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Kirishima, Kagoshima
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Sakurajima was an island until lava from its enormous 1914 eruption connected it permanently to mainland Kyushu.
Thousands of people still live on Sakurajima beside one of Japan's most active volcanoes.
Sakurajima grows the world's largest radish, with exceptional specimens reaching around 30 kilograms.
The same volcanic island grows Sakurajima komikan, one of the world's smallest varieties of mandarin orange.
Much of northern Kinkowan Bay occupies a giant volcanic caldera that eventually filled with seawater.
A shrine gate about three meters tall was almost completely buried by Sakurajima's 1914 eruption and intentionally left that way.
Kagoshima residents use special bags to collect volcanic ash from homes and neighborhoods.
Local schools and communities have developed routines and equipment specifically for dealing with Sakurajima's volcanic ash.
Farmers around Sakurajima use protective structures and other techniques to grow crops despite frequent volcanic ashfall.
Kinkowan Bay contains underwater volcanic features while dolphins swim in the waters above them.
People at Ibusuki have enjoyed naturally heated coastal sand baths for roughly 300 years.
At Unagi Onsen, natural volcanic steam rising from the ground can be used to cook food.
The Kirishima Mountains contain more than 20 volcanoes along with crater lakes, fumaroles and hot springs.
Japanese mythology places the descent of Ninigi, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, among the Kirishima Mountains.
The legendary Amano-Sakahoko spear stands embedded near the summit of Takachiho-no-Mine.
Sakamoto Ryoma and Oryo's 1866 journey through Kirishima is often described as Japan's first honeymoon.
Local tradition says Sakamoto Ryoma pulled the legendary spear from Takachiho-no-Mine during his honeymoon journey.
Kirishima Jingu was repeatedly rebuilt or relocated after eruptions damaged earlier versions of the shrine.
Traditional prayers associated with Kirishima ask for volcanic eruptions to remain small and manageable.
Onamiike folklore tells of a girl named Onami whose story became connected with a dragon living in the crater lake.
The mating calls of deer at Ebino Highland have been recognized as one of Japan's 100 Soundscapes.
At certain low tides, a temporary sandbar appears and allows visitors to walk across the sea to Chiringashima Island.
Cape Sata marks the southernmost point of Kyushu and mainland Japan.
The region has developed foods that use volcanic ash during the preparation process, including ash-dried fish.
Traditional black vinegar near Kinkowan Bay ferments outdoors in rows of ceramic jars exposed to the sun.
Kagoshima's Kurobuta black pork is prized for tenderness and often served as shabu-shabu.
Satsuma-age is Kagoshima's signature fried fish cake, made from seasoned minced fish.
Imo shochu is a Kagoshima spirit distilled from sweet potatoes, not brewed like sake.
The Shimadzu clan ruled Satsuma, and its Sengan-en residence overlooks Sakurajima.
Satsuma-ware pottery became prized abroad for its decorative designs.
Ibusuki's naturally heated sand baths are a famous way to enjoy geothermal warmth.
Ryoma Sakamoto came from Tosa, though his famous honeymoon journey brought him to Kirishima.
Kagoshima's black vinegar can ferment for years in outdoor ceramic jars near Kinkowan Bay.
