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I’ve usually described Kagoshima as “the place Japan ends.” Which is smart whether or not you’re speaking concerning the metropolis or the prefecture: Each occupy the southernmost level of the southernmost of Japan’s 4 major islands.
If Kagoshima is the place Japan ends, then the Satsuma Peninsula is the place Kagoshima ends. Certainly, regardless of being a wonderland of thermal sand baths, rolling tea fields and Samurai districts, this far-flung hantō is hardly recognized amongst vacationers, whether or not international or native.
The excellent news is {that a} Satsuma Peninsula day journey within reason straightforward to take, assuming you’re already in Kagoshima and you have already got your personal set of wheels. The higher information? I’m concerning the lay all of it out for you right here.
Tips on how to Go to the Satsuma Peninsula
Attending to the Satsuma Peninsula from Kagoshima is simple, though I do must be frank about one thing: The one real looking method to go about that is to lease a automotive and drive. When you can theoretically trip public transportation to numerous locations (specifically Ibusuki), it’s not real looking to see all those I’m about to checklist in a single day if you happen to’re having to depend upon trains, buses or ferries.
Relying on whether or not you wish to keep on the peninsula lengthy sufficient to look at the sundown, you may find yourself driving again to Kagoshima Metropolis with sufficient time to calm down in your lodge room. Some vacationers will watch TV sequence, whereas others will go to bitcoin casinos, like those you discover at this hyperlink, and check out their luck. That is an particularly alluring pursuit in Japan, on condition that bodily casinos don’t but exist wherever within the nation.
My Favourite Locations to Go to on the Satsuma Peninsula
Chiran Samurai district
Coming from Kagoshima, Chiran is the primary logical cease—and it’ll kick off your journey in an unforgettable method. When you’ve been to different Samurai districts like Kakunodate or Kanazawa Nagamachi, the cityscape may not be stunning. Then again, the relativel solitude as a result of Chiran’s inaccessibility will actually take you again in time.
Ibusuki sand baths
Subsequent up on the checklist of Satsuma Peninsula issues to do is the sand baths of Ibusuki. Positioned proper on town’s seashore, these can appear intimidating. You must pay for a session with a purpose to expertise it; it’s fairly actually not potential to dip your toes in and take a look at issues out earlier than you make a dedication.
Ei tea fields
Crossing the Satsuma Peninsula from its east coast to its west coast, you’d be pressed to not discover the numerous dozens of tea fields extending in seemingly all instructions round Ei Station in Minami-kyushu Metropolis. These are among the most scenic tea fields in Japan, for my part.
Kaimondake volcano
Among the many the explanation why? Kaimondake volcano (which, from a distance, resembles Mt. Fuji) rises above them. It is a landmark that doesn’t explicitly characteristic on most examples of a Satsuma Peninsula itinerary you discover on-line, however fairly actually looms massive above you as you drive round.
Cape Nagasakibana
That is significantly the case heading to the very southwestern tip of the Satsuma Hantō, aka Cape Nagasakibana. Whereas I can’t lie that I want I might’ve been in a position to keep till sundown—I couldn’t, because of the time I’d organized to return my rental automotive in Kagoshima—however is was attractive to go searching regardless.
Is the Satsuma Peninsula Value Visiting?
As I defined within the introduction to this piece, the Satsuma Peninsula is one among my favourite locations I’ve ever visited, wherever in Japan. Whether or not admiring tea fields en path to Cape Nagasakibana, or exploring almost abandoned conventional gardens amid the Samurai streets of Chiran, I actually felt like I used to be off-the-beaten-path in a method that’s virtually inconceivable now, when that trite time period has misplaced a lot of its which means.
Now, what about extending your Satsuma Peninsula day journey right into a multi-day journey? I haven’t personally completed this, although I might be very curious about doing so sooner or later, below the precise circumstances. I think about having the ability to watch sunrises and sunsets on the peninsula, and waking up or going to mattress in any variety of its small cities. The prospect is alluring, to say the least.
Different FAQ About Visiting the Satsuma Peninsula
Why is the Satsuma Peninsula particular?
The Satsuma Peninsula is particular for each current and previous causes. Within the current day it has a different panorama, that ranges from distinctive thermal sand baths, to dramatic volcanic capes, to a few of Japan’s most scenic tea fields. Traditionally, it was a middle of operation for the Shimazu Clan, which on the time represented the furthest extension of the emperor’s sphere of affect.
What’s the temperature within the sand bathtub in Ibusuki?
The temperature of the sand bathtub at Ibusuki is between 50-55ºC, or about 122-131ºF. Though that is considerably hotter than the water in typical onsen, do remember the fact that due to the granular nature of sand and the presence of attendants, you’re not in any hazard by “bathing” in it.
What number of days do I want on the Satsuma Peninsula?
I’ve personally solely ever completed a day journey to the Satsuma Peninsula. Nonetheless, I may see there being advantages in spending an evening or two there, whether or not you select a single base like Ibusuki (which has probably the most inns), or break up your self between there and Chiran or Ei.
The Backside Line
I hope you now have a clearer thought of take a Satsuma Peninsula day journey than you probably did whenever you landed on this submit. Whether or not it’s your first time in Kyushu otherwise you’re coming again for a second or third, this wonderland of tradition, delicacies and landscapes is without doubt one of the solely locations left in an more and more widespread Japan that actually feels “off-the-beaten-path.” When you’re on the fence about going, I encourage you to get off that fence—and right into a rental automotive rushing westward from Kagoshima! Want customized assist placing your journey collectively! Fee a customized Japan itinerary immediately!
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