[For Seniors] Rediscover the Charm! Local Quiz of Kagoshima Prefecture

Statue of Saigō Takamori

The “Statue of Saigō Takamori” in Shiroyama Park, Kagoshima City, is the tallest bronze statue in Japan, standing at about 8 meters high. Dressed in an army general’s uniform, he stands imposingly with Shiroyama as the backdrop. Saigō Takamori is famous as a great figure of the Meiji era, and many tourists visit specifically to see his statue.

Satsuma soup

Satsuma-jiru is a representative local dish of Kagoshima, made by simmering sweet potatoes, chicken, and seasonal vegetables in a miso-based broth. It’s essentially a hearty miso soup that has been beloved by locals since the Edo period. According to the Satsuma Kyūdenshū (Records of Old Satsuma), the custom of slaughtering chickens and cooking them to eat has existed since ancient times.

Shirasu Plateau

The Shirasu Plateau, which is widely distributed in the southern part of Kyushu, is a plateau formed by accumulated volcanic ash from eruptions and has a distinctive, well-draining soil. In Kagoshima Prefecture in particular, it is said to cover about 52 percent of the mainland.

Ryoma Sakamoto

Ryoma Sakamoto was attacked in Kyoto in 1866 (Keio 2) but narrowly escaped with his life. Afterwards, Sakamoto and his wife Oryo traveled to Satsuma and stayed at Shiobitashi Onsen to recover from his injuries. This is said to mark the beginning of the custom of honeymoons, and Ryoma and Oryo are regarded as the first couple in Japan to go on one. Their destination was Kirishima City, which is why it is known as “the birthplace of Japan’s first honeymoon.” It’s said that a pair of bronze statues of the two stands there today.

Yakushima

Yakushima was inscribed as Japan’s first UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1993. Its rich natural environment, including the Yakusugi cedar trees, has been recognized, making it a premier tourist destination of Kagoshima Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy a variety of natural attractions such as Jomon Sugi—said to be over 2,000 years old—Mt. Miyanoura, the highest peak in Kyushu, and Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge.

Hey

In the Kagoshima dialect, “oi” means “I” or “me.” By the way, “wai” is a way to address the other person, and “tege” is said to mean “roughly” or “approximately.” There are many other interesting dialect expressions too, so why not look into them?

Sogi Falls

Sogi Falls boasts a width of 210 meters and a height of 12 meters, and is famous for its dynamic scenery that has earned it the nickname “the Niagara of the Orient.” While it isn’t very tall, its great width, the torrents that carve along the rock surface, and the thunderous roar are truly majestic. The surrounding area has also been developed as a park and is popular as a tourist attraction.