ONE-STEP-FURTHER SIGHTSEEING ROUTE

STARTKagoshima Central Station

1Mt. Sakurajima

Sakurajima is the volcano which towers across the bay from Kagoshima City. One of Japan’s most highly active volcanoes, visitors to Kagoshima can often see smoke pouring from the crater and might even experience ash rain as a result of an eruption. Sakurajima itself has a height of 1117 meters and a circumference of 50 kilometres. Before 1914 Sakurajima was actually separated from the mainland as an island, however, due to an eruption the lava flow connected this island to the Osumi Peninsula. The volcano is accessible via the ferries which make the 3.5 kilometre trip across the bay of Kagoshima. Sakurajima has three different peaks named Kita-dake (North Peak), Naka-dake (Middle Peak) and finally Minami-dake (Southern Peak). The Minami-dake is the most active part of Sakurajima and smoke can often be seen rising from the Showa Crater on the eastern side. Given the active nature of the mountain, there is a 2 kilometre exclusion zone surrounding Sakurajima to keep people from being injured. Sakurajima is responsible as the engine for some onsen hot spring baths in the area, including some wonderful little foot baths found near the ferry terminal. Rental cars, sightseeing busses, and bikes are another fantastic way to see the mountain in all its glory.

SEE MORE

2Sengan-en

Sengan-en is a stately home and traditional landscape garden originally constructed as a second residence in 1658 by the wealthy Shimazu clan, a powerful family during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The Shimazu Clan ruled Satsuma Province for almost 700 years, until the feudal system was abolished in 1868. The house at the centre of the gardens was built along with the gardens in 1658, but was remodelled in 1884 when the Shimazu moved to live there full time. Former feudal lords and nobles received titles based on European aristocracy after the feudal period, and the family took the highest ranking title becoming Prince Shimazu. A self-guided tour of the house is available for an additional 300 yen, and detailed explanations of the hospitality afforded to Royal visitors such as Nicholas II of Russia, and Edward VIII of the UK, and the Imperial Family of Japan are on display. The expansive gardens cover 12 acres and feature a stunning view of Kinko Bay and active volcano Sakurajima as well as a pleasant and colourful variety of plants and trees throughout the year. Winding pathways, small ponds, stone bridges, a bamboo grove, and tucked away shrines add to the ambiance of the gardens, which were designed to be walked around and explored. A 30 minute hiking trail to the mountain behind gives a panoramic view of Sakurajima and Kagoshima City beyond. Two restaurants serving excellent local cuisine, a super chic Matcha Café, and a number of shops selling local products are also tastefully incorporated into the property. Satsuma Kiriko crystal glass is one of the products available, and the nearby factory can be viewed for free after a visit to the gardens. Nearing the end of the Edo Period, the Shuseikan Complex was constructed next to Sengan-en as an effort to produce iron for shipbuilding and cannon. Whereas most of these industrial constructions are no longer standing, you can still visit the foundations of a furnace and the former machinery factory which is now the Shoko Shuseikan Museum. The nearby Ijikan, a residence constructed to house seven British engineers contracted to teach spinning technology is also worth a visit. Sengan-en and the Shuseikan were designated as a World Heritage Site in 2015 as part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.

SEE MORE

GOALAccomodations in Kagoshima

STARTKagoshima Station

3Kirishima Jingu Shrine

Kirishima is referred to as ”the land of Tenson-Korin (that means gods descended to earth)”. Kirishima Jingu Shrine is a notable shrine enshrining these deities. Generally speaking, Kirishima Jingu Shrine is a famous ”power spot” that feels you sacred and shows its divine favor in ”prosperity descendants” and ”matchmaking”. Kirishima Shrine itself was built during the Muromachi period on a different site to where it stands today. The shrine had been destroyed multiple times by volcanic eruptions, but always rebuilt, with the current incarnation being completed in 1715 to which it still survives. The shrine features beatutiful red laquered buildings, and is surrounded by a forest. The mythology there below: It is said that the mountains in the Kirishima region are very important in Japan’s mythology of creation, and it is believed that Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandson of the sun godess Amaterasu, first descended from Heaven to rule the Earth at this location. When Ninigi no Mikoto came to Earth, he brought with him 3 artefacts; a sword, a mirror and a gem, all of which are now imperial regalia in Japan. Ninigi no Mikoto eventually married a local princess and from thence produced the long line that would become the Japanese imperial line.

