At the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture’s Nansatsu region offers an unexpectedly distinctive side of Japan—where dramatic natural beauty meets deep-rooted history and vibrant local culture. From rugged mountains and steaming hot springs to pristine coastlines and volcanic landscapes, every view feels like a postcard come to life.
Unlike Japan’s more familiar destinations, Nansatsu invites travelers to slow down and connect with the authentic spirit of the south. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of the Satsuma samurai, relaxing by the sea, or gazing across to the mighty Kaimondake, this region rewards curiosity and welcomes visitors with genuine warmth.
You can unwind in a natural steam sand bath, explore samurai and local history, or savor regional flavors such as fresh katsuo (bonito) and fragrant green tea, grown in the fertile southern soil. Every experience here is uniquely Kagoshima—shaped by its land, its people, and its proud history.
Natural steam sand baths
The Ibusuki sunamushi onsen steam sand bath offers a truly unique and restorative experience found nowhere else in the world. A long-cherished tradition in Kagoshima, this natural steam sand bath involves being gently buried in naturally heated sand up to the neck while overlooking the tranquil coastline. The warmth comes from underground hot springs that infuse the sand with soothing steam, creating a deeply relaxing sensation.
More than just a novelty, this regional practice is known for its health benefits—raising cardiac output and core body temperature to enhance circulation, deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, and is said to remove toxins, leaving you feeling light and rejuvenated.
At Saraku Sand Bath Hall, visitors can enjoy this remarkable ritual with the sound of waves and sweeping ocean views. It’s an unforgettable way to unwind, blending natural healing with the serene beauty of southern Kagoshima.
Nansatsu’s samurai residences
Nansatsu is steeped in samurai history, once home to many of the Satsuma domain’s most loyal warriors, who helped shape Japan’s path to modernisation. This southern region of Kagoshima preserves the spirit of the samurai through its historic towns, traditional residences, and cultural heritage.
In Chiran, beautifully maintained samurai houses and gardens offer a glimpse into the refined lifestyle and discipline of these warriors, whose values of honor and resilience still echo today.
One of the most renowned samurai families in Chiran during the era of samurai was the Sata Clan. Despite centuries of struggling between these clans for domination, their legacy lives on in the Sata Residence, known for its exquisite garden, small waterfall, and pond. Walking through Nansatsu’s preserved districts feels like stepping back in time—a quiet, atmospheric reminder of the courage and legacy of the Satsuma samurai.
Peace Museums: Legacy of kamikaze pilots
During World War II, the quiet countryside of Chiran in Kagoshima became one of Japan’s most significant military sites. The Chiran Airfield, operated by the Imperial Japanese Army, served as the principal base for Special Attack—or kamikaze—pilots during the Battle of Okinawa. Of the 1,036 army aviators who lost their lives in these missions, 439 departed from Chiran.
Today, this area stands as a place of remembrance and reflection, honoring those who took part in these tragic events while conveying messages of reverence, and the importance of lasting peace.
Chiran Peace Museum
Located on the former Chiran Airfield, the Chiran Peace Museum preserves the memory of young pilots who took off on their final missions during the closing months of World War II. Exhibits include aircraft, personal belongings, and farewell letters written to families, offering a deeply human perspective on a difficult chapter of history.
Rather than glorifying war, the museum promotes reflection on the value of life and the importance of peace, encouraging visitors to understand the true tragedy and suffering of war and to carry forward a message of compassion and reconciliation for future generations.
Bansei Tokko Peace Museum
Situated along the coast of Minamisatsuma, the Bansei Tokko Peace Museum commemorates the Special Attack pilots who departed from Bansei Airfield. The museum displays photographs, artifacts, and reconstructed facilities, providing insight into the lives of those who trained and served there.
Like Chiran, Bansei focuses on remembrance—honoring the courage and sacrifice of the pilots while urging visitors to consider the enduring need for peace. The surrounding park and memorial monuments create a tranquil setting for contemplation, making it a meaningful stop for anyone seeking to understand Japan’s wartime past and its hopes for a peaceful future.
Try katsuo dashi: The heart of washoku
The Nansatsu region is celebrated throughout Japan for its exceptional katsuo (skipjack tuna), a cornerstone of washoku—Japan’s traditional cuisine and an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Katsuo is dried, fermented, and smoked to create katsuobushi, or dried bonito, which is then shaved into delicate flakes to make dashi—a rich, umami-packed broth that forms the base of many beloved dishes such as miso soup, several noodle dishes, and simmered vegetables.
Nansatsu, particularly Makurazaki and Ibusuki, is Japan’s leading producer of dried bonito, accounting for the majority of national production. Visitors can experience this craftsmanship first-hand through tours and workshops, such as the Ibusuki bonito flake factory tour, where you can see the intricate drying process, explore freezers kept at –50°C, and try shaving bonito yourself to make chabushi.
At Makurazaki Odashi Honpo Katsu-ichi Nakahara Suisan, visitors can also enjoy hands-on katsuo-bushi shaving experiences and taste freshly made dashi. Get up close and personal with one of this region’s specialties and watch it transform from humble beginnings to the base of many traditional Japanese dishes.
Nansatsu: Japan’s #1 tea producer
Kagoshima green tea, grown in the sun-drenched fields of southern Japan, is prized for its rich aroma, vivid color, and smooth, refreshing taste. Kagoshima produces around 70% of Japan’s dried unrefined tea—and in 2024, it became the nation’s top tea producer. The Nansatsu region, blessed with a warm, almost subtropical climate, abundant sunlight, and fertile volcanic soil, provides ideal conditions for cultivating tea of exceptional quality.
In Chiran, one of Kagoshima’s most renowned tea-producing areas, Maruwaka Farm offers an immersive experience amid rolling plantations overlooking the majestic Mount Kaimon. Visitors can stroll through lush tea fields while learning directly from growers about the craft and heritage behind Chiran tea. The tour concludes with a leisurely outdoor lunch paired with freshly brewed tea—an opportunity to savor the pure flavors of Kagoshima’s landscape and its deep-rooted tea culture.
Experience a unique side of Japan
Nansatsu invites travelers to discover an entirely new side of Japan—one shaped by nature, tradition, and heartfelt hospitality. Here, you can relax in soothing natural steam sand baths found nowhere else in the world, walk in the footsteps of samurai, understand the value of peace, and savor the region’s finest flavors, from freshly caught katsuo to fragrant green tea grown in sunlit volcanic soil.
Each experience offers a glimpse into the soul of southern Japan, where timeless customs meet breathtaking landscapes. Whether you come to unwind, explore, or connect with local culture, Nansatsu promises unique moments of discovery and authenticity that stay with you long after you leave.
