[Kagoshima] Enjoy Minamisatsuma City to the Fullest! A Guide to the Scenic Beauty and Culture of Five Areas

• Table of Contents
• 1. [Kaseda] Sand art and samurai history
• 2. Kasasa: A mythical coastline and stunning sunset views
• 3. Oura: Rich agricultural areas and panoramic views
• 4. [Bonotsu] The history of the "Bonotsu Blue" sea and international trade
• 5. Kinpo: A sacred mountain and delicious rice

1. [Kaseda] Sand art and samurai history

The Kaseda area, in the heart of the city, is perfect for art and history lovers.

Sand Sculpture

Minamisatsuma City, home to Fukiagehama, one of Japan's three largest sand dunes, hosts an event every year where giant sand sculptures are lined up. The elaborately crafted sand art is truly impressive.

The elaborate and gigantic sand sculptures created by sculptors from Japan and abroad are truly impressive.
At night, lights and fireworks create a fantastic atmosphere that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Each year a different theme is created, so no matter how many times you visit, you'll be impressed by something new.
This is a major spectacle that represents Minamisatsuma, where you can experience the delicate beauty of the sand up close while feeling the sea breeze.

Kaseda-fumoto

This is a beautiful area where samurai residences from the Edo period remain. Walking along the roads lined with old stone walls and green hedges will make you feel like you've traveled back in time.

This is a group of samurai residences that retain the appearance of the "Outer Castle System," a unique governing system of the Satsuma domain during the Edo period.

The townscape is lined with neatly stacked stone walls and beautifully trimmed hedges.
It has also been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government. Walking through the quiet alleys, you can get a feel for the samurai lifestyle and dignified atmosphere of the time.
The historical landscape is still carefully preserved as a place for local residents to live, making it a precious area where you can enjoy a stroll and a tranquil time surrounded by the unspoiled scenery of Japan.

Exchange hub "Kiyattamonse Minamisatsuma"

This is a new spot where you can buy local specialties and interact with local people.

This is Minamisatsuma City's tourism and local product hub, with a wealth of local information and products.
"Kiyatmonse" means "welcome" in the local dialect. There is also a tourist information center inside the building, making it the perfect place to gather travel information. The charms of the building include snacks made with local specialties and a warm atmosphere where you can enjoy interacting with local people.
This convenient facility is a great place to stop by for a break during your drive, where you can experience the seasonal flavors of Minamisatsuma and the vitality of the region, and you won't have any trouble choosing souvenirs.

Mars Tsunuki Distillery

Known as the southernmost whiskey distillery on the mainland, it is known for its aging process that takes advantage of the Tsunuki climate, with its characteristic temperature differences in the basin. You can see the former stone storehouse and the traditional pot stills, and get a firsthand feel for the passion that goes into whiskey making. At the adjacent "Mombo Family Former Residence," you can enjoy tastings and a cafe in a relaxing atmosphere. This is a sacred place where you can fully savor the unique character of the powerful and fruity "Tsunuki," which has attracted the attention of whiskey fans from all over the world.

Bansei Peace Memorial Hall

This memorial hall stands on the site of the Bansei Army Airfield, which was in operation for just four months at the end of the Pacific War. Inside the hall, you'll find exhibits such as a Zero fighter plane salvaged from the ocean floor, letters from kamikaze pilots to their families, and personal belongings. The lifelike words of the young pilots strongly convey the importance of peace to the hearts of visitors. Surrounded by a quiet pine forest, this place is an extremely important place for learning about peace, allowing us to learn history correctly and pass on the importance of life and prayers for peace to the next generation.

2. Kasasa: A mythical coastline and stunning sunset views

If you want to enjoy a drive along the coast, we recommend the Kasasa area.

Eight Views of the Minamisatsuma Kaido

National Route 226, which runs along the ria coastline, is one of Kyushu's best seaside routes. The sunset over the East China Sea is so beautiful it will leave you speechless.

This is the collective name for eight scenic spots scattered along Minamisatsuma City's beautiful coastline. Each area offers a different view, including the dynamic scenery of the ria coast overlooking the East China Sea, the sun setting over the horizon, and the scenery of the historic port town. It is a popular driving course centered around National Route 226, and information boards are installed at each observation point. Park your car, take a deep breath, and the sound of the waves and the magnificent views will fill your soul, making this a truly luxurious trip around this "treasure trove of spectacular views."

Ishigaki Village Oto

There is a "Stone Wall Village" built to protect houses from the harsh sea breeze. You can see a quintessentially Japanese landscape filled with the wisdom of our ancestors.

Located in the Kasasa area, this village still retains impressive stone walls that were built to protect homes from the harsh sea breeze.
The maze-like landscape of stone walls skillfully constructed from natural stones is a symbol of the wisdom and strength of our ancestors.
It has been designated as an Important Cultural Landscape of Japan, and the nostalgic, original scenery of Japan remains strong. Walking through the narrow alleys, you can see flowers blooming in the gaps between the stone walls and feel the breeze from the sea, and time passes slowly. It is a one-of-a-kind landscape where the wisdom of life is sublimated into beauty.

