Kagoshima Prefecture, located at southern Kyushu extremity, comprises Satsuma Peninsula, Osumi Peninsula, and numerous islands including Yakushima. Housing World Natural Heritage "Yakushima," it's known for active volcanoes including Sakurajima, rich nature, and distinctive Satsuma culture.

"Yakushima" (registered 1993), World Natural Heritage island located approximately 60 kilometers south of Kyushu mainland, is famous for virgin Yakusugi cedar forests exceeding 1,000 years old. Jomon-sugi, giant tree with estimated age 2,000-7,200 years, represents Yakushima's symbolic presence. Mountain regions with Miyanoura-dake (1,936 meters) peak possess diverse vegetation zones from subtropical to subarctic, called "Alps on the Ocean".

Sakurajima, Kagoshima City's symbolic presence, represents active volcano continuing vigorous volcanic activity. Annual approximately 1,000 eruptions create ash fall as part of Kagoshima residents' daily life. Specialty products utilizing volcanic ash soil include Sakurajima daikon radish and Sakurajima komikan citrus. Yunohira Observatory offers spectacular views of Kagoshima cityscape across Kinko Bay.

Ibusuki Onsen, hot spring resort at Satsuma Peninsula's southern tip, is famous for "sand bath." Sand bathing by covering with approximately 80-degree sand on beach represents rare global bathing method, allegedly promoting blood circulation and skin beautification. Natural sand baths at Surigahama Beach attract numerous tourist experiences.

Kirishima Mountain Range, mountain region on Miyazaki Prefecture border, is designated as Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park. Volcanic group featuring Karakuni-dake (1,700 meters) as highest peak includes Takachiho-mine and Shinmoe-dake. Known as Tenson Korin (heavenly grandson descent) mythology stage, Kirishima Shrine enshrines Ninigi-no-Mikoto.

Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, facility conveying Pacific War final period kamikaze history, was built in Chiran town housing army kamikaze base. Displaying young kamikaze pilots' final letters and belongings, it serves as important place learning war's tragedy and peace's importance. Chiran samurai residence groups also preserve Edo period samurai houses, enabling historical experiences with beautiful gardens.

Amami Islands, islands approximately 400 kilometers south of Kagoshima Prefecture mainland, possess distinctive culture and nature. Comprising Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinoerabu, and Yoron islands, they attract with subtropical beautiful seas and rich nature. Amami Oshima is also famous as Oshima tsumugi production area, creating beautiful silk textiles through mud-dyeing techniques.

Kagoshima food culture prominently features nationally famous kurobuta (black pig). Black pigs raised in Satsuma region for over 400 years feature tender, sweet meat with odorless fat. Enjoyed as kurobuta tonkatsu, shabu-shabu, and kakuni, they represent Kagoshima's signature gourmet.

Satsuma-age, Kagoshima-origin fish cake locally called "tsuke-age," features fresh fish paste with vegetables and seasonings oil-fried. Versatile ingredient delicious eaten directly or added to stews, available with various ingredients including burdock, carrots, squid, and octopus.

Satsuma-imo (sweet potato) represents Kagoshima Prefecture's signature agricultural product, comprising about 40% national production. Many varieties including Beni-haruka, Anno-imo, and Beni-satsuma are cultivated, widely used as roasted sweet potatoes and shochu ingredients. Particularly, Anno-imo features high sugar content, offering honey-like sweetness when roasted.

Satsuma kiriko, cut glass crafts begun by Shimazu Nariakira during late Edo period, uses techniques layering colored glass over clear glass and cutting. Characterized by beautiful colors including red, blue, purple, and gold-red plus delicate cut patterns, continuing as Kagoshima traditional craft today.

Imo-jochu (sweet potato shochu) represents Kagoshima Prefecture's signature distilled liquor made from sweet potatoes. Unique production methods using black koji create shochu utilizing sweet potato sweetness and aroma. Premium shochu including Moriizo, Murao, and Maou enjoy nationwide popularity, sometimes called "Satsuma miracles."