About Satsumasendai
“Satsumasendai City”
– HISTORY, SCENERY & HOT SPRINGS –
Satsumasendai City is located in the northwest part of Kagoshima Prefecture, in the southwest of Kyushu. It consists of the mainland area and the Koshiki Islands, including Kami-koshiki, Naka-koshiki and Shimo-koshiki.
Satsumasendai City is surrounded by a rich natural environment such as the beautiful stretch of sandy seashore dotted with pine trees facing the East China Sea, the renowned and important “Sendai River,” flowing endlessly through the City; and green mountains and clear lakes, including Lake Imuta and Koshiki Island. The region also has important historical and cultural resources such as the Iriki Fumoto Samurai Residence that tells us about the Japanese Middle Ages. Of course, there are also many natural hot springs all over the area.
- LOCATION
- The northwest of Kagoshima Prefecture
- THE TOTAL AREA
- 685.50km² (The mainland: 564.75 km²/ The Koshiki Islands: 118.75 km²)
- THE TOTAL POPULATION
- 100,553 (As of October 1, 2011)
- HOUSEHOLDS
- 45,971 (As of October 1, 2011)
Satoyama Landscape (An undeveloped woodland near a village)
You will discover moist and rich Satoyama landscape scenery in Satsumasendai. Lake Imuta was registered as an important wetland under the Ramsar Convention of 2005. Libellula angelinas, a rare and endangered species of dragonfly, and many waterfowl live around the lake. Also, we have beautiful stretches of tanada