I’ve often described Kagoshima as “where Japan ends.” Which makes sense whether you’re talking about the city or the prefecture: Both occupy the southernmost point of the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands.
If Kagoshima is where Japan ends, then the Satsuma Peninsula is where Kagoshima ends. Indeed, in spite of being a wonderland of thermal sand baths, rolling tea fields and Samurai districts, this far-flung hantō is hardly known among tourists, whether foreign or local.
The good news is that a Satsuma Peninsula day trip is reasonably easy to take, assuming you’re already in Kagoshima and you already have your own set of wheels. The better news? I’m about the lay it all out for you here.
How to Visit the Satsuma Peninsula
Getting to the Satsuma Peninsula from Kagoshima is easy, although I do have to be frank about something: The only realistic way to go about this is to rent a car and drive. While you can theoretically ride public transportation to various destinations (namely Ibusuki), it’s not realistic to see all the ones I’m about to list in a single day if you’re having to depend on trains, buses or ferries.
Depending on whether you want to stay on the peninsula long enough to watch the sunset, you might end up driving back to Kagoshima City with enough time to relax in your hotel room. Some travelers will watch TV series, while others will visit bitcoin casinos, like the ones you find at this link, and try their luck. This is an especially alluring pursuit in Japan, given that physical casinos do not yet exist anywhere in the country.
My Favorite Places to Visit on the Satsuma Peninsula
Chiran Samurai district
Coming from Kagoshima, Chiran is the first logical stop—and it will kick off your trip in an unforgettable way. If you’ve been to other Samurai districts like Kakunodate or Kanazawa Nagamachi, the cityscape might not be surprising. On the other hand, the relativel solitude due to Chiran’s inaccessibility will really take you back in time.
Ibusuki sand baths
Next up on the list of Satsuma Peninsula things to do is the sand baths of Ibusuki. Located right on the city’s beach, these can seem intimidating. You have to pay for a session in order to experience it; it is quite literally not possible to dip your toes in and test things out before you make a commitment.
Ei tea fields
Crossing the Satsuma Peninsula from its east coast to its west coast, you’d be pressed not to notice the many dozens of tea fields extending in seemingly all directions around Ei Station in Minami-kyushu City. These are some of the most scenic tea fields in Japan, in my opinion.
Kaimondake volcano
Among the reasons why? Kaimondake volcano (which, from a distance, resembles Mt. Fuji) rises above them. This is a landmark that doesn’t explicitly feature on most examples of a Satsuma Peninsula itinerary you find online, but quite literally looms large above you as you drive around.
Cape Nagasakibana
This is particularly the case heading to the very southwestern tip of the Satsuma Hantō, aka Cape Nagasakibana. While I can’t lie that I wish I would’ve been able to stay until sunset—I couldn’t, due to the time I’d arranged to return my rental car in Kagoshima—but is was gorgeous to look around regardless.
Is the Satsuma Peninsula Worth Visiting?
As I explained in the introduction to this piece, the Satsuma Peninsula is one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited, anywhere in Japan. Whether admiring tea fields en route to Cape Nagasakibana, or exploring nearly deserted traditional gardens amid the Samurai streets of Chiran, I truly felt like I was off-the-beaten-path in a way that’s almost inconceivable now, when that trite term has lost so much of its meaning.
Now, what about extending your Satsuma Peninsula day trip into a multi-day adventure? I haven’t personally done this, though I would be very interested in doing so in the future, under the right circumstances. I imagine being able to watch sunrises and sunsets on the peninsula, and waking up or going to bed in any number of its small towns. The prospect is alluring, to say the least.
Other FAQ About Visiting the Satsuma Peninsula
Why is the Satsuma Peninsula special?
The Satsuma Peninsula is special for both present and past reasons. In the present day it has a varied landscape, that ranges from unique thermal sand baths, to dramatic volcanic capes, to some of Japan’s most scenic tea fields. Historically, it was a center of operation for the Shimazu Clan, which at the time represented the furthest extension of the emperor’s sphere of influence.
What is the temperature in the sand bath in Ibusuki?
The temperature of the sand bath at Ibusuki is between 50-55ºC, or about 122-131ºF. Although this is significantly hotter than the water in typical onsen, do keep in mind that because of the granular nature of sand and the presence of attendants, you’re not in any danger by “bathing” in it.
How many days do I need on the Satsuma Peninsula?
I have personally only ever done a day trip to the Satsuma Peninsula. However, I could see there being benefits in spending a night or two there, whether you choose a single base like Ibusuki (which has the most hotels), or split yourself between there and Chiran or Ei.
The Bottom Line
I hope you now have a clearer idea of how to take a Satsuma Peninsula day trip than you did when you landed on this post. Whether it’s your first time in Kyushu or you’re coming back for a second or third, this wonderland of culture, cuisine and landscapes is one of the only places left in an increasingly popular Japan that truly feels “off-the-beaten-path.” If you’re on the fence about going, I encourage you to get off that fence—and into a rental car speeding westward from Kagoshima! Need personalized help putting your trip together! Commission a custom Japan itinerary today!
