The JR Sendai station is located in the northwest of Kagoshima prefecture, about 12 minutes by the Shinkansen bullet train and 1 hour by local trains from the JR Kagoshima Chuo station.
Connected to the Hisatsu Orange Line Sendai Station, this is the second busiest train station in Kagoshima prefecture, after the JR Kagoshima Chuo station.
Shuttle bus service (price: 100 yen) is available from JR Sendai station to the Sendai Ferry Terminal, where one can board the jetfoil to Koshikijima Island.

Recently refurbished, Akune Station is a bright, modern facility that offers more than just transport. At the front of the building alongside large windows is a relaxation space complete with a seating area and library from which visitors can choose something to read. In the main lobby that leads to the tracks are interesting displays of local activities, and a café serves delicious refreshments.

Akune Station is on the Hisatsu Orange Railway, It follows the coastal route along Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures facing the East China China. The stunning railway journey can be enjoyed on a luxury Orange Train while savoring breakfast, lunch or dinner – the perfect way to travel and enjoy Kagoshima’s delicious cuisine in style.

Though only 2km off the coast of Akune, Akune Oshima is a world away. The small island is scenic and unspoiled, with beautiful pine forest, a white-sand beach and panoramic views out to sea. Take the short ferry ride from the mainland to enjoy peace and quiet, fishing or marine activities.

July and August is high season so the beach house and café are open, lifeguards are on patrol and a range of water sports can be enjoyed, including banana boating and jet-skiing. But the sandy cove can be enjoyed throughout the year.

The island can be explored in 30 minutes or so. Walk by the tiny harbor where fishermen throw in their lines and weave through the trees to ring the Bell of Happiness. There are a number of deer to spot in their natural surroundings, too, but don’t get too close.

Akune Oshima is possible as a day trip but to really allow the island to help you unwind, stay for the night. There are cabins, a camp site and a lodge from where you can rent bedding, BBQ equipment and other utensils. Sitting around a fire under the stars after eating al fresco is certainly a great way to spend a unique evening in Japan.

Recently refurbished, Akune Station is a bright, modern facility that offers more than just transport. At the front of the building alongside large windows is a relaxation space complete with a seating area and library from which visitors can choose something to read. In the main lobby that leads to the tracks are interesting displays of local activities, and a café serves delicious refreshments.

Akune Station is on the Hisatsu Orange Railway, It follows the coastal route along Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures facing the East China China. The stunning railway journey can be enjoyed on a luxury Orange Train while savoring breakfast, lunch or dinner – the perfect way to travel and enjoy Kagoshima’s delicious cuisine in style.

Izumi-Fumoto History Museum offers insight into why Izumi was so important historically. Examine old maps showing the city’s strategic and defensive role in centuries past given its proximity to neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture. There are models and easy-to-follow diagrams as well as numerous interesting charts.

Visitors can also get a glimpse of what life was like for samurai living in the area about 400 years ago. Check out everyday artefacts and guess what they were used for before learning more through the fascinating exhibits.

Children will enjoy trying on the samurai costumes and there is a decorative screen where photos can be taken. Continue the fun by playing some of the traditional games as they were played by samurai centuries ago.

Izumi-Fumoto History Museum also has a gift shop that stocks local arts and crafts.

The beautifully preserved Izumi-Fumoto was built 400 years ago, making it the oldest former residential area of samurai in Kagoshima prefecture. At 46 hectares, it was also the largest: a nod to Izumi’s strategic importance because of its proximity to modern-day Kumamoto prefecture. Traces of that time can be seen everywhere, from the grid design of the streets to the wide roads constructed to reflect the high status of the samurai.

Much of the townscape, including the defensive stone walls and hedges, remain relatively unchanged, while the samurai residences have been restored to their former glory. There are about 150 samurai-related buildings in Izumi-Fumoto, many of which are still occupied by descendants of samurai, and the whole area is designated an important preservation district of historic buildings. Take a stroll along the picturesque streets to get a sense where hundreds of samurai once called home.



Samurai residences

Two former samurai residences are open to the public, offering a rare glimpse into samurai life. Both are large, with a number of beautiful tatami-mat rooms, historic items on display and leafy gardens.

Takezoe-tei is an excellent example of a high-ranking samurai’s house. It was featured on the Japanese TV drama Atsuhime. Explore the rooms where samurai spent time planning, eating, sleeping and entertaining. Sit by the sunken hearth once used not only to cook food but also to heat the home. There is a wide range of old tableware and kitchenware on display as well as a samurai sword and other historic pieces. Peek into the 400-year-old bathhouse where samurai took a dip.

Saisho-tei features an indoor archery practice area behind a removable door. Check out the bow and arrows as well as the target with many holes! There are many signs this house designed with defense in mind. Weapons adorn the walls and there are some hiding spots. Lift the wooden beams over the hearth to find a secret refuge and look up to see ladders once used by samurai to flee to the upper floors of the house.

An English guide can be downloaded at each property using the local free Wi-Fi so you can more fully appreciate the way of life of the samurai.