Let's go island-hopping in Kagoshima!

Tanegashima is known as the place where firearms were introduced to Japan by the Portuguese. It is also home to Japan's largest rocket launching site. Located about 40 kilometers southeast of Cape Sata, the southernmost point of Kyushu, Tanegashima resembles the shape of a rocket, with its flat and elongated north-south terrain.

Yakushima entered the limelight when it became listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Its rich natural environment is recognized as first class by various Japanese organizations, too.

The Amami Archipelago consists of Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima, Ukejima, Yoroshima, Kikaijima, Tokunoshima, Okinoerabujima and Yoronjima. The island chain spans 380-580 kilometers south of Kagoshima.

Kikaijima is located 25 km east of Amami Oshima and was formed by the uplifting of a coral reef. Even now, it continues to rise at a rate of about 2 millimeters annually, something that is unique and recognized as an important phenomenon globally.

Tokunoshima is known as the island of longevity so visitors often want to experiene that lifestyle. Two centenarians (Shigechiyo Izumi, who once held the title of the oldest person in the world before passing away at age 120, and Kamato Hongo, who passed away at age 116) were from the town of Isen in Tokunoshima. The secret to a long and healthy life is likely found in Tokunoshima.

Although a part of Kagoshima Prefecture, Okinoerabujima is closer to mainland Okinawa Prefecture and has more in common with Okinawa's culture. Many colorful flowers bloom here all year round including the world-famous erabu-yuri, or lilium longiflorum. The island also has about 300 limestone caves, large and small, so it is often referred to as the Island of Flowers and Caves.

This small island, only 22 kilometers in circumference, is surrounded by coral reefs, giving it the appearance of floating in the turquoise ocean. In the shallows, gentle waves lap at  white shells and star-shaped sand.  Dazzlingly bright due to its white beaches around its edges, this beautiful island has been described as the Pearl of the Orient.