Tategami Rock
Symbolic 42m pillar looms offshore. Sunset brings an awe-inspiring sight to the fishing town.
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58_Satsuma Shuzo Shochu Distillery "Meijigura"
This imojochu distillery continues to use the traditional production methods
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59_Steam Sand Baths
Bathe in beach sand heated at around 55 °C by underground hot spring water
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60_Tamatebako Open-air Onsen
Enjoy panoramic views of mountains and sea
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61_Chirin Island (Chiringashima)
Mystical island can only be reached via a sand causeway at low tide
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62_Pillar Box @Nishi-Ōyama Station
Japan Railway’s southernmost station charms visitors w/ the yellow-painted ‘lucky’ mailbox
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63_Sunflower Field near Nishi-Ōyama Station
Frequented by families, couples, and tourists alike. Capture trains & Mount Kaimon in the same frame.
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64_Flower Park Kagoshima
One of the largest floral theme parks in Japan, covering an extensive 36.5ha
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65_Ryugu Shrine
For worshipping a goddess on a cape known for the legend of Ryūgū Castle
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66_Sunset Bridge
Catch the golden vista at sundown
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67_Fukiage Sand Festival
Biggest sand festival in Japan.Save the Golden Week date.
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68_Kiyomizu Iwaya Park & Campsite
Entertains nature lovers w/ everything from cherry blossoms, fireflies to autumn leaves
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69_Kamafuta Shrine
You too can receive divine favor!
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70_Chiran Peace Museum
Deliver messages of the tragedy of war and the dignity of peace and life
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71_Chiran Neputa Matsuri
The Kagoshima version of Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri
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72_Tea Plantations in Chiran
Seemingly endless teafields extend 1,300ha
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73_Chiran Samurai Residence Complex
Beautiful castletown & gardens dubbed the “Little Kyōto of Satsuma”
5) Osumi
Here are the featured attractions in ‘Osumi’ [13 pic.]
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74_Kanoya Rose Garden
One of the largest rose gardens in Japan
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75_Jintoku Inari Shrine
This shrine will turn you into a shutterbug!
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76_Senbon Ichou (Thousand Ginkgos)
A superb view 40 years in the making
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77_Yagorodon Festival
Meet the god of health and long life in life size 4.85 meter height.
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78_Yūkyū-no-Mori Forest
Featured in the ‘100 Promenades of Japan’
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79_Yatchiku Matsuyama-Han Festival
Bonfires & fireworks on the eve, followed by samurai processions & free hearty foods
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80_Roadside Station Kuni-no-Matsubara Osaki (Asuparu Osaki)
Look for the giant beetle monument
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81_Kashiwabaru Coast Lupine Field
Full-bloom lupin in April beckons for the annual floral festival
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82_Kamikawa Otaki Falls Park
Kamikawa FallsFeel the awe of nature—30m wide & 25m high waterfalls create quite powerful viewing
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83_Ogawa Falls
Emerald waterfall pool creates a mystic atmosphere.
Featured in the opening credits of the hit period drama Segodon. -
84_Cape Sata Observatory Park
Southernmost point of mainland Japan
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85_Kouyama Yabusame Festival
October tradition includes samurai processions, folk dance, and plenty of other entertainments
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86_The Nikaidō ’ s Former Residence
Japan’s cultural heritage preserves the southern region’s unique architecture
6) taneyaku・toshimamishima
Here are the featured attractions in ‘taneyaku・toshimamishima’ [13 pic.]
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87_Swing Bench @Urada Beach
One of ‘88 Best Bathing Areas of Japan’. Pink accent perfectly matches the blue sky, turquoise sea, and white sand
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88_Yoga on Urada Beach
Japan’s first certified ‘Sacred Place of Yoga’
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89_Obuchi Mebuchi Falls
Impressive tiered waterfalls
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90_Marine RecreationExperience
Marine RecreationExperience kayaking & scuba year-around at this beautiful beach w/ shallow waters
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91_Chikura Cavern
A wonderful cavern created by the hand of nature
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92_South Tanegashima Arquebus Squad
Annual festival commemorates the historic introduction of firearms to Japan
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93_Tanegashima Space Center
Learn all about space exploration & development w/ full-scale models
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94_Wilson's Stump
2,000 years old Yakusugi cedar remnant, w/ a height of 4m & girth of 13.8m
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95_Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
A magical world of verdant mosses
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96_Jomonsugi (Jomon Cedar Tree)
Yakusugi cedar in World Natural Heritage zone, w/ 25.3m of height & 16.4m of girth
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97_Higashi Hot Spring(Iōjima Island)
Secluded hot spring known exclusively by enthusiasts
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98_Takarajima Giant Mural
Colorful eyecatcher welcomes island visitors
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99_Boze Dance
Folk dance in Akuseki Island
7) Amami
Here are the featured attractions in ‘Amami’ [17 pic.]
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100_Amami Park
The appeal of Amami packed into a multifaceted facility
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101_Amami Mangrove Forest
Adventure in subtropical nature
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102_Fragrant Screw Pines & Kuninao Beach
Coral fragments create a stunning white coastline
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103_Cape Miyakozaki
Featured in the opening credits of the hit period drama Segodon.
