Tour Attractions観光名所・旧跡
"Satsuma"in another word "Kagoshima-Pref. " ,which is located at southern part of Japan ,has a lot of attractive spots for tourists as described below.
*World Remnants Sightseeing
*Active Volcano"Mt.Sakurajima"Sightseeing
*Chiran Base"Zerosen" Army Base
*Art,especially Stasuma-Yaki ,pottery
*Amateur Orchestra"Kanon"(Only May & November)
*Taiko-odori(Drum Dancing)(Only August)
*Kumo-gassen(Spider Battle)(Only June))
*Outdoor sports(Golf etc)
World Remnants Sightseeing 世界遺産
-Heritage of industrial Modernization in Kagoshima
The Satsuma Clan situated in the southwestern part of Japan was the first to be threatened by foreign powers. In 1840, facing heavy pressure from Western countries to trade,the clan engaged in modernization.The Shuseikan Project was initiated by Nariakira Shimadzu who became a feudal lord in 1851.He engaged in the construction of reverberatory furnaces and the mechanization of factories,further laying the foundation for Japan's rapid modernization .
Reverberatory furnace 反射炉
Active Volcano "Mt.Sakurajima"Sightseeing 活火山の桜島観光
Mt. Sakurajima was born in about 26,000 years ago,which has repeated 17times of large eruptions. Especially,at Taisho eruption of 1914,Sakurajima islands became a part of the Osumi Peninsula by flowing lava into the strait.
In 2011, we had explosive eruptions 996 times,which was a new observation record.
Mt.Sakurajima is a composite volcano consisting of two main peaks of Kitadake & Minamidake. It has been specified as Kirishima-Yaku National Park.
Mt.Sakurajima is 1,117 meter in hight with the area of about 80㎢ and the circumference of about 52km.
You could have a rare occasion to feel the beat of the living Earth in Sakurajima .
Mt.Sakurajima at sunset
Chiran Peace Museum exhibits many articles and portfolios left by the deceased soldiers who fought for Japan during the final moments of World War 2,of which last battle took place in Okinawa. Those soldiers are represented in the Museum as an army pilot of the suicide squad (Kamikaze unit). Chiran Peace Museum was built to commemorate those pilots and expose the tragic loss of their lives ,so that we may understand the need for everlasting peace and ensure such tragedy will never be repeated.
Satsuma-yaki pottery can be broadly categorized into white and black Satsuma-yaki.The white,or "Shiro Satsuma-yaki",was originally baked for the lords of Satsuma Han.The black,or "Kuro Satsuma-yaki" ,was primarily made for daily use.There is a sake pot called "Kuro-joka",which is one of the best known Satsuma-yaki sake wares.
Historically,when a Satsuma Lord ,Yoshihiro Shimazu ,returned home after Korean War,he brought back the the know-hows of Korean pottery to Kagoshima to start Satsuma-yaki.
Handmade pottery
Amateur Orchestra(Kanon Orchestra) 加音オーケストラ
There is an amateur orchestra in Kajiki ,Aira -city,where commands a great view of Mt.Sakurajima floating on Kinko Bay."Kanon Orchestra" was established in 1996 and started first periodical performance in 2000.They have peoriodical orchestra performance twice a year.
The first conductor learned at Wien National Music University as a student of Otmar Suitner in Austria . He also studied religious music from Hans Haselbock and studied Bach music from Helmuth Rilling.He used to be a member of New Bach Society.
They also play "Tenpuku" which is a traditional Satsuma instrument.It produces very clear and mysterious sound .
Kanon orchestra
Tenpuku(Traditional Satsuma instrument) 薩摩伝統の楽器・天吹
Taiko-odori (Drum Dancing) 太鼓踊り
This is one of the most famous local performing arts representing an exciting summer event.
