A magnificent course where you can fully enjoy nature and history
The magnificent course where you can enjoy nature and history The first part of the course runs through the city center, where you can experience the history of Satsuma (the ancient name of Kagoshima) from the Edo period to the Meiji era (1603 – early 20th century), including Tenmonkan, the most bustling district in southern Kyushu, the statue of Saigo Takamori, Goryomon Gate, the Foreigner's House, and Sengan-en Garden. From around the 13 km mark, the course follows the coastline, offering stunning views of the tranquil Kinko Bay and the majestic Sakurajima volcano, along with other dynamic natural landscapes. As this is a loop course, one of the highlights is the opportunity to see top athletes in action and cross paths with fellow runners of varying abilities.
Kagoshima-style enthusiastic cheering!
Many runners are moved by the city’s enthusiastic cheering. In addition to cheers from volunteers and spectators along the roadside, there are also entertaining performances such as dancing and drumming at various points. Even JR trains running alongside sound their horns, while ferries, boats, and SUPs cheer from the sea—support comes from unexpected places. Encouraging messages are displayed on the distance markers, and even after finishing, runners are greeted with applause when collecting their belongings. Every time they are cheered on, they feel a surge of energy.
Hospitality with regional cuisine There will be plenty of water and food available at the aid stations.
Last time, runners enjoyed a wide variety of unique Kagoshima foods such as Nankodo’s black candy sticks, baked doughnuts, ohagi rice cakes, tangerines, strawberries, takuan pickles, satsuma-age fried fish cakes, and more—it was exciting to see what would be served next. In addition, at the "OMOTENASHI Square" set up in Central Park near the finish line, there will be booths selling Kagoshima cuisine and specialty products.
Discover the Charm of the Host City
| 写真出典元： | 公益社団法人鹿児島県観光連盟 鹿児島観光コンベンション協会 鹿児島市 他 |
|---|
Kagoshima City is located in the southern part of Kyushu, the south westernmost of Japan’s four main islands. It serves as the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture and is known for its dramatic natural scenery and historical significance.
Kagoshima, as the source of Japan’s modernization
Domain lord Shimazu Nariakira launched the Shuseikan Project, introducing Western technologies such as reverberatory furnaces and steamships, and his vision of industrial and educational reform influenced the young samurai who later led the Meiji government, while Kagoshima City features three components of this UNESCO designation, all linked to the Shuseikan Project initiated by Nariakira in the mid-19th century.
The origin of the Meiji Restoration
Kagoshima City, once the heart of the powerful Satsuma Domain, played a pivotal role in Japan’s transition from feudal rule to modern nationhood during the Meiji Restoration. It was the birthplace of several influential leaders and reformers who played crucial roles in transforming Japan into a modern nation.
Kagoshima Sightseeing Spots
Sengan-en: A Historic Garden Estate in Kagoshima
Sengan-en is a traditional Japanese garden and villa built in 1658 by Shimazu Mitsuhisa, the 19th head of the powerful Shimazu clan. Located in Kagoshima City, the estate offers breathtaking views of Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay, using them as part of its borrowed scenery—a classic technique in Japanese garden design.
- Easy access: 20 minutes by car from Kagoshima-Chuo Station / near JR Sengan-en Station
- It is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and forms part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site "Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution."
Terukuni Shrine – Honoring a Visionary Lord of Satsuma
Located in the heart of Kagoshima City, Terukuni Shrine is dedicated to Shimazu Nariakira, the 28th head of the Shimazu clan and 11th lord of the Satsuma Domain, who was revered for his progressive leadership and contributions to Japan’s modernization and was deified as Terukuni Daimyojin by imperial decree in 1863, and the shrine, established in 1864 on the grounds of the former Nansen-in Temple, remains one of the largest and most prominent in Kagoshima.
Sakurajima Visitor Center – Discover the Living Volcano
Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most iconic active volcanoes located in Kinko Bay just across from downtown Kagoshima, was once a true island but became connected to the Osumi Peninsula after a massive eruption in 1914, forming a dramatic peninsula that continues to shape the region’s landscape and identity, and the Sakurajima Visitor Center, just a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal, offers a volcano-themed mini-museum with engaging exhibits, hands-on experiences, and local insights, helping visitors see the island with new eyes whether they are curious about eruptions, geology, or daily life.
Gourmet Information
Satsuma-age
Kagoshima's specialty, satsuma-age, is a local dish characterized by its sweetness and umami flavor, made by adding local sake and sugar to ground fish and then deep-frying it. Locally known as tsukeage, it is also popular as a gift or souvenir.
Kagoshima Black Pork Shabu-Shabu
A signature hot pot experience from southern Japan, Kagoshima’s famous Kurobuta (black pork) comes from a heritage breed known for its fine texture and naturally sweet, rich flavor, with thin slices gently swished in a simmering broth—usually made from kelp or soba stock—and dipped in sauces such as ponzu or sesame, while some restaurants offer a unique twist by mixing the cooked pork with broth and raw egg for a silky, savory finish.
Satsuma-jiru – Kagoshima’s Hearty Chicken Miso Soup
Satsuma-jiru is a traditional miso-based soup from Kagoshima Prefecture, known for its rich flavor and generous use of seasonal vegetables. Unlike tonjiru (pork miso soup), Satsuma-jiru uses chicken as its main protein, creating a lighter yet deeply savory broth.
Kagoshima Shochu – The Spirit of Southern Japan
Kagoshima Prefecture is Japan’s leading producer of shochu, a traditional distilled spirit. Known especially for its Satsuma Shochu, Kagoshima offers a rich variety of flavors rooted in local ingredients, volcanic soil, and centuries of craftsmanship.
It's a very exciting race event. We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the race venue.
