Ichikikushikino

城市概覽

History The history and identity of Ichikikushikino are best understood through its three main pillars: gold, tuna, and its pivotal role in Japan's modernization. For centuries, this area was one of Japan's leading gold-mining towns. While the original Kushikino Mine closed in 1966, its history is now a major tourist attraction. The old mine tunnels have been repurposed by the Satsuma Kinzangura, a unique distillery where visitors can take a tram deep into the cool, dark shafts to see where shochu (a Japanese spirit) is aged. Historically, the city's most significant event occurred in 1865 at Hashima Port. This was the secret departure point for the "Satsuma Students", 19 young men sent to Europe in defiance of national policy. They went on to become key leaders in Japan's modernization, and this pivotal story is now told at the Satsuma Students Museum located right at the port. While the area was historically ruled by various samurai clans and the modern city was formed by a merger in 2005, it is these tangible legacies of industry and modernization that define the travel experience today.

Climate

Ichikikushino has a mild, subtropical climate due to the warm Kuroshio Current, which keeps winters exceptionally mild with temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C (41°F). However, travelers must be aware of the distinct rainy season in June, which is extremely intense; the city often receives record-breaking downpours of over 500 mm (20 in) in this single month alone. This is immediately followed by a very hot and humid midsummer (July-August), with temperatures regularly exceeding 32°C (90°F). Furthermore, from late summer into autumn (approx. August-September), the city lies directly on the main path for typhoons and can be affected by strong storms.

如何抵達

By plane There is no airport in Ichikikushikino. The nearest airport is Kagoshima Airport, and you can take the airport bus from Kagoshima Airport to Satsumasendai Station and take the subway.

By train The Kagoshima Main Line passes through Ichiki Station, Kushikino Station, and Kamimura-Kakuenmae Station.

1 Ichiki (市来). It is the first station in the direction of Kagoshima City. It is the name of Ichiki's definition before the merger. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Kamimuragakuenmae (神村学園前). Located between Kushikino Station and Ichiki Station, there is a school of the same name near the station. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Kushikino (串木野). The last station in the city was named after Kushino-shi before the merger. (updated Dec 2025)

By car As for the highway, the Minami-Kyushu Western Circulation Expressway passes, and there are Kushikino IC and Ichiki IC in the city. The Minami-Kyushu Western Circulation Expressway runs from Kumamoto to Kagoshima, and the Kyushu Expressway runs to Kitakyushu. National road 3 and 270 pass.

4 Kushikino IC (串木野 IC). The last highway entrance is close to Kushikino Station and City Hall. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Ichiki IC (市来 IC). It is the first highway entrance to Kagoshima and is located on the border between Ichikikushikino and Hioki. (updated Dec 2025)

By bus The express bus connecting Kagoshima-shi and Satsumasendai passes through. The stop is as follows.

6 Oharu (大原). It is the first stop in the direction of Kagoshima-shi. (updated Dec 2025) 7 Ichikikushikino Shiyakusho Mae (いちき串木野市役所前). As the second stop, there is a city hall nearby. (updated Dec 2025) 8 Honmachi (本町). It's the third stop in the direction of Kagoshima (updated Dec 2025) 9 Kushikino Shinko (串木野新港). It is close to the port as the last stop. (updated Dec 2025)

當地交通

Ichikikushiki is small enough to travel by bus or train. The fare for the city bus is ¥200 yen for adults. Taxis are waiting in front of Kushikino and Ichiki stations. However, public transportation does not cover all of Ichikikushikino, so it is most convenient to travel by car in areas outside the city.

必看景點

1 Satsuma Students Museum (薩摩藩英国留学生記念館), 4930 Hashima, 896-0064, ☏ +81 996-35-1865. 10:00-17:00, closed Tu. Satsuma Domain was a British international student who learned cutting-edge technology and others in England in 1865 and tried to modernize Japan. The exterior is an image of the "Satsuma-style Yangok" with a Japanese tile roof on the exterior wall using red bricks in the early Meiji period. There is a museum shop and cafe, so you can enjoy British tea time. ¥300. (updated Sep 2025) 2 Sanosa Maturi (さのさ祭り), 896-0015 asahi machi, ☏ +81 996-32-3111. 16:00-20:30. It is a festival of Ichikikushikino. With various stalls coming in, the event is held in July. Free. (updated Oct 2025) 3 Satsuma Kinzangura (焼酎蔵 薩摩金山蔵), 13665 Noshita, ☏ +81 996-21-2110. Sa Su 10:00-17:00. Satsuma Kinzangura is one of Ichikikushikino's attractions, utilizing an actual Kushikino gold mine tunnel with hundreds of years of history as a shochu (Japanese spirit) distillery and aging cellar. Visitors take a 'torokko' (tram) into the mine tunnel, where a cool, stable temperature of around 19°C (66°F) is maintained year-round, and can witness the magnificent sight of countless shochu aging pots lining the tunnel walls. This paid guided tour also includes explanations of the Satsuma Domain's gold mining history and equipment, offering a special experience that includes viewing a shrine located deep within the mine. After the tour, visitors can sample and purchase exclusive shochu, sake, and other liquors aged in the tunnel at the ground-level gift shop. Watch 800¥, tasting included 2500¥. (updated Oct 2025) 4 Terushima Shrine (照島神社), 410 Nishishimabiracho. 24 hr. Terushima Shrine (照島神社) is a shrine located on the coast of Ichikikushikino, characterized by the fact that the entire small rocky island of 'Terushima' constitutes the shrine grounds. It is connected to the mainland solely by a red, pedestrian-only bridge (Shinkyo), which provides the only access to the island. The main shrine hall (Ho

體驗活動

1 Hamada Shuzо̄ Denbeegura (焼酎蔵薩州濵田屋伝兵衛), 4 Chome-1 Minatomachi 899-2101, ☏ +81 996-36-3131. 09:00-17:00, closed W. You can go on a brewery tour, and you can try the shochu liquor from the brewery. ¥500. (updated Oct 2025)

購物

1 Nishimuta (ニシムタ 串木野店食鮮館), 1 Higashiendencho, 896-0006, ☏ +81 996-29-3885. 09:00-23:00. It is Ichikikushiki-no's mart and you can purchase a variety of ingredients. (updated Sep 2025) 2 Daiwa Kushikino (だいわ 串木野店), 5630 Hibarigaoka, ☏ +81 996-33-3222. 09:30-21:00. It is a large supermarket near kamimura gakuenmae station. It sells a variety of ingredients and daily necessities. (updated Nov 2025)

美食

1 Misono (みその), 4 Kitahamacho, 896-0041, ☏ +81 996-33-0808. 11:00-14:30. Tuna ramen is famous as a Japanese restaurant made using tuna, a specialty of Ichikikushikino. ¥1000 ~ 2000 per person. (updated Sep 2025) 2 Kaisen Maguroya (串木野市漁協直営 海鮮まぐろ家), 100 Asayama, 896-0084,, ☏ +81 996-33-5015. 11:00-15:00. It is a restaurant run by the Kushikino Fishing Association, where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes at an affordable price. ¥1000~2000 per person. (updated Sep 2025) 3 Pasta＆Pizza silk veil (Pasta