History of Kagoshima 鹿児島の歴史
Recent archaeological discoveries are showing that Kagoshima may actually be the birthplace of THE Jōmon civilization, which is 10, 000-year-old and are some of Japan’s oldest. The Kagoshima prefecture was dominated by one family, the Shimazu family, which held 29 generations and last until the Meji Restoration. St Francis Xavier who first arrived in Japan in 1549 made Kagoshima one of Japan's earliest cities to receive contact with the West and Christianity.
Read more:http://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/kyushu/kagoshima/history#ixzz2JvLVD6O6
Senganen Garden 仙巌園
Senganen Gardne is a Japanese style landscape garden located along the coast of Kagoshima. Small ponds, streams, shrines and a bamboo grove can be seen in the garden. The garden was constructed in 1658 by Shimazu Clan who is one of the most powerful feudal clans during the Edo Period. Located in the center of the garden is the Iso Residence , which is the main residence of the Shimazu family.
Access Information: By Kagoshima City view bus to Senganen-mae bus stop that arrives every 30 minute and each ride is 180 yen.
Address: Yoshino-cho 9700-1, Kagoshima city, Kagoshima prefecture 892-0871
Tel: 099-247-1551
Opening hours: Mar.16th~Oct.31st: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m
Nov.1st ~ Mar.15th: 8:30 a.m. - 5:20 p.m.
Admission Fees :Adults, or Senior High student 1000 yen
Elementary, Junior High students:500 yen
Link to homepage: http://www.senganen.jp/en/top/index.html
More information: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4602.html
Map of garden:http://www.senganen.jp/en/map/english_map.pdf
Kilishima Jingu 霧島神宮
Kilishima Jingu is a shinto Shrine dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, Hoori, Toyotama-hime, Ugayafukiaezu and Tamayori-bime. The mountain of Kilishima is a site that is said to have born several Japan mythology. It was in this area that the god Ninigi no Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended from heaven to rule over the earth. Music festivals are held in the shrine, including “Kagura” dance, the Minami-Kyushu Kagura festival in summer, the “Tenson Korin Gojinkasai” festival.
Access Information: A 13 minute ride from Kilishima Jingu station(located 5 km away) by bus and a few minutes of walking to reach the Jingu.
Tel: 0995-57-0001
Opening hours: 8:00~18:00
Admission Fee: Free
Parking : 500 spots availabe
Link to homepage: http://www.kirishimajingu.or.jp/contents/goriyou.html
More information: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4630.html
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine 白谷雲水峡
" Enjoy the unspoiled richness of nature on a mysterious island where time stands still"
The symbol of Yakushima , a cedar tree is used only for cedar trees that are over 100 years old. In 1996, a cedar tree is discovered, and is assumed to be the largest and oldest in the world, where it is 2170~7200 years old. Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a lush , green nature park located on Yakushima island. A part of the forest serves as the inspiration of the annimated film, Princess Mononoke.
Access information: Shiratani Unsuikyo is a 30 minute ride by car from Miyanoura Port
Seven buses per day from Miyanoura Port to the park(35 minute, 530 yen) Address:Kamiyaku-cho, Yaku-cho Kumage-gun, Kagoshima prefecture
Opening hours: Always open
Admision fee: 300 yen
More information: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4654.html
