Japanese Interpreting Services-Kagoshima-Satsuma

                               ~Discover "Kagoshima-Satsuma" in Japan~

鹿児島・薩摩の旅

I am doing Japanese interpreting services and tour guide in Kagoshima-Satsuma, Japan for the tourists coming from foreign countries.I am sure you can have an enjoyable and meaningful tour with my full support even if you can't speak Japanese.Please feel free to ask me .

 I was born in the town of Kajiki in Aira city, "Satsuma ",Kagoshima  and lived there until my high school student days.Now I have an office there for my tour guide Job after retirement in Tokyo because I would like to let foreign travelers know about the rural culture , natural beauty and history of my home town.

  I  have worked and lived  in USA  & UK as a Japanese banker .

 During my stay  abroad ,I traveled around many places and enjoyed  visiting art galleries,museums ,seeing musicals , symphony orchestras,and so on. I  also had  a  lot of precious time to meet & chat with foreigners . That's another reason why I decided to start my tour guide job ,especially for foreign independent tourists (FIT)as my life's work. 

 I want to offer you opportunities to share your time with local people during a tour of  experiences. Please give me a chance to serve you here in Satsuma ,Japan. 

　薩摩の旅

Mt.Sakurajima(Active Volcano) 桜島

History　歴史 

 In the 16th century,a Portuguese ship drifted to the shores of Tanegashima,then introducing firearms, and Francisco de Xavier landed at Bonotsu in Kagoshima.

 In 1600,the Lord of Satsuma,Yoshihiro Shimazu, joined Battle of Sekigahara and fell into dangerous situations.However ,a miracle happened.He ran away while breaking through enemies' lines and reached Satsuma with only a few dozens of survivors.(He is now worshipped at Kuwashihoko Shrine in my home town  ,and in 2019,we'll have 400th anniversary of his death.)   Throughout the Edo period, the Satsuma used to be recognized as a domain with the strongest military troop.

  In 1865,the Satsuma dispatched 19 capable young samurai to the Great Britain  to learn the  advanced knowledge and technologies in many fields.

  These efforts acceralated during the Meiji Restoration in 1868, which moved Japan from the feudalism to the modern age.Takamori Saigo and Toshimichi Okubo from Satsuma domain were  great heroes in the new  Meiji government.   

Nature　自然 

There is one of the most famous active volcanoes,Mt.Sakurajima,located 4 km away from  Kagoshima City. Mt.Sakurajima has erupted many times in the history and is still very active  on a daily base.There are also many hot spring paradises where you can get blissful relief after strenuous work.

Food and Drink　食物・飲み物

   It offers a variety of food and drink,so you can choose from many to enjoy yourself. 

  Traditinal Japanese meals consist of rice as a main dish,side dishes called Okazu,and soup.

 You can enjoy the seasonality of those dishes which is the most important aspect of 

 traditional meals.

   Famous "Shochu", distilled spirit,is mostly made from sweet potates.

 You can enjoy drinking it on the rocks,in cocktails or with cold or hot water.

   In Amami islands, Shochu is made from brown sugar taken from sugar cane.

  Needless to say,Satsuma cuisine perfectly matches with Shochu.