Introducing Kagoshima-ken
Kyūshū’s southernmost prefecture is dominated by the majestic volcano of Sakurajima, which overlooks the bustling city of Kagoshima across the bay. To the south is the Satsuma Peninsula, and to the north Kirishima-Yaku National Park with its superb volcanoes and hiking. Here is where the Meiji Restoration began, initially under the leadership of Saigō Takamori. Famous also for its dialect, the prefecture’s Kagoshima-ben is so difficult that it was used as code in WWII much the way the Native American Navajo language was used by the USA.
Advertisement
Atop an unimpressive bluff in Kokubu city, 40 minutes north of Kagoshima, a construction crew digging a hotel foundation stumbled upon what would be identified as the oldest Jōmon-era remains ever found. Almost 10, 000 years ago primitive civilisation arrived here and stayed long enough to leave relics of its passing. The site at Uenohara boasts a small museum and a research station, well worth a stop if you’re heading in that direction.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
-
Top 5 hiking areas in Japan
8 November 2011
Hiking Japan is one of the hiking world’s best-kept secrets. You can go hut-to-hut in the Japan Alps, traverse the...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
Re: Kyoto and Kyushu - Safe enough again to travel?
by tahyan 18 August 2011
There is northing to worry about in Kyoto, Kyushu. Kyoto is about 700km away from Fukushima Daiichi nuke power plant. Not affected by…
-
RE: Hikes in Japan - how do they compare?
by katakanadian 17 August 2011
I've heard that Yakushima (Kagoshima-ken, Kyuushuu) is pretty amazing and that shouldn't be too cold in November. I'm sure there's some…
-
RE: Kagoshima City? Worth it? Typical mid-size Japan city?
by bluebird33 13 April 2011
I love Kagoshima, but I'm a bit biased as I used to live there! I second some of the comments made above - it would be great for a day…
In our shop
Bags feeling light?
Coffee table looking bare?
Get your guidebooks, travel goods, even individual chapters, right here.
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
