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Springs, nature, history, and delicious food—that's Kagoshima Prefecture. Located in southern Kyushu, this region has been attracting increasing attention from foreign tourists in recent years as a diverse tourist destination, combining a unique history and culture with beautiful natural scenery. This article delves into the reasons why foreign tourists choose Kagoshima as a domestic travel destination, providing a wide-ranging and in-depth look at popular tourist spots, travel tips, and transportation access. We'll thoroughly explore Kagoshima Prefecture's potential, including specific information on tourist spots that are designed to be enjoyable for foreign visitors with limited Japanese proficiency, English-speaking facilities, and multilingual explanations posted at tourist spots.

The background to the rapid increase in foreign tourists visiting Kagoshima Prefecture

Japan is home to many world-class tourist destinations, so why has Kagoshima Prefecture been attracting so much attention in recent years?The answer lies in the uniqueness of the many tourist attractions Kagoshima has, such as its tropical climate, the magnificent scenery of Sakurajima, its abundance of hot springs, and its unique food culture.

Expanding international routes and improving access

Kagoshima Airport operates direct flights to Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other countries, making it particularly easy to access from Asia. It also has a well-developed transportation network with major cities throughout Japan, allowing for comfortable travel not only by plane, but also by bullet train and express bus. Additionally, the number of cruise ships passing through Kagoshima Port is on the rise, contributing to the increase in foreign tourists.

Visa relaxation and tourism promotion success

In addition to the Japanese government's relaxed tourist visa policy, the Kyushu Tourism Organization and Kagoshima Prefecture have also been active in promoting the island through social media and influencer marketing, which have been very successful. In particular, posts about Sakurajima and Kirishima Onsen on YouTube and Instagram have captured the hearts of international travelers.

Popular tourist spots in Kagoshima Prefecture for foreigners

Sakurajima: An active volcano that can be said to be the symbol of Kagoshima

Sakurajima is an active volcano towering over Kagoshima Bay, and its powerful natural beauty attracts many foreign tourists. Easily accessible by ferry, it is equipped with observation decks, hot springs, and trekking courses for hikers, allowing you to enjoy the thrills and beauty that only a volcanic area can offer.

Ibusuki Onsen and Sand Baths

Sand baths in Ibusuki City are a unique type of hot spring experience where you bathe in a bath while your entire body is wrapped in warm sand. This spa-style experience is rare worldwide and has been praised by foreign tourists as a unique Japanese culture that should be experienced at least once.

Kirishima Shrine and Kirishima Hot Springs

Kirishima Shrine is a shrine connected to the legend of the descent of the heavenly grandson, and its mystical atmosphere and majestic architecture overwhelm visitors. Surrounding it is the renowned Kirishima Onsen area, famous for its hot springs, making it a popular place to spend a relaxing time.

Chiran Special Attack Peace Hall

This is a memorial museum that displays the kamikaze pilots from World War II, but it is not just a war record; it also tells the human drama of the young men who risked their lives. The moving exhibits leave a deep impression on many visitors, regardless of their nationality.

Transportation within Kagoshima Prefecture and assistance for foreigners

How to get to the city from Kagoshima Airport

Limousine buses, taxis, and rental cars are available from Kagoshima Airport. Many signs are written in English, and airport staff can also speak basic English. Limousine buses run directly to Kagoshima Chuo Station and the Tenmonkan area, making them very convenient.

How to ride the Kagoshima City Tram and bus and important points to note

Kagoshima City has a tram (city tram) that makes it easy to access tourist spots. There are also many buses that operate, and transportation IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA can be used, with on-board information available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Kagoshima's food culture and the reactions of foreign visitors

Black pork cuisine and tonkatsu culture

The tender and flavorful Kagoshima black pork is a big hit with foreigners, and black pork shabu-shabu and tonkatsu in particular are highly popular as safe and reliable Japanese cuisine.

Shochu and interaction with locals

Kagoshima is one of Japan's leading shochu producing regions. Many breweries offer tours and are committed to providing English support. The experience of chatting with local people over the counter will be an unforgettable memory for any traveler.

Multilingual support and comprehensive tourist information center

Kagoshima City and the airport have tourist information staff who are fluent in foreign languages, and pamphlets are available in multiple languages. Some information centers have introduced simultaneous interpretation services using tablet devices, creating a tourist support system that transcends language barriers.

Activities you can experience in Kagoshima

Yakushima trekking and Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge

Yakushima, a World Heritage Site, can be accessed from Kagoshima by high-speed ferry or plane. Trekking through the mystical forest is known as the setting for "Princess Mononoke," and is immensely popular with foreign backpackers.

Dolphin watching in Kinko Bay

There are many days when you can encounter pods of dolphins in Kagoshima Bay, and sightseeing boat tours are also held. English-language guided tours by local fishermen and nature commentary by ecotourism groups are also attracting attention.

A popular Kagoshima specialty that makes a great souvenir

Souvenirs unique to Kagoshima, such as satsumaage (fried fish cakes), karukan manju (sweet potato buns), and sweet potato shochu (sweet potato liquor), are easily available at the airport and souvenir shops in the city, with English and Chinese explanations on the packaging. Sweet potato shochu in particular is popular, with some specialty shops offering international shipping.

Cities that foreign visitors to Japan pay attention to: Why Kagoshima?

Kagoshima City and Ibusuki, where nature and urban functions are in perfect harmony, are often added to visit lists as places where you can feel "quintessentially Japanese." Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, they are particularly appreciated for being less crowded and offering more opportunities to interact with local residents.

Cultural experience programs and inbound support

Classes offering a variety of Japanese cultural experiences, such as kimono wearing, tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Japanese sweets making, are being held mainly in Kagoshima City and Kirishima City, and packages are also available for foreign group tourists. The efforts of local governments and tourism associations are making a significant contribution to tourist satisfaction.

Interact with friendly residents with a background in English education

Kagoshima is known as an educational prefecture, and is an area where young people in particular are actively learning English. As a result, there is little resistance to communicating with foreigners, and one of its distinctive features is that many citizens are happy to give directions or introduce recommended spots.

New spots and development plans that are expected to grow in the future

With the redevelopment of Kagoshima City's waterfront, the construction of a tourist terminal in front of Ibusuki Station, and the implementation of sustainable tourism in remote island regions, it is expected that tourism in Kagoshima will become more open to foreign tourists in the future.

summary

Kagoshima Prefecture is truly a "treasure trove of undiscovered Japan" for foreign tourists. While it lacks the convenience of the Tokyo metropolitan area, it more than makes up for it with its natural beauty, local warmth, and above all, "experiences that can only be had here." Kagoshima is set to become an increasingly key city for inbound tourism in the future. Why not visit to discover its true value?

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