Hidden Treasure
Outlook at Sakurajima
Kagoshima, is a city where the Meiji Restoration began. A place I would say where the modern Japan began. Unlike Kyoto which is an ancient city, Kagoshima kept the essence of "East meet West." However, I haven't heard of Kagoshima apart from the famous Sakurajima, the active volcano, a used-to-be-detached Island across Kagoshima city. But as I stayed there longer, I found many things under the radar.
Some cities have something they boast as No. 1 in Japan. But Kagoshima does not have No. 1 in anything, but they have plenty of No. 2s. In other words, you can experience many No. 2s in one city, which was a very fulfilling trip.
Sakurajima viewed from the city of Kagoshima
First, Sakurajima, an active volcano situated across the city. Not the biggest, not the largest, but still a fascinating one as you see it wherever you travel within the city; whether I travel up the mountain, or heading towards Kirishima by train, or sitting in my client's office, I can still see it. Unfortunately, this active volcano which erupts over a hundred times a year, did not erupt during my stay, forcing me to return to Sakurajima again in near future.
Kagoshima local cuisine. Left top: Tiny fishes from Akune. Middle top: Scorched raw chicken. Right bottom: Fish Cake (Satsuma-age)
Second, delicious food. Here they call it the 鄉土料理 which means Local cuisine. Its a Teishoku (定食) with Shabushabu. The set was served with local fresh tiny fishes exclusive in Kagoshima prefecture fished from Akune (阿久根), some slightly scorched raw chicken, local specialised Fish Cake called Satsuma-age (薩摩揚げ) and Kagoshima Berkshire pork belly cooked in Shabu-shabu where it is served with some Yuzu Wasabi. So many new things I haven't eaten before, my first meal there tasted like food from heaven. It is a must eat dish in Kagoshima. Again, their Berkshire pork belly or A5 Wagyu I didn't mention, isn't the best in Japan, but they are just as good and their price is reasonable.
Open air onsen in Ibusuki
Third, Ibusuki. A city south of Kagoshima, used to be an extremely popular resort local for the locals before the bubble burst. There is now a sand bath with an open air onsen (露天風呂) just for 550yen! The view itself is breath taking, another I would say hidden treasure in Kagoshima.
Samurai village in Chiran
Fourth, Chiran. Famous for its green tea. Again, not the best in Japan, but they are just as good. In Chiran is also a Samurai village to visit.
Daikon and Fish!
Last but not least, a night visit at the the Restaurant Village (かごっまふるさと屋台村 さつま十八番) in the city near the Central Station (鹿児島中央) after a long day trip, enjoy the warm friendly atmosphere, with delicious snacks and foods while talking to new friends you'll meet coming from all over the country and the world.
The Restaurant Village have 3 policies.
- Serve with the best local products (such as local meat/vegetable and local sochu)
- Serve with the best smiles
- Serve with the most reasonable price
Restaurant Village
Meeting new friends
I didn't have time to visit the UNESCO heritage lised Yakushima, which is an Island south of Kagoshima prefecture. It is known for its ancient forests. I will definitely return and next time, I'll travel to both Yakushima and Taneshima and discover more treasures hidden in Kagoshima.
