Discover Japan's Hidden Gems

Yakushima

Ancient Cedar Forest World Heritage Island

A UNESCO World Heritage island with ancient cedar forests, said to have inspired Princess Mononoke.

Amami Oshima

Amami Oshima is a lush subtropical island between Kyushu and Okinawa, recently designated a UNESC...

Chiran Samurai District

Preserved Samurai Residences with Exquisite Gardens

A beautifully preserved Edo-period samurai district featuring seven exquisite gardens and a 700-m...

Ibusuki Onsen

Ibusuki Onsen - Volcanic Sand Bath Experience

A unique hot spring resort where visitors are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand on the bea...

Kagoshima

A vibrant southern city facing the active Sakurajima volcano across the bay, known for its subtro...

Kirishima Onsen

Highland Hot Springs in Volcanic Mountain Country

Cluster of mountain hot spring resorts in the volcanic Kirishima highlands, offering diverse mine...

Kirishima Shrine

Mountain Shrine of the Divine Descent

Grand vermillion shrine dedicated to the deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto who descended from heaven to foun...

Sakurajima

Sakurajima Volcano

One of Japan's most active volcanoes rising from Kagoshima Bay, accessible by a short ferry ride.

Satsuma Peninsula

Southern Kagoshima's Scenic Cape and Historic Coast

Southern peninsula with coastal cliffs, the Chiran Kamikaze pilot museum, sand baths at Ibusuki, ...

Sengan-en Garden

Shimazu Clan's Grand Seaside Villa with Sakurajima Views

Edo-period garden and villa of the Shimazu clan, using Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay as borrow...

Tanegashima

Island of Rockets and the Arrival of Firearms

Southern island famous as the site where firearms first arrived in Japan and home to JAXA's spect...