2025 Minamikyushu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

I visited Chiran Samurai Residences when I went on a trip to Kagoshima Prefecture. The gardens are beautifully maintained, and there are heart-shaped decorations that are perfect for Instagram. The autumn leaves of the large ginkgo trees are beautiful, so it's a recommended tourist spot. The Japanese garden is beautifully maintained, so it's also recommended for foreigners! ! #retrotownscape #autumnleaves　#ginkgo

Chiran in Kagoshima Prefecture was the site of the former Imperial Japanese Army's kamikaze base at the end of the Pacific War. At that time, the portraits, belongings, and records of Army personnel who crashed their bomb-laden planes into enemy ships as human bombs are on display at this Peace Memorial Museum. You can learn the importance of being able to live in peace like this now 🗒 #Kagoshima #Chiran #Tourism support #Historic site #Famous flower spot

Located right next to the sea, Kamafuka Shrine is a little mysterious because it is said that a kettle lid was found and worshipped as a god. If you put the kettle lid shown in the fourth photo on your head and walk from the torii gate to the offering box without using your hands, you will have good luck✨ So I tried it! If you walk slowly and without rushing, it surprisingly won't fall off😳 It was a fun shrine that was like a little theme park! #supporttourism #kagoshima #shrine #themepark #seasidescenery #supporttourism

#Overseas travel While studying in Sokyoto and Koedo, I visited interesting places one by one. So this time, I visited Chiran in Kagoshima Prefecture. It is accessible by bus from Ibusuki or Kagoshima and belongs to Minamikyushu City. Many place names in Japan have east, west, south, and north. Everyone knows that Tokyo and Osaka have Nishi (west) Tokyo City and Higashi (east) Osaka City as administrative districts. Hiroshima also has Higashi (east) Hiroshima City and Kita (north) Hiroshima City. Kita Hiroshima City is in Hokkaido, which is strange. The immigration policy caused a large number of Hiroshima citizens to move here, so the Kita Hiroshima Tourist Information Center explained it to me. Kyushu has an airport, so Kita (north) Kyushu City, which is well-known, and Minami (south) Kyushu City actually exists in Kagoshima Prefecture. It is also the site of a kamikaze special attack training facility. There is a museum called Chiran Special Attack Peace Hall. On the day I visited, there were school trips from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture. As befitting a place called Little Kyoto, the samurai streets and traditional houses of the school are still preserved. It takes about 70 minutes by city bus from Kagoshima Chuo Station. It takes about 55 minutes from Ibusuki Station, but if you have a JR Pass, you can reduce the bus fare by going to Kiire Station where the express train stops and then taking it. Thank you. #JapanTravel #KagoshimaTravel #Kagoshima #MinamiKyushu #SouthKyushu

Day 1: Myoken Ishiharaso ~ Kirishima Shrine ~ Sheraton Kagoshima Day 2: Chiran Samurai Residences ~ Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots ~ Kamafuta Shrine (Shitahoe Hyozu Shrine) [Recommended Spots] 1. Myoken Ishiharaso ♨ The fresh hot spring water straight from the source has a slightly thick texture, warming your body after just a short soak 💛. Rich in beauty-enhancing ingredients and highly moisturizing, it’s known as "Bijin no Yu" (Hot Spring for Beautiful Skin) 💞. The open-air bath with a river flowing right in front of you offers an unparalleled sense of freedom! 2. Kirishima Shrine ⛩️ Nestled in lush greenery, Kirishima Shrine purifies your soul just by visiting ✨. 3. Chiran Samurai Residences 🌿 Known as "Little Kyoto of Satsuma," the samurai residence area feels like stepping back in time! The beautifully maintained gardens are also a highlight. 4. Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots 🛩️ Letters written by kamikaze pilots before their missions are on display. It’s a place everyone should visit at least once 😌. 5. Kamafuta Shrine (Shitahoe Hyozu Shrine) ⛩️ A unique shrine famous for its "Kamafuta Wish Challenge," where you balance a pot lid on your head and walk from the torii gate to the main hall without dropping it to have your wish granted. Definitely give it a try! By the way, I succeeded 😎! [Recommended Cuisine] 1. Myoken Ishiharaso - Kaiseki Lunch: 12,000 yen A plan combining kaiseki cuisine served dish by dish with the onsen experience! Every bite is so delicious it’s mesmerizing 😚. The portions are generous, leaving you completely satisfied ✴️. [Recommended Hotel] - Sheraton Kagoshima Address: 43-15 Korai-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 890-0051 The hotel features its own onsen! Opened in 2023, it’s brand new and beautifully designed. Breakfast includes local specialties like satsuma-age and chicken rice, with a wide variety of Japanese and Western options 🍴. [Instagram-Worthy Spots] 1. Kamafuta Shrine From the shrine, you can enjoy a stunning view of Sakurajima! The combination of the sea and Sakurajima is breathtaking 🌋🌊.