SEE MORE

4Ebino Plateau

Ebino Plateau is located at an altitude of 2,450 meters and surrounded by the Kirishima Mountains, which include Mount Karakuni. The plateau’s summer is cool with temperatures between 17℃ and 23℃; therefore, it is an ideal place for a summer retreat. The area is well equipped with tennis courts, nature trails and camping sites , so the whole family can enjoy the outdoors. In winter it becomes a winter wonderland with snow covered trees. You can enjoy winter sports to the full. It also has a large artificial skating rink. At the end of August, the Japanese Silver Grass on the plateau changes colour to ‘ebi-iro’ (reddish –purple). The plateau then looks like it has been carpeted in red. The view from Mount Karakuni is especially beautiful.

SEE MORE

GOALAccomodations in Miyazaki

STARTMiyazaki City

5Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge was formed from lava from Mount Aso which over time eroded to create 80～ 100m high cliffs of volcanic basalt columns. Its old mysterious abysses and water trickling from rocks are complemented by vivid greenery in early summer as well as tinted leaves in autumn; its magnificent views refresh visitors. A view of Manai Waterfall from a boat is both beautiful and mysterious.

SEE MORE

6Takachiho Shrine

The shrine is familiar to people as alias God Jissha-daimyojin. During the period of Tengyo era ( 938 - 947 A.D.), it largely gained religious faith as a central shrine for 88 shrines in 18 districts in Takachiho. There is a 800 year-old Chichibu cedar s

SEE MORE

7Beppu Onsen

Beppu Onsen (hot spring) is located between the JR Beppu Station and Kitahama, which is the Beppu bay coast area. It is a leading hot spring tourism area in Japan. There are many modern and well equipped hot spring accommodations in Beppu. However some public bathhouses, such as Takegawara Onsen and Ekimae Koto Onsen are still found here. You can also enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the onsen town. Recently, many events are held, including the ‘Hatto Walk (Walking to eight onsens)’, which is an eight onsen tour with volunteer guides to encourage tourism. Spring Quality: Simple hot spring, chloride spring, sodium bicarbonate chloride spring, etc Beneficial for: Neuralgia, rheumatism Leisurely Soak without Staying: Possible Drinking from the Hot Spring: Possible Drinking hot spring water is beneficial for: Gastroenteritis, diabetes, gout

SEE MORE

GOALAccomodations in Beppu Onsen

STARTBeppu City

8Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)

The name, Jigoku (hell), was derived from the fact that the site is unapproachable, because of fumarolic gas of around 100 degrees. Thermal mud and hot springs have been gushing tremendously from the ground for over 1,000 years. There are 8 jigokus in total at Beppu consisting of the cobalt blue ocean hell, ‘Umijigoku’, deep-red blood pond hell ‘Chi-no Ike Jigoku’ as well as ‘Oniishi Bozu Jigoku’ (Onishi Shaven Head Hell), ‘Yama Jigoku’ (Mountain Hell), ‘Kamado Jigoku’(Boiling Hell), ‘Oniyama Jigoku’ (Demon Mountain Hell), ‘Shiraike Hell’ (White Pond Hell) and ‘Tatsumaki Jigoku’ (Geyser Hell) . Its onsen eggs (eggs boiled in the hot spring) and ‘Jigoku Mushiyaki Pudding’ (Pudding steamed in the Hell) are popular for visitors.

SEE MORE

9Aso

Mt. Aso, located to the south of Aso City, has five peaks, one of which, Nakadake, is an active volcano. There is an exhibition about volcanic activity at the Aso Volcano Museum. Surrounded by natural beauty is is also a famous hot springs area.

GOALKumamoto Shopping

STARTKumamoto City

10 Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, also known as Ginnan Castle (ginkgo castle) is regarded as one of the 3 best castles in Japan. It is famous for the magnificent cherry trees in its grounds. In 1601, a senior commander Kiyomasa Kato expanded the fortification. In 2007, the castle marked the 400 year anniversary of its construction. In April 2008, the “Honmaru Goten Large Hall” was completed, which was the most important project of the Kumamoto Castle restoration and maintenance plan. Today, the reconstructed resident’s area of the clan including the living room, the large hall (meeting room) and the kitchen, etc is open to the public. It originally had 53 rooms, however 25 of them are still undergoing work The castle is being restored on the basis of pictures, literatures and old photographs from the Meiji Era (19th Century), etc. Its shohekiga (paintings on room partitions), ceiling pictures and other decorative ornaments make for a gorgeous and luxurious atmosphere, which would be in tune with the original character of the castle. ※ Currently it is not possible to enter the main citadel but it is possible to view the Ni no Maru Plaza, Kato Shrine, and castle tower.

SEE MORE

11Suizen-Ji Joju Garden

The Suizen-Ji Joju-En is a Kaiyuteien*, a type of Japanese garden. In this garden, said to imitate the 53 Stations of the Tokaido Road*, visitors can enjoy this beautiful garden along with its gentle hills and its ponds that resemble lakes. In the northern part of the garden is the Izumi-jinya Shrine where successive generations of the Hosokawa clan are enshrined. *Kaiyuteien is a type of circular Japanese garden where individuals walk around the garden and appreciate what is in it. *Tokaido Road was the most important of the five routes of the Edo period, which connected Edo (present day Tokyo) to Kyoto.

