Satsuma Peninsula

Kagoshima is suitable for travel all year round. Spring (March to May) offers pleasant weather and blooming flowers, making it ideal for flower viewing and outdoor activities. Autumn (October to November) is perfect for autumn foliage, enjoying hot springs, and savoring seasonal delicacies. Winter (December to February) is the time for hot springs, enjoying winter illuminations, and early spring canola flowers. Summer (June to August) allows you to experience festivals and hiking, but be mindful of the rainy season and typhoons.

Satsuma Peninsula boasts numerous must-visit attractions, including the iconic Sakurajima volcano, accessible by ferry, where you can try kayaking or relax in a foot bath. The unique Ibusuki Sand Baths offer a one-of-a-kind sand bath experience. Furthermore, the World Natural Heritage site Yakushima is famous for its thousand-year-old cedar trees, perfect for nature immersion. The historic Sengan-en Garden and the spiritual power spot Kirishima Shrine are also highly worth visiting.

On Satsuma Peninsula, you can experience Japan's unique Ibusuki Sand Baths, enjoying a warm sand bath by the sea. Take a ferry to Sakurajima to get up close to the magnificent view of an active volcano, and engage in kayaking activities around the area. If you love nature, don't miss Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage site, where you can stroll among thousand-year-old ancient cedars and feel the pulse of life.

When visiting Satsuma Peninsula, you must try the local specialty Kurobuta (black pork) dishes, known for their tender and delicious meat. Additionally, don't miss the famous 'Shirokuma Kakigori' (Polar Bear Shaved Ice). This vibrantly colored and adorably shaped shaved ice, with its rich toppings and refreshing taste, is the perfect choice for beating the heat.

There are various theories regarding the origin of the name Kagoshima. One theory suggests it originates from a myth where the boat used by Prince Hikohohodemi was built on 'Kagoyama' (Deer Mountain). Another theory posits that 'Kago' (かご/カゴ) refers to Sakurajima, which is surrounded by cliffs, and Sakurajima's ancient name was 'Kago Island'. There's also a theory that the name comes from 'Kamukomu shimajima' (神籠もる島), meaning an island where deities reside, or that it sounds similar to 'kako' (かこ, boatman). However, the exact origin remains undetermined.