[Kagoshima] Overcoming 12 Years of Hardship: Walking through Minamisatsuma City, the sacred land where the monk Ganjin landed

We introduce the "Ganjin's Path Walk" to be held in Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture. This is a tour of Akime, the sacred land where the renowned monk Ganjin first set foot on Japan after overcoming five failed attempts. Through the spectacular views of the East China Sea and the warm hospitality of the local people, we will fully convey the appeal of a journey that allows you to experience history.

Written by

Minamisatsuma City Tourism Association

[Kagoshima Prefecture] Minamisatsuma City is located on the southwestern tip of the mainland, and is a city full of food and natural resources. Filming location for the movie “You Only Live Twice” Ganjin Yamato Landing Site ● [Japan Heritage] Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings “Kaseda Fumoto” ●Birthplace of Kurose Toji/Ata Toji (Minamisatsuma Shichizo Shochu) ●One Hundred Famous Mountains in Kyushu “Kinpozan” ●Mt. Nomadake, one of the three famous mountains on the Satsuma Peninsula

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Minamisatsuma City , located in the southwestern tip of Kagoshima Prefecture, is the "place of origin" where Ganjin Daiwa-jo , a high priest from the Tang Dynasty (China), who laid the foundations of Buddhism in Japan, overcame the severe challenges of failing five times and becoming blind, before finally setting foot on the Japanese mainland for the first time.

This time, we will introduce the popular event "Minamisatsuma Kaido Ganjin Walk," where you can retrace this historical path on foot, and the story of the deep history engraved in this area.

Table of Contents
What is the "Ganjin Walk" that allows you to experience spectacular views and history?
The "unyielding bond" between the great priest Ganjin and Minamisatsuma City
Must-visit spots related to Ganjin
Summary: A journey following in the footsteps of history
[Event Information (2026)]

What is the "Ganjin Walk" that allows you to experience spectacular views and history?

This event, held every February, is a walking competition that takes participants along the dynamic ria coastline of the East China Sea, visiting places associated with Ganjin.

Two attractive courses (examples for 2026)

Bozu Seascape Kushi/Akime Course (approximately 20km): A course for those with good walking skills that starts from Akime, where Ganjin landed, and heads towards the port town of Bozu, which once flourished as one of the "Three Ports of Japan."

Kasasa Kaido Nomaike/Oto Course (approx. 13km): A course recommended for beginners, where you can enjoy the beautiful stone wall village of Oto and the spectacular views from Takasakiyama Observatory.

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Local hospitality

The greatest pleasure of this event is the warm meals served by local people along the course. Zenzai and other local specialties are lined up, helping to soothe the fatigue of walking. There is also a plan where participants can receive a rare bottle of the local authentic sweet potato shochu "Idon" as a participation benefit, making it an irresistible attraction for alcohol lovers.

The "unyielding bond" between the great priest Ganjin and Minamisatsuma City

Why is Minamisatsuma City called a "holy place"? The answer lies in the dramatic story of Ganjin's life-risking attempt to cross over to Japan.

The sixth time is the charm, and finally autumn arrives

In 753, after 12 years and five failed attempts, and losing the sight in both eyes, Ganjin finally landed in Akime , present-day Minamisatsuma City, on his sixth attempt.

If he had not arrived here, the subsequent development of Japanese Buddhist culture, the construction of Toshodaiji Temple, and even the introduction of cultures such as miso and medicinal herbs may have been greatly altered. The rough yet beautiful sea of Minamisatsuma City is the very sound of Japanese waves that Ganjin first heard.

Must-visit spots related to Ganjin

There are many historical spots scattered around the area that can be enjoyed even on days when you are not out walking.

Monument to the landing of the Ganjin Yamato Warrior: Located on a hill overlooking Akime Inlet, it allows visitors to reflect on the harsh sea voyages of the time.

Ganjin Memorial Museum: A valuable facility where you can learn about Ganjin's life through dioramas and documents. From inside the museum, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Akime Sea.

Akime Village: Known as the filming location for the movie "You Only Live Twice," Akime Village has a nostalgic fishing village atmosphere.

Summary: A journey following in the footsteps of history

The Minamisatsuma Kaido Ganjin no Michi Walk is not just a sporting event. It is a special experience where you can feel the sea breeze and the passion of a high priest who crossed the sea with an indomitable spirit more than 1,200 years ago.

On your next trip, why not come to Minamisatsuma City, where history and spectacular scenery intersect, and leave your own unique mark?

[Event Information (2026)]

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Location: Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture (Botsu and Kasasa areas)

Access: About 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Kagoshima Chuo Station

Official website: Minamisatsuma City Tourism Association Official Website (Details and Application)

Written by

Minamisatsuma City Tourism Association

Kagoshima

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