Visiting the Chiran Peace Museum was a deeply moving experience—one that left a lasting impression on our family. Nestled near the historic town of Chiran in Kagoshima, this museum commemorates the lives of young kamikaze pilots who departed from this very region during World War II. 🏛️ Powerful Exhibits & Personal Stories The museum is a quiet, respectful space filled with photographs, letters, personal belongings, and thoughtfully curated exhibits. One display that touched us deeply featured farewell letters written by pilots—often filled with heartfelt words to their loved ones and reflections on duty. It’s hard not to feel moved reading their personal messages, imagining their hopes and fears. ⚓ Historical Context & Reflection Beyond individual stories, the museum provides rich context on the military strategy behind the kamikaze missions and Chiran’s role as a departure base. The black-and-white photographs gave us a vivid sense of the local landscape back then—complemented by historical footage that brought the era to life. 🌿 Serene Garden & Memorial Area Stepping outside to the memorial garden brought another layer of reflection. The peaceful garden, lined with stone monuments engraved with pilots’ names, offered a tranquil place for reflection. We lingered here, contemplating the human cost of war—finding solace in the gentle ambiance and distant ocean breeze. 👨👩👧👦 A Moving Family Experience Although some parts of the museum are solemn—especially the personal stories—our kids, aged 10 and 13, absorbed the atmosphere with thoughtful questions and quiet respect. It sparked meaningful conversations about history, sacrifice, and the importance of peace. ✨ Overall Impressions The Chiran Peace Museum isn’t just a historical site—it’s a moving tribute that feels deeply personal and respectful. We spent a heartfelt 90 minutes inside, and another half-hour walking the garden and savouring the quiet. It’s not easy to visit, but it’s profoundly worth it for anyone seeking understanding, reflection, and a reminder of the past’s human impact. Highly recommended for those visiting Kagoshima who want a meaningful, reflective pause on their journey. #summervacay #ChiranPeaceMuseum #NeverForget #WWIIMemory #FamilyHistoryTrip #KagoshimaHeritage #PeaceAndReflection #ChiranKamikaze #LearningThroughTravel #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

I went on a solo trip to Kagoshima for the first time. My mission was to visit Kirishima Shrine, Chiran Special Attack Memorial Museum, and take the Sakurajima ferry. Eel at Sueyoshi. Black pork shabu-shabu at Ichini-san. I took a direct bus from Kagoshima Airport to Kirishima Shrine. Be careful, as there are few bus services. On the way back, I took a bus to Kirishima Shrine Station. Kirishima Shrine Station is an unmanned station, so I was worried because I couldn't use new bills, transportation IC cards, or credit cards. I took the Nippo Line to Kagoshima Chuo Station. I stayed at the KOKO Kagoshima Tenmonkan Hotel in Tenmonkan, with no meals included. It was very convenient and clean, with good access and lots of restaurants. Tenmonkan has a tram and there are many direct limousines to Kagoshima Airport, so it was the best place to stay. I rented a car to go to Chiran on the second day. Chiran is a place you should definitely visit. On the third day, I took a ferry to Sakurajima. Sakurajima from Kinko Bay was a spectacular sight. There was a free foot bath. The eel and black pork shabu-shabu were also very delicious. Next time I would like to go to Ibusuki. Round-trip ANA + accommodation fee 39,000 yen March 2025

