Kagoshima: The City of Volcanoes and Hot Springs

• Helloこんにちは
  [konnichiwa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [sayonara]
• Yesはい
  [hai]
• Noいいえ
  [iie]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [douzo]
• Thank youありがとうございます
  [arigatou gozaimasu]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [ogenki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [genki desu. anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [menyuu o misete kudasai]
• I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [niku wa tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [kanpai!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [okaikei o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [tasukete!]
• Go away!去って！
  [satte!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで！
  [keisatsu o yonde!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！
  [isha o yonde!]
• I'm lost道に迷いました
  [michi ni mayoimashita]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [guai ga warui desu]

• I'd like to buy...買いたいです...
  [kaitai desu...]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [miteru dake desu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [sore wa takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？
  [nedan o sagete moraemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)十時半
  [juuji han]
• Morning朝
  [asa]
• Afternoon午後
  [gogo]
• Evening夕方
  [yugata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [kinou]
• Today今日
  [kyou]
• Tomorrow明日
  [ashita]
• 1一
  [ichi]
• 2二
  [ni]
• 3三
  [san]
• 4四
  [shi]
• 5五
  [go]
• 6六
  [roku]
• 7七
  [nana]
• 8八
  [hachi]
• 9九
  [kyuu]
• 10十
  [juu]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [... wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [juusho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？
  [chizu de misete moraemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)チケット（... まで）
  [chiketto (... made)]

Kagoshima is renowned as the birthplace of Saigo Takamori, one of Japan's most influential samurai during the late Edo period. Saigo Takamori played a pivotal role in the Meiji Restoration, which marked the end of the feudal shogunate and the modernization of Japan. His legacy is celebrated in Kagoshima with statues, museums, and historical sites dedicated to his memory.

Kagoshima was historically known as the Satsuma Domain, ruled by the powerful Shimazu clan for over seven centuries. The Shimazu clan was instrumental in various key historical events, including the unification of Japan under Tokugawa Ieyasu and the introduction of Western technology and culture to Japan. The clan's influence is evident in Kagoshima's numerous castles, gardens, and samurai residences.

The Satsuma Rebellion of 1877 was a significant uprising led by Saigo Takamori against the Meiji government. The rebellion was a reaction to the rapid modernization and westernization of Japan, which many samurai felt threatened their traditional way of life. The rebellion ultimately ended in defeat for the samurai, marking the end of the samurai era in Japan. The sites of key battles and memorials in Kagoshima offer a glimpse into this turbulent period.

Kagoshima is dominated by the active volcano, Sakurajima, which has shaped the region's geography and culture. The volcano has erupted numerous times throughout history, with one of the most significant eruptions occurring in 1914. The volcanic soil has contributed to the region's fertile land, making it ideal for agriculture. Sakurajima is a symbol of Kagoshima and can be seen from various vantage points throughout the city.

During World War II, Kagoshima served as a strategic military base for the Japanese navy. The city was heavily bombed by Allied forces, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. The rebuilding of Kagoshima after the war is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. Several war memorials and museums in the city provide insight into Kagoshima's experience during this tumultuous period.

Kagoshima is rich in cultural heritage, with traditional festivals that celebrate the region's history and customs. The Ohara Festival, one of the largest in Kagoshima, features traditional music, dance, and parades. The city is also known for its unique cuisine, including dishes such as kurobuta (black pork) and satsuma-age (fried fish cakes). These festivals and culinary delights offer a vibrant glimpse into the living culture of Kagoshima.

Kagoshima's historical connections with the Ryukyu Kingdom (present-day Okinawa) played a significant role in regional trade and cultural exchange. In the early 17th century, the Shimazu clan conquered the Ryukyu Kingdom, which led to a unique blend of Ryukyu and Japanese cultures in Kagoshima. Artifacts, historical documents, and cultural practices from this period can be explored in local museums.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kagoshima underwent rapid industrialization, transforming from a feudal domain to a modern city. The introduction of Western technology and education, spearheaded by influential figures like Shimazu Nariakira, played a crucial role in this transformation. Kagoshima's industrial heritage is preserved in sites such as the Shuseikan industrial complex, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution.

Kagoshima is located on the southern tip of Kyushu Island in Japan. The nearest international airport is Kagoshima Airport, which is approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a limousine bus, which takes about 40 minutes to reach Kagoshima Chuo Station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rent a car. For those traveling by train, the Kyushu Shinkansen line connects Kagoshima Chuo Station with major cities like Fukuoka and Kumamoto. Ferries are also available from nearby islands such as Yakushima and Sakurajima.

Kagoshima offers a variety of transportation options. The city's public transport includes buses and trams, which are efficient and cover most tourist attractions. For more flexibility, taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Renting a car is another convenient option, especially for exploring areas outside the city. For short trips, bicycles can be rented from various locations around the city. The Kagoshima City View Bus is a popular choice for tourists, offering a loop route that stops at major attractions.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Kagoshima, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout the city, including at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson, which accept international cards. It's also a good idea to have some cash on hand for public transportation and small purchases.

Kagoshima is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Kagoshima does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is recommended. Emergency contact numbers should be saved on your mobile phone, and local police stations can provide assistance if needed.

In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 119 for fire or medical emergencies. Kagoshima has several hospitals and clinics that can handle medical emergencies, and many staff members speak English. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies (yakkyoku) are widely available, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering temples and shrines. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. Don't talk loudly or use your phone on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow. Handshakes are becoming more common but are usually reserved for business settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't leave food on your plate, as it is considered wasteful and impolite.

To experience Kagoshima like a local, visit the local markets and sample fresh produce and traditional foods. Kagoshima's Kurobuta pork and sweet potatoes are must-tries. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to relax in a local onsen (hot spring), especially in areas like Ibusuki, known for its unique sand baths. For a unique experience, take a ferry to Sakurajima, an active volcano, and explore the island's hiking trails and observation points.