Don't Miss Out! 5 Must-See Scenic Island Spots in Kagoshima Prefecture's Koshikijima Area, Kyushu

【Selected Recommended Touring Spots in Kyushu's 7 Prefectures 33】

Hello, this is Tetsuma Shashinka, a photographer who loves traveling in Kyushu!
Utilizing the know-how gained from my touring magazine coverage, which began in 2017, I will introduce carefully selected recommended touring spots in the Kyushu area from my perspective as Tetsuma Shashinka.
For the 38th installment, I will introduce recommended touring spots on Koshikijima, a popular remote island in Kagoshima Prefecture.

1. "Nagame no Hama Observatory": Nature's Artistry of a Sandbar Embraced by the Sea

A must-see scenic spot for Koshikijima touring. You can overlook the beautiful sandbar, approximately 4km long, and the East China Sea, as well as "Namako Pond" and "Kai Pond." The sea scenery, which changes its expression with the seasons and time of day, will provide a moving memory of your trip.

The view from the observatory changes its sea color moment by moment depending on the time of day and weather, showing different expressions each time you visit, such as the clear blue of the morning and the golden hue of dusk.

2. "Sato Rokusho Buke Yashiki Ato": The Island's History Breathes Beyond the Stone Walls

The remains of samurai residences from the Satsuma domain era, preserved in the Sato district of Koshikijima. The townscape, with its stone walls made of piled river stones and hedges, retains a strong sense of its former glory. Walking through the quiet alleys is a historical exploration spot where you can leisurely feel the island's history and culture.

The stone walls and hedges of the samurai residences remain beautifully, allowing you to enjoy an atmosphere as if you've wandered into the Edo period.

This valuable samurai settlement, which conveys the vestiges of the Satsuma domain's Togoku system, has been highly acclaimed for its townscape centered on stone walls and hedges, and has been designated as a nationally Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

3. "Koshikiohashi Bridge": Koshikijima's Superb View Road Crossing the Azure Sea

The Koshikiohashi Bridge, with a total length of 1,533 meters and opened in 2020, is the longest bridge in Kagoshima Prefecture, connecting Kamikoshikijima and Nakakoshikijima. From the bridge, you can enjoy spectacular views of the emerald green sea and the ria coastline, making it a popular viewpoint symbolizing Koshikijima touring.

The Koshikiohashi Bridge, with a total length of 1,533 meters connecting Kamikoshikijima and Nakakoshikijima, is a landmark that has greatly changed travel on Koshikijima. The clear sea and dynamic coastline viewed from the bridge are breathtaking!

With the opening of this bridge, Kamikoshikijima, Nakakoshikijima, and Shimokoshikijima became accessible by road, making touring around the entire Koshikijima much more enjoyable.

4. "Torinosu-yama Observatory": Koshikijima's Grand Panorama Spreading in 360 Degrees

A popular observatory offering panoramic views of Koshikijima's mountains and the East China Sea. The grand panorama viewed from an altitude of approximately 300 meters offers a superb sense of openness, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Sato village, Koshikiohashi Bridge, and the sparkling blue sea. It is a photo spot where you can fully enjoy the superb view.

Located on a high ground of about 300m above sea level, this is a superb observatory overlooking the Sato district, Koshikiohashi Bridge, the ria coastline, and the East China Sea.

5. "Seo Kannon San-taki Falls": A Power Spot of Silence Where Water Flows Down Rocky Cliffs

Seo Kannon San-taki Falls are famous waterfalls on Koshikijima where three streams of water cascade down rocky cliffs. In the quiet space surrounded by a rich forest, clear air and the sound of pure water echo, allowing you to fully enjoy the healing power of nature.

The quiet space surrounded by the three streams of water flowing down the rocks and the trees has a cool atmosphere even in summer.