Nansatsu (Southern Satsuma)

Fukiage-hama Beach is considered one of the three top sand dune locations in the country. In May, it is the site of the Sand & Flower Festa, which attracts visitors from home and abroad. Around 100 giant artworks are created using sand, making the event the world’s largest festival of sand sculptures! The nearby Fukiage-hama Cycling Road connects the cities of Hioki to Minamisatsuma. Designed for cyclists, the route stretches 23.9 kilometers (14.9 miles) and offers impressive sea views, particularly at sunset. The deeply indented southern coastline is another scenic spot. 

～Ancient Trade City～

Bonotsu Port is situated on the southwest tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, on the beautiful Rias coastline, and has served Japan as a center of international trade and relidious exchange since ancient times. This is where Ichijoin Temple was founded by the Korean monk Nichira, and where Chinese monk Hanjin Wajo landed when the brought Eisshu Buddhism to Japan in the 8th century.

【The Monk Ganjin Wajo】
Bonotsu Port has been known since ancient times as one of the three finest harbors in japan, and has served as the port of introduction for much culture into the nation. One of the most important events was the arrival of the monk Ganjin. Full of zeal for the propagation of Buddhism in Japan, Ganjin tried to cross the ocean, but failed five times due to typhoons and shipwrecks. He finally made the crossing successfully, but it took 12 years. During that time he lost many of his disciples and was himself blinded, but his arrival in Japan marked the formation of the first true Buddhist group and the starting point of real Buddhist activity in Japan.

The coastal town of Makurazaki is the largest producer of katsuobushi (bonito flakes) in Japan, handling some 50,000 tons per year. As this ingredient is a staple in many traditional dishes, including miso soup, Makurazaki is the ideal place to try dishes featuring bonito or join a workshop to cook with it.