Online dictionary of geography and travels in Japan: Kagoshima

Kagoshima city

鹿児島市鹿児島
alternative words: Kagoshimashi city, Kagoshimashi, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima shi, Kagoshima
keywords: kyushu , town
related topics: Kagoshima prefecture , Sakurajima , Okinawa prefecture , Kagoshima bay
related web sites: http://www.city.kagoshima.kagoshima.jp
explanation: Located on the western shore of Kagoshima bay, the prefectural office is settled there. It has developed as a castle town of Shimazu clan who was controlling south Kyushu. Because of the vicinity to an active volcano, Sakurajima, the town is frequently compared to Naples. Other tourist spots are the remaining of Kagoshima castle (Shiro Yama) and the private garden of seigniors (Iso Teien). It is also a starting point to island chain (Nansei shoto) which spans up to Okinawa. The population is 530,000.

Kagoshima Prefecture

鹿児島県鹿児島
alternative words: Kagoshimaken prefecture, Kagoshima, Kagoshimaken, Kagoshima ken
keywords: kyushu , prefecture
related topics: Yaku Island , Tane Island , Mt. Kirishima , Amami island , Kagoshima city , Ibusuki city , Kagoshima bay
related web sites: http://chukakunet.pref.kagoshima.jp , http://www.satsuma.ne.jp/myhome/yuuichi/
explanation: Kagoshima prefecture occupies the southern part of Kyushu region, facing Pacific Ocean. Its surface is 9,165 km2 and the population 1.8 million. The prefectural office is at Kagoshima City. Traditional agricultural products were potatoes, tobaccos and sugar canes. Now the farmers are shifting their products to fruits, vegetable and dairy farming. There exist some gold and iron mines. Volcano like Mts. Kirishima and Sakurajima attract many tourists. The forest of Yaku island is famous too.