Kyushu’s southern prefecture has expanded options for telework and vacations.
Kagoshima unveils workations promoting wellness, creativity and inspiration.
Kyushu’s southern prefecture has expanded options for telework and vacations.
But whether visitors are teleworking in Kagoshima for six months or six days, they are guaranteed the workation of a lifetime, with stunning destinations, authentic experiences and activities, delicious local cuisine and high-quality facilities for telework.
But whether visitors are teleworking in Kagoshima for six months or six days, they are guaranteed the workation of a lifetime, with stunning destinations, authentic experiences and activities, delicious local cuisine and high-quality facilities for telework.
The new visa would allow successful applicants from 49 countries to stay in the country for up to six months, doubling the length of stay currently permitted.
Why Kagoshima?
One of the longest prefectures, stretching 600 kilometers from north to south, Kagoshima has a diverse environment including mountains, forests, lakes, beaches and seas. It comprises two peninsulas, many islands, and is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea. Due to the warm climate (the average annual temperature is 19˚C or 66˚F ), it’s possible to spend time in nature throughout the year.
Activities range from swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in subtropical seas to hiking and horse riding in the hills. It’s possible to explore the foothills of Mount Sakurajima (Kagoshima’s active volcano), Kirishima Shrine (designated a National Treasure of Japan) or Sengan-en (a traditional garden and stately home dating from 1658), and there are plenty of options for golf, fishing, kayaking, SUP and canyoning.
If wellness is your priority, Kagoshima is a great choice. From long ago, the coastline, fertile plains and volcanic soil established Kagoshima as one of Japan’s heartlands of agricultural produce and seafood, which has resulted in a rich culinary culture that uses fresh, seasonal produce. And the prefecture is a major producer of antioxidant-packed green tea and home to thousands of healthy hot springs.
Thanks to its rich culture, Kagoshima also has myriad ways to uncover traditional and modern Japan through authentic experiences and unforgettable activities.
Activities range from swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in subtropical seas to hiking and horse riding in the hills. It’s possible to explore the foothills of Mount Sakurajima (Kagoshima’s active volcano), Kirishima Shrine (designated a National Treasure of Japan) or Sengan-en (a traditional garden and stately home dating from 1658), and there are plenty of options for golf, fishing, kayaking, SUP and canyoning.
If wellness is your priority, Kagoshima is a great choice. From long ago, the coastline, fertile plains and volcanic soil established Kagoshima as one of Japan’s heartlands of agricultural produce and seafood, which has resulted in a rich culinary culture that uses fresh, seasonal produce. And the prefecture is a major producer of antioxidant-packed green tea and home to thousands of healthy hot springs.
Thanks to its rich culture, Kagoshima also has myriad ways to uncover traditional and modern Japan through authentic experiences and unforgettable activities.
Kagoshima experiences and activities
Well-being with horses
At the Horse Trust, a nonprofit that takes care of retired horses, you can enjoy activities such as hiking with a horse whisperer, horse trekking in the forest and a stay in an on-site cabin near the horses. Details: https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/for/activities/70375
Watch craftspeople make samurai armor
Marutake Sangyo is where craftspeople make 90% of all traditional armor for Japanese period dramas and movies, and even the helmet beloved by Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Otani. View the workshops and try on samurai armor against a historic backdrop. Details: https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/for/activities/10418
Fly close to an active volcano
This helicopter tour, which travels over the mountains of Kirishima, waters of Kinko Bay and the volcano Sakurajima, is not to be missed for fans of nature and the environment.
Details: https://www.kagoshima-yokanavi.jp/en/activity/10371
Tea time on a tea terrace
Green tea is best enjoyed fresh, and what is fresher than on the premises! Visitors can enjoy refreshing organic matcha or sencha varieties on a terrace overlooking rows of lush green tea shrubs. Details: https://www.tabitto.co.jp/products/tea-experience-in-the-splendid-view
Forest bathing
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine on Yakushima, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, has a vast ecosystem including the island’s famous yakusugi (cedars). Three walking courses offer the Japanese art of shinrinyoku (forest bathing). Details: https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/for/attractions/10740
History and local hospitality
The renowned Sumiyoshi Shachu Troupe welcomes visitors to a 170-year-old house to enjoy traditional sencha green tea and a performance of dancing that dates from around 1870.
Details: https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/for/activities/70450
Kagoshima accommodations
Kagoshima Prefecture boasts accommodation options for all tastes, budgets and needs. In addition to hotels, resorts and ryokan inns, there are Airbnbs, homestays and campsites. You can opt for full-service, traditional hospitality or a more flexible, DIY approach to your stay.
Amami Resort Bashayama-mura
This resort hotel on the subtropical island of Amami Oshima, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, has beach-side huts for work or al fresco dining, as well as an outdoor pool and a restaurant specializing in local cuisine. Details: http://basyayama-mura.com
Sankara Hotel & Spa
This luxury, full-service accommodation on the lush island of Yakushima comprises villas and suites, as well as restaurants, meeting rooms, a spa, a sauna and walking and water-based activities run by certified guides. Details: https://www.sankarahotel-spa.com/en/
Koshikano Onsen Glamping
Visitors can indulge in their own private open-air hot spring bath at this high-end accommodation. Tents also feature air conditioning and dining space, providing all the comforts of a hotel in the scenic outdoors. Details: https://koshikano-onsen.com/glamping
Sheraton Kagoshima
This five-star hotel boasts views of Mount Sakurajima and easy access to Kagoshima City’s attractions, as well as a restaurant, fitness center, spa, kitchen and meeting space.
Details: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/kojsi-sheraton-kagoshima/overview/
Ama Furu Oka
This wellness resort boasts an infinity pool, outdoor hot spring bath, sand bath, spa and sauna as well as a private theatre and French and Japanese restaurants. Its remote setting affords spectacular views of the night sky. Details: https://amafuru-oka.com/en/
Testsuka ryokan
This inn offers high-end local cuisine and bespoke traditional rooms, many of which include a private indoor or outdoor hot spring bath. Details: https://www.tetsuka.jp/en/index.html
Fairfield by Marriott
Kagoshima Tarumizu
Situated on the coast of Kinko Bay, this new hotel has views of Sakurajima and Kaimondake, known as the area’s Mount Fuji due to its beautiful conical shape. Details: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/kojfi-fairfield-kagoshima-tarumizu/overview/
Kagoshima loves Telework
With facilities ranging from modern to traditional and outdoor, Kagoshima enables visitors to relish in the feeling of working somewhere new every day. Choose from dining in the mountains while on your laptop, savoring a coffee on a deckchair by the ocean with your smartphone, or delving into some deep work in the tranquility of the countryside. There are numerous well-equipped co-working spaces and Wi-Fi-powered cafes to support you, too.
More information
For details on how to make the most of a stay in Kagoshima Prefecture, visit:
Japan National Tourism Organization site
www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/kagoshima/
Local tourism website www.kagoshima-kankou.com/for/areaguide.
Local tourism website www.kagoshima-kankou.com/for/areaguide.