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104_Mount Yuwan
Highest point across the Amami Islands at 694m
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105_Mount Kōchi Observatory
Whole of the Ōshima Strait is a sight to behold
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106_Gaganbana Tunnel
Eye of the dragon
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107_Heart Rock
Let your wish for love come true
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108_Banyan Tree
Spectacle w/ a height of 17.7m, girth 16m, and spread 42m
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109_Kanamisaki Sago Palm Tunnel
Row of large sago palms create a natural alleyway
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110_In-no-joufuta
Beautiful sunsent visible through a hole in this protruding coral formation
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111_Mushiroze
Granite rock streaching across majestic scenery
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112_Bullfighting
Nakusami is what locals call it in Tokunoshima
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113_Saigo Nanshu Memorial Museum
Famous maxim “Revere Heaven, Love Man” was born here
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114_Nishibaru Beach
Sandy beach facing the East China Sea
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115_Erabu Lilies
Full blossoms mid-April thru early-May
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116_Yurigahama Beach
Dreamy as it gets. Closest place to heaven on earth.
8) Extras
Here are the featured attractions in ‘Extras’ (Gastronomy / Sports / Wildlife / Fine Crafts) [36 pic.]
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117_Lye-Soaked Rice Dumplings in Bamboo Leaves (aka Akumaki)
Savory local favorite eaten on Children’s Day. Dust toasted soybean flour over the top to enjoy the elastic texture.
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118_Eel Rice Bowl
High-quality water & warm weather lead top eel production in Japan
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119_Kagoshima Kurobuta & Braised Dish (aka Tonkotsu)
Kagoshima Kurobuta & Braised Dish (aka Tonkotsu)Local branded pork slow-simmered & tenderized. Sweet & spicy flavors go well w/ rice.
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120_Kagoshima Tea
Kagoshima leads production at No. 1 in Japan. Warm weather & abundant nature produce fresh aroma & deep flavors.
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121_Kagoshima Ramen
Original noodle soup that sticks to its long tradition.
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122_Seared Bonito Sashimi
Fish are in market by the earliest in Spring & become the most flavorful in Fall
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123_Bonito Flakes (aka Katsuobushi)
Fishing town boasts the largest production across Japan
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124_Yam Cakes
Original sweets w/ yam aroma & soft texture. Taste is simple w/ a moderate sweetness rounding up nicely.
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125_Slender Sprat Sashimi
Raw, fried or grilled, these little fish make tasty treats
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126_Bokke Hot Pot: Kirishima Mythology
Laden pot w/ local meat & vegetables
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127_Kagoshima Wagyu
Renowned beef reigns as Japan’s best of the best
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128_Kagoshima Kurobuta: Shabu-Shabu Hot Pot
Light, non-greasy, crisp, and tender are the qualities that set it apart
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129_Chicken Soup over Rice (aka Keihan)
Committed to handmade
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130_Sakurajima Komikan
Smallest satsuma in the world packed w/ extra sweetness inside the mini wedges
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131_Sakurajima Radish
Sakurajima RadishSpecialty of the famed volcano, recognized by Guinness World Records for its size
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132_Sake-Flavored Sushi Dish (aka Sake-Zushi)
Made to enjoy while viewing cherry blossoms
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133_Fried Fish Cakes (aka Satsuma-Age)
Inside is so fluffy & packed w/ local ingredients. Great side dish & companion snack w/ alcohol.
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134_Sweet Potatoes
Kagoshima leads production in Japan
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135_Shōchū
Distilled spirit made by time-honored craftsmanship
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136_Jambo Mochi
Unmatched combo of soft rice cake & special sauce. It’s a simple taste that you can’t stop eating.
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137_Shirokuma Shaved Ice
Freshly shaved ice topped w/ condensed milk & a variety of colorful fruits
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138_Fava Beans
Kagoshima leads production in Japan. Known to be larger, sweeter, savorier, and has a velvety texture.
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139_Jidori Chicken Sashimi
Classic way to savor the flavorsome poultry delight
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140_Tosenkyo Flowing 'Soumen' Noodles
Summer is the perfect time to eat soumen noodles.
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141_Breaded Pork Cutlet (aka Tonkatsu)
Crunchy bite sends you into bliss.
Golden-brown coating seals juicy Kurobuta pork. -
142_Steamed Kokutō Cake (aka Fukure-Gashi)
Fluffy local favorite made w/ gently sweet Kokutō brown sugar
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143_Yellowtail Sashimi
Coveted fish known for its tastiness. One of the top exports of Kagoshima.
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144_Kagoshima United FC
Kagoshima City-based football club competing in J.League. Plays under the slogan “Unite Kagoshima as One”
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145_Kagoshima Rebnise
Kagoshima City-based basketball team competing in B.League. Strives to be the “New Driving Force Behind Kagoshima”
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146_Fragolad Kagoshima
Hioki City-based volleyball team competing in V.League. Aims to be rooted, loved, and supported by the people of Kagoshima
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147_Amami Rabbit
One of natural monuments of Japan
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148_Koala
Meet koalas in this hugely popular zoological park
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149_Ōshima Tsumugi Textile
Traditional fabric handmade in the south island. Its unique glossy & silky texture is simply gorgeous.
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150_Satsuma Kiriko Cut Glass
Clean, vibrant palette shines. Kagoshima’s time-honored artisanship.
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151_Satsuma Ware
400 years of artisanship showcases a variety of high-quality crafts—incl. traditional glazed pottery, tea ceremony utensils, and everyday tools
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152_Tai-Guruma Folk Toy
The shrine said to be the origin of the name "Kagoshima"
Most popular
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Re-Wild Kagoshima: The ultimate healing experience of interacting with the “Happy Horses”
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Now is the time for a bike trip! Cycle beautiful Kagoshima
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Yoron Island course that heals you on the white sandy beach
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Kikaijima Course, an island where mysterious giant banyan trees and butterflies dance
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Inner Kinko Bay Route: Vocano and Caldera