SEE MORE

12Shimabara Castle Town

A 406.8-meter channel that was used to provide water for daily life in the residences of lower ranking samurai during the former clan era has been preserved. Since this was the residential area of a rifle unit, it was also called ”Gun Town”. The channel was built in the center of the road along which clean water was used for daily purposes by the houses along it, but from around 1950 the channel was moved to one side for the purposes of disaster and fire prevention. After that, with the cooperation of the residents, one section has been preserved in its old form as a ”Samurai Residence Townscape Preserved Area”.

SEE MORE

13Unzen Onsen

Since the Edo Period it has been popular with writers and artists, and from the Meiji Period until the outbreak of WWII it was a popular resort among foreigners. It is also the first national park established in Japan. As a mountainous hot spring area with a historical background, the place evokes a modern atmosphere where there are many hotels noted for their Western cuisine. ”Unzen Hell”, with its 30-some stoma emitting smoky fumes of sulfur, is a landmark of Unzen.

SEE MORE

GOALAccomodations in Nagasaki

STARTNagasaki City

14Peace Park

The Nagasaki Peace Park was built at the epicenter of the atomic bomb explosion that occurred during World War 2. The park stands as an international symbol of peace, so that such damage and atrocities may never occur again. The park features statues and monuments donated from countries all over the world and reminds people of the importance of upholding peace. The Peace Statue is a symbol of Nagasaki as a city of peace. The raised right hand pointing to the sky depicts the threat of the atomic bomb, and the left hand stretching horizontally symbolizes eternal world peace, while the slightly closed eyes express a prayer asking that the souls of the victims may find rest. On the 9th of August every year a memorial service is held at the park to remember those who died.

SEE MORE

15Gunkan Island Cruise

Hashima Island, also known as “Battleship Island”, is an island that had undersea coal mines which helped in the modernization of Japan. Presently, cruises taking visitors around the island have been operating. The ruins of these buildings spreading out before one’s eyes tell the story of the rise and fall of the coal mining industry. Studying about Japan’s transition from coal to oil is an important cultural heritage.

SEE MORE

16Yutokuinari Shrine

Along with Fushimiinari and Kasamainari Shrines, Yutokuinari Shrine is one of the 3 great Inari shrines. The Inari (a harvest God) is nicknamed “Yutoku-san” by the locals. The shrine was founded in Kashima in 1687 The vivid vermilion building set amongst the green of trees is impressive. Important structures of the building include the sanctuary, the front shrine and the romon (two-story gate) were finished in Japanese lacquer. The Inari is worshipped as the ancestral god of food, clothing and shelter, prayed to for productiveness of grains, trading prosperity, family prosperity, great catches of fish and safe journeys. Over 2,800,000 people visit the shrine every year. In spring, the “Tamagae (ball exchanging)” Festival is held on April 8th. In autumn, the“Ohitaki (fire)” Festival is held on December 8th. In addition, the outer garden of Higashiyama Park is famous for azaleas. 50, 000 beautiful azaleas bloom when in season. The treasures of the shrine, as well as art works of Kashima Nishiki (colorful brocade fabric), armor, swords and fine art owned by the successive Kashima lords, are displayed at the adjoining Yutokukuinari Museum.

SEE MORE

17Yanagawa River Cruising

Yanagawa City flourished as a castle town under the Tachibana clan and is also famous as the home town of renowned tanka poet Kitahara Hakushu. Take the famous river boat ride that runs various places in the city by a gondola-like Donko boat, and enjoy the scenic view of riverside town. Leisurely glide along the surface of the canal while watching the beautiful scenery pass-by. Taking in this breathtaking sight as a boatman uses a pole to guide the gondola down the Yanagawa River. This boatman is Mr.Katsuyuki Tanaka, a 30 year veteran. ”The scenery from the gondola has not changed over time. But throughout the 4 seasons, customers will be deeply moved by the scenery”, says Mr.Tanaka. From families to children on school trips, there are many groups that have experienced this river boat ride. It is also not that uncommon to see Chinese, Korean and other foreign travelers enjoying this river cruise as well! When taking foreign guests on a cruise, the boatmen do not use Japanese! According to Mr. Daiki Kaida, ”We get a big reaction when we use a mixture of English while explaining the sights to our customers”, as this young boatman laughs. The sound of the water and the scene of the willow trees swaying in the wind are very popular for foreign guests too!

SEE MORE

GOALFukuoka eating tour

STARTFukuoka Shopping

GOALFukuoka Airport