Introducing Satsuma Peninsula
This peninsula south of Kagoshima city has fine rural scenery, well-preserved samurai houses, a kamikaze pilots’ museum, the hot-spring resort of Ibusuki (famous for its hot-sand baths) and the conical peak of Kaimon-dake. On the other side of Kinkō-wan is Cape Sata, the southernmost point of Japan’s main islands.
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Exploring the peninsula by train and bus is possible, but quite time-consuming. The JR Ibusuki–Makurazaki line operates south from Kagoshima to Ibusuki and then turns west to Makurazaki, from where you can make your way by local bus back to Kagoshima.
Renting a car is a good alternative, and Eki Rent-a-Car (www.ekiren.co.jp in Japanese; 12hr from ¥4720); JR Kagoshima-Chūō station (258-1412; 2nd fl tourist information booth; 8am-8pm); Ibusuki (0993-23-3879; JR Ibusuki station, 1-1-1 Minata; 8am-5pm) is the easiest option.
Daily bus tours to Ibusuki and Chiran depart from Kagoshima-Chūō station. A daily sightseeing bus (¥4550) heads off to Chiran at 8.50am, whizzes you around the sights and then does the same thing in Ibusuki, ending the day with a soak in a hot spring.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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RE: South Japan
by Gringito 03 January 2008
In Yakushima the hostel is very good (im just back from spending New Years There) the food is good and the staff are great, they have…
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