Minamisatsuma
Southern Kagoshima T H E E I G H T C OA S TAL V I E W S O F
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a g o s hi m a Pr e f e c t u r e, a t t h e s o u t h e r n m o s t t i p o f Ky u s h u Island, was called “Sat suma” during the feudal times before the 19 th centur y. Minamisat suma Cit y sits on the most southwestern part of the Satsuma Peninsula. It has pristine nature, coastal trails and a pleasant, temperate climate throughout the year. The main at trac tions are the Fukiage Coas t, one of the three largest sand dunes in Japan, and the stellar views of Minamisatsuma Kaido Hakkei (the Eight Coastal Views of Minamisatsuma). Most people in Japan associate the name “Satsuma” with satsumaimo, the Japanese sweet potato. This region is known for delicious satsumaimo produc t s and imo s hochu, traditional distilled spirits made from grains, sweet potatoes and vegetables. Minamis at s uma’s dr amatic coastline and ocean views make it a popular cycling destination. KAGOICHI CYCLING ROUTE This 226 -kilometer route is t h e l o n g e s t E c o Tr a c k r o u t e i n Minamisatsuma and makes one loop around the region. Start off at Cycling Te r mi n a l R i n R i n a n d h e a d n o r t h along the coast for about two hours to Eguchi Horai-kan at Eguchi Fishing Port. Enjoy fresh seafood and delicious vegetables at this popular restaurant overlooking the East China Sea.
4 | TRAVELER
Cycle east towards Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and the symbol of Kagoshima. The volcano smokes constantly and minor eruptions t a ke p l a c e m u l t i p l e t i m e s a d ay. Sakurajima is located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay and is connected to land on the east so you can continue your cycle down to Arahira Tenjin, a scenic island shrine housing the god of learning. To get back to Satsuma Peninsula, take a ferry from Nejime to Yamakawa terminal, and continue west to Banshobana Nature Park, where the Satsuma clan’s guardhouse was located for maritime security. Today it is a park with a promenade and obser vation deck. The final leg of this journey stops at a series of observatories that make up the Minamisatsuma Kaido Hakkei Trail. Follow the coast west to Mitori Pass Observation Deck for a stunning sunrise. Fur ther nor th, Mar ukizaki Obser vator y of fers a panoramic view of the East China Sea and is a great spot to catch the sunset. From Ochimizu Obser vatory, you can see the Kame-ga-oka Cliff, a sheer rock wall naturally formed into the shape of a turtle. The Kurose Observation Museum, which is also an art museum, opens up to a view of Okiakime Island and the rocky coastline, depicted in the artwork found in the museum. From Go ha ma O b s e r v ator y, t he s u ns et appears to loom over Cape Noma. Twenty-five minutes north, Taniyama Observatory offers a glimpse of the past as it overlooks terraced fields built in the latter half of the Edo Period. The final observatory before arriving back into town is Takasaki-yama, where you can see it all: Hashima-zaki, Eguchi Beach, Fukiage Beach, Sakurajima, Mt. Kinpu, Mt. Nagaya and the Sakinoyama Peninsula.
Af ter c ycling 9 0 minu te s b ac k into town, reward yourself with a hot bath at Kaseda Kaihin Onsen Yuuraku. The natural hot spring water is rich in minerals and said to relieve fatigue. Getting There: It takes about 110 minutes from Haneda or Narita airports to Kagoshima Airport or 70 minutes from Kansai International Airport. From Kagoshima Airport, take the bus for Kaseda in central Minamisatsuma (75 minutes). Cycling Terminal Rin Rin, a bike rental facility and lodge, is a oneminute walk from Kaihin Onsen-mae Bus Stop. ABOUT JAPAN ECO TRACK
M o n t b e l l — J a p a n’ s l a r g e s t homegrown outdoor brand and retailer—started a series of events in 2009 called Sea to Summit. The goal was to invigorate local areas, holding events to experience nature through canoeing, cycling, trekking and other human-powered move me nt. W hile t he s e eve nt s continue to be held in beautiful areas around Japan, the natural progression was to provide information and guides so travelers could experience these areas throughout the year at their own pace while learning the history and culture of the region and interacting with locals. Japan Eco Track guides contain maps with designated routes of var ying dif ficulty levels. Each guide includes information on local restaurants, guides, tour operations and other attractions. Along Japan Eco Track routes there are support stations located at affiliated stores a n d maj o r t r a n s p o r t at i o n h u b s such as train stations, airports and michi no eki (rest areas). Discounts and special of fer s are available at par ticipating loc ations when travelers show the Japan Eco Track booklet. There are more than 15 guides, with new areas being developed and offered in English. www.japanecotrack.net.