Toujinosato Kasasa

This facility conveys the techniques and history of the "Kurose Toji," professional shochu brewers. Visitors can learn about the achievements of the Toji, who have supported Japan's shochu culture since the Meiji era, visiting breweries across the country, and about shochu brewing using traditional wooden barrel stills. Inside the facility, visitors can also sample and purchase shochu that has actually been produced. In Kasasa, a place where a unique culture lives on, learning about the background of each glass, filled with the passion and dedication of the craftsmen, will provide a special experience that will further deepen the taste of shochu.

3. Oura: Rich agricultural areas and panoramic views

If you want to enjoy an open view, head to the Oura area.

Kamegaoka

From the observation deck at an altitude of 387 meters, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the ria coastline and the East China Sea.

At an elevation of 387 meters, this turtle-shaped mountain peak offers a spectacular panoramic view of the East China Sea. Below you can see the complex formations of the ria coastline and the crystal clear blue sea, and on a clear day you can even see all the way to Koshiki Island in the distance. It is also famous as a starting point for paragliding, and the contrast between the colorful wings soaring through the sky and the spectacular scenery is breathtaking. Feeling the breeze from the summit with its 360-degree view, you will be enveloped in a sense of freedom that makes you realize the roundness of the earth, making this the ultimate relaxing spot.

Whale Sleeping Hill

This is a place to commemorate the 14 sperm whales that stranded on Oura Beach in 2002. A whale skeleton is on display on the premises, and its sheer size will astound you. It was developed as a place for the local people, who live in harmony with the sea, to mourn the whales and to consider coexistence with nature. From the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful ocean, and while listening to the gentle sounds of the waves, you can reflect on the preciousness of life and the abundance of the sea. It is a popular tourist spot that evokes deep emotions and is quiet.

4. [Bonotsu] The history of the "Bonotsu Blue" sea and international trade

If you want to experience crystal clear waters and a rich history, head to the Bonotsu area.

Filming locations for the movie "007"

It is known to fans around the world as the location where the 1967 movie "You Only Live Twice" was filmed. The port town of Akime still retains the atmosphere of the time when lead actor Sean Connery visited, and a monument has been erected there. The quiet and beautiful fishing village scenery, surrounded by crystal clear waters and rugged mountains, has a mystical atmosphere that is perfect for a movie setting. If you visit this place, which is engraved in the history of spy movies, you can enjoy both the famous scenes from the past and the unchanging beauty of nature at the same time.

Ganjin Memorial Museum

This memorial museum honors the achievements of the Tang Dynasty monk Ganjin, who overcame five failed attempts to arrive in Japan to spread Buddhist precepts. It was built in Akime, where Ganjin first set foot on Japan in 753. Inside the museum, visitors can learn more about his difficult journey and the significant impact he had on Japanese culture. Standing against the beautiful sea as a backdrop, visitors can sense the history of international exchange at that time. This is a learning center where you can experience the passion of Ganjin, who crossed the sea with an indomitable spirit, and immerse yourself in the romance of history.

Bonotsu Blue

Bonotsu, which has long flourished as one of Japan's three major islands, is known for its "ink painting-like beauty" created by its ria coastline. The contrast between the unusually shaped rocks, such as the "Soukenishi" rocks, jutting out into the sea, and the crystal clear "Bonotsu Blue" water is simply breathtaking. Old fishing villages are dotted along the indented coastline, where the weight of history and tranquility coexist. This landscape, beloved by writers of the past, shows different faces with each season and time of day, gently soothing the souls of those who visit, making it a scenic spot that symbolizes Minamisatsuma.

5. Kinpo: A sacred mountain and delicious rice

If you're looking for mountain walking and relaxation, then the Kinpu area is the place for you.

Mount Kimpo

With three peaks - the northern, middle and southern peaks - this sacred mountain is the symbol of Minamisatsuma City. It has long been revered as an object of mountain worship, and as the hiking trails are well-maintained, even beginners can enjoy trekking. From the summit, a 360-degree panoramic view of Fukiagehama Beach, the East China Sea and even Sakurajima in the distance unfolds before your eyes. A walk while taking in the rich nature, including the fresh greenery of spring and the changing leaves of autumn, is an exceptional experience.

Kinpo Koshihikari (Japanese Rice)

This brand of rice is produced in Kinpu Town, known as one of the leading producers of early-season rice in Kagoshima Prefecture. Grown in rich soil, clear water, and bathed in the tropical sun, the rice is characterized by its intense sweetness and stickiness. It has earned high praise both from within the prefecture and beyond, and many people visit during the new rice harvest season to enjoy its flavor. With just one bite, the natural aroma of the rice fills your mouth, and it is so delicious that it is satisfying even without any side dishes. This is a masterpiece that truly symbolizes the "blessings of the earth," nurtured by the nature of Kinpu.

Cosmos field

In autumn, vast cosmos fields emerge from fallow fields in Kinpu Town. The sight of colorful cosmos swaying in the breeze is a charming autumn sight that soothes the hearts of visitors. A Cosmos Festival is held to coincide with the peak viewing season, and the area is bustling with activity, selling local specialty products. The contrast between the clear autumn sky and the pink and white flowers makes it a very popular photo spot. Walking through the carpet of flowers with Mount Kinpu in the background allows you to feel the gentle change of seasons in Minamisatsuma.