The only tourist seahorse farm in Japan where you can observe seahorses Seahorse House🐉 It is located in Banshohana Natural Park, a natural park built on the coast of Minamikyushu City, and admission is free! The interior of the store has a handmade feel, and there are many aquariums lined up with over 1,000 seahorses on display. You can watch the seahorses swimming leisurely, and through the window you can see the beautiful Kaimon-dake in the distance across the sea. 5202-2 Beppu, Ei-cho, Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture (Inside Banshohana Natural Park) 10:00-16:30 Closed: Tuesdays #Free hotel stay #Ibusuki #Ibusuki trip #Ibusuki sightseeing #Kagoshima #Kagoshima sightseeing #Kagoshima trip

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 "The shuriken must be thrown at a 45-degree angle!" The coach dressed as a ninja straightened Sakura's wrist and the wooden dart hit the straw target with a thud. Grandpa smiled bitterly in the tea room: "We Satsuma samurai clearly used muskets..." "Times have changed," Mom suddenly froze while biting some noodles - Sakura pointed the bamboo water gun at the deer in the garden: "Look at my water escape technique!" When the stone lantern splashed water, the frightened deer really cried out "Ah!"

⛩ Kamagata Shrine (Itatehyōzu Shrine) It is said that if you put a kettle lid on your head and pray from the torii gate to the front of the offering box without dropping the lid, your wish will come true🌱 Choose the kettle lid you want to make a wish on and put it on your head. It was more difficult than I thought, and it took quite a long time to do it over and over again. lol The enshrined deity is Susanoo-no-mikoto. The coastal road from Ibusuki to Makurazaki is full of things to see! It's funny to see everyone praying with a kettle on their head, so please go♡♡ 📍6827 Beppu, Ei-cho, Minamikyushu-shi, Kagoshima-ken 891-0704 #0 yen trip January 2025

🇯🇵 Chiran Special Attack Peace Hall The Special Attack Peace Hall in Chiran. The suicide notes of the kamikaze pilots are on display, many of which are beautifully written letters to their mothers. The feelings expressed in each letter touched my heart and brought me to tears. There were many things I didn't know from the video materials, and I was surprised to learn about the situation at the time and the feelings of the pilots. The museum also displays actual airplanes that were used, which makes the reality of war even more apparent. After the tour, I felt a stronger sense of gratitude for our ancestors, known as heroes, and was able to feel the preciousness of peace once again. As for access, it is a little far from the airport, and I think it is convenient to rent a car, but it is still a place worth visiting. It is an important spot where you can learn about the history of war and feel the weight of life, so I hope many people will visit. 📍17881, Chiran-cho, Minamikyushu-shi, Kagoshima-ken 897-0302 #0 yen trip January 2025

#DomesticTravelRecord In the large grounds, there are replicas of fighter planes used by the kamikaze pilots during the war, memorials, and a reproduction of the triangular barracks where they slept. It really brings me to tears to see the letters and personal belongings of the young pilots to their parents, carefully preserved as they were at the time... It's a place that makes you think again about how blessed you are today, knowing that this really happened, not just in a movie. 📍Chiran Peace Park 17880 Chiran-cho-gun, Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture #KagoshimaTrip #KagoshimaTourism #Chiran #KyushuTourism

#Domestic Travel Records Chiran Samurai Residence Gardens, home to many samurai residences, feels like you've stepped into a period drama You pay an admission fee at the garden entrance, but it feels strange to know that people still live here Each residence is large and has a long wall A scene without a speck of trash and a quiet road that makes it seem like a samurai with a topknot might appear from the corner... There is also an Italian restaurant and cafe inside, and you can enjoy a facility where you can tour the inside of the samurai residences 📍Chiran Samurai Residence Gardens 6196-2 Chiran-cho-gun, Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture 9:00-17:00 Admission fee 530 yen #Kagoshima Tourism #Kagoshima Trip #Kagoshima

[Chiran Special Attack Peace Hall] 🕰️Business hours: 0900-1700 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 17881, Chiran-cho-gun, Minamikyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture, 897-0302 💰Price per person: 500 💞Reasons why we recommend it: This is a famous place in Nagasaki where you can learn about the horrors of war. It's located in Chiran Peace Park, but it's a valuable place where you can learn about history from the perspective of those who became soldiers. It's very empty, so if you're interested in history, be sure to check it out🙏 #0 yen trip November

#Domestic Travel Records A town blessed with nature located in the southern part of the Satsuma Peninsula in Minamikyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ ◼︎Chiran Special Attack Peace Hall A historical museum on the special attacks of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Corps, which was formed at the end of World War II Letter and photos of special attack members who died in the Army special attack operation in Okinawa are on display ◼︎Special Attack Peace Kannon Hall The Kannon Hall houses the remains of the special attackers who took off from Chiran The members of the team are enshrined here. The roads leading to the Kannon-do, including the prefectural road, are lined with lanterns donated by bereaved families, related parties, and volunteers from all over the country. ◼︎Chiran Farm We are committed to organic cultivation, and produce tea that makes use of the blessings of nature and the food chain of the ecosystem, without relying on chemical pesticides or fertilizers. You can sample matcha soft serve ice cream and cold tea. There is a parking space for two cars in front of the store, but there is also a parking lot about 100 meters away (signboard available). #Kagoshima #Chiran #Domestic travel #Solo travel #Girls trip #Peace Memorial Park #Sweets #Matcha sweets

# Unpopular Attractions #日本Attractions #九州attractions 📍Address: 897-0302, Minami Kyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture 🕰️Business hours: 9:00-17:00💰Tickets: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children🗓️Transportation: Kagoshima From Central Station, take the bus bound for Chiran and get off in front of the samurai Yashiki gate. You can reach it on foot💞Recommended reason: Chiran is known as the Little Kyoto of Oma. During the Tokugawa shogunate period, 500 samurai lived in this village. It is the samurai village where you can visit. This place has the feeling of going back to Japan in the Edo period. The elegant and nostalgic streets are not only open to invasion by foreign enemies, but also each garden along the street is neatly arranged, giving a neat aesthetic. The hedges serve as partitions and make the entire house more beautiful. A good place to learn about the daily life of Japanese samurai

Iwaya Park Auto Campsite in Kagoshima Prefecture 🏕️ Summer memories with my grandmother 🍉 And a snap of a bridge that looks like it came out of Spirited Away 📸 I was also very satisfied with playing at the nearby Yaseo Falls 🧚♂️🧚♂️ Thank you! Another memory made 📖 Let's do our best again in September 🌕 Another trip ✈️✈️ Ufufu 🤭🤭 I'm looking forward to it 💕 #IwayaPark #KagoshimaTrip #KagoshimaCamping #YaseoFalls #KyushuTourism #trip #camping #waterfall #nature #countryside #SummerBreak #NewSemesterStarts

I prayed to Mt. Kaimon for good things to happen❣️⭐️ This place is the famous Kamafuku Shrine⛩️ If you go further into the shrine, you can see this amazing view✨ On the way back, we had lunch at a nearby cafe and ended our trip🍰☕️ Here's a little introduction to Kamafuku Shrine⛩️ Located in Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture, it is known for its unique ritual of worshipping with a kettle lid on your head. It is said to bring good luck in competitions, and is especially popular with athletes and exam candidates. It is said to be a powerful place in terms of feng shui, and the beautiful coastal scenery is also attractive, making it a power spot loved by many people🫧

My heart is like a vast ocean, boundless I have grown up under the blessings of mountains and seas since I was a child. The old houses in the old village are by the river, with big trees lining the front and back, and a green backyard carefully taken care of by my grandmother. I often look out the window and see a lush forest. My grandmother is from Wutong Mountain, and I was raised by her, so the urgency of life is wrapped in a touch of willfulness, as if I should belong to the rough land, float and sink with the wind, and sprout along the path of freedom. Later, more of the background of life became natural. I am constantly looking for a "peach blossom garden" where I can escape from the big city and a more "wilderness" lifestyle. On the secluded mountain coast far away from the city, the boundaries of the seasons disappear here scattered. After catching the spring rain, the strong summer spirit is brewing. The mountains behind are filled with waves of comfort The emerald shadow of my heart, the blue waves of the waves, long live the boundless freedom. In mountains and seas, one will always be moved by simple sincerity. I broke away from the gloomy crowd, stayed with the mountains and forests, and returned to the sea with all the rivers, to reach the place where I belong and get along with my fresh self. I opened the floor-to-ceiling windows and fell asleep with a vast expanse of peaceful blue as my pillow. Occasionally, the sound of waves penetrates my childhood, and when I wake up, the world becomes clear.

📍Onodake Park, Kagoshima Onodake Park is located at an altitude of 466m, about 20 minutes by car from Ibusuki city. There is a 108-step Chaju staircase named after the "Chaju" which celebrates the longevity of 108 years old according to the traditional Japanese age system. The park is full of things to see, such as the "Kirari Observatory (1st to 3rd photos)" and "Shiroro Observatory (4th photo)" at the top of the stairs. 🛝 From Kirari Observatory you can see the sea and Kaimon-dake 🏔✨ And from Shiroro Observatory you can see the tea fields! If you jump... doesn't it look like you're flying in the sky? It's not a very high mountain, but there are no big mountains around, so on a sunny day, it's a 360-degree panoramic observation deck☀️We were blessed with good weather when we went, and the view from the observation deck was absolutely stunning🩵 Add excitement to your everyday life:🌙 📍 Ono-dake Park, Kagoshima 📮 Kagoshima Prefecture, Minamikyushu City, Ei-cho-gun🅿️ Parking available (you can drive almost to the top)※ Toilets, rest areas, and shrines available #Sakura2024 #Tourism #KagoshimaTrip #KagoshimaTourism #GirlsTrip #AmazingView #AmazingSpot

#Japanese and Korean Spring Good Places Experience a peaceful journey close to nature at Lake Kawabe. Although the beauty of the lakes and mountains here is not overstated, it is full of profound and restrained poetry, as if time has condensed here, allowing people to stay away from the hustle and bustle and completely relax their body and mind. Sichuan Lake is surrounded by a remote mountain town, like a huge natural mirror embedded in the green mountains and forests. The lake is quiet and waveless, as if it is cut off from the hustle and bustle of the world. The reflections of the surrounding green trees and tourist cabins are clearly visible, as if they are on the mirror-like water surface. The journey along the way was as peaceful as the name of the lake, with only the gentle breeze rustling the trees and the occasional splash of fish leaping out of the water. Both sides of the path are dotted with wild grasses and wildflowers of various colors, and you can also overlook the lakes and mountains during the twists and turns, which is really relaxing for your body and mind.

#Sakura2024 👉Bansuobi Nature Park is surrounded by jagged rocks and azure waters. Facing Kaiwen Mountain, the beautiful seaside is perfect for tourists to stroll and wander. . . 👆There is a famous attraction in the park called "Bansho-no-Bell", which has seahorse-shaped decorations on it, representing a happy marriage. Anyone can ring the bell to make a wish, and the number of times the bell is rung represents the wish that the person wants to realize: 1 time for happiness, 2 times for good health, 3 times for a happy relationship and a harmonious marriage, 4 times for having a child, and 5 times for giving birth. smoothly. . . . Must try if you have a chance! ! 😉 . ✅ follow IG: @shylau_ . #hkig #hkfoodie #hkfoodblogger #foodlover #deliciousfood #hkfoodstagram #手机食先 #CameraEatFirst #foodie #shylau #JapaneseAttractions #OverseasTravel #Kagoshima #Banshobi Park #Kaimundake

#Sakura2024 #KagoshimaTourism #Chiran I went to the remains of the samurai residences in Chiran City and Chiran Peace Park. How about going to Chiran while enjoying the view of Sakurajima? The cherry blossoms are just starting to bloom at the observation decks along the way. It's also good to see, learn and think about the history of the past. It's about an hour's drive from Kagoshima Chuo Station, so I recommend going by car. It may take a while to get there by public transport. Chiran's delicious tea is also good.

A place that filled me with surprises—Kamagai Shrine! This shrine brought me a magical adventure. Here mysterious legends and stone guardians are explored. ⛩️🌟🗿 When I stepped into Kamagai Shrine, I was immediately attracted by its atmosphere. The shrine's architecture is full of ancient mystery and is surrounded by a peaceful natural environment. I entered the interior of the shrine and saw a huge stone that stood there like a huge cauldron lid. The stone is said to be a guardian angel and possess magical powers. 🔮⛩️🌳 I researched the legend and history of Kamagai Shrine in depth. The stone is said to have fallen from heaven and represents divinity and protection. People believe that this stone can grant blessings and protection, so coming here to pray is very popular. I also had the opportunity to participate in the shrine's rituals, praying to the stone guardians for luck and peace. This experience made me feel the Japanese religious beliefs and awe of nature. 🙏🌸🌌 Besides the stone guardians, Kamagai Shrine has other fascinating sights. I walked around the shrine, admiring the beautiful grounds and ancient buildings. The vibe and energy here makes me feel calm and relaxed. I also had the opportunity to taste the local delicacies near the shrine, an experience that allowed me to better integrate into the local culture and customs. ⛩️🍡🌿 At Kamagai Shrine I was deeply attracted by the mystery and beauty of this place. This experience has given me a greater respect and appreciation for Japanese religion and tradition. If you are interested in mysterious legends and culture, I strongly recommend you to come to Kagai Shrine and start a magical journey to explore the stone guardian! ⛩️🌟🗿 #Japanese and Korean urban attractions

#Kagoshima#Kagoshima Station#Sakurajima Island#Meiji Restoration#Kagoshima Aeon Mall#White Shaved Ice#Tenmonkan Starbucks#Kagoshima Free Hot Springs I visited Kagoshima in winter, and I miss it even more when spring comes★ Let's scatter all our foolish love in the smoke of Sakurajima volcano★★★

The Chiran Samurai Residences in Kagoshima Prefecture. Beautifully maintained samurai residences are lined up. Kakine Basically, only the gardens are open, some can be viewed for a fee, and some have been turned into cafes. I only stopped by for a short time, so I just strolled around a little and enjoyed the atmosphere, but I recommend it because it has a beautiful garden and a nice atmosphere. 〒897-0302 Chiran-cho-gun, Minamikyushu-shi, Kagoshima Prefecture #summertrip#amazingview #JapanGenkiProject2021

Itatehyosuji Shrine Another name is Kamafutajinja Shrine It is said that if you can carry a kettle lid on your head from the torii gate to the worship hall without dropping it, your wish will come true 🤲 Behind the shrine, you can see the vast ocean and Mt. Kaimon clearly! It's interesting to see the large kettle lid and benches ^ ^ #Kagoshima Prefecture #Kamafuta #Seaside scenery #Support tourism #Amazing nature #Breathtaking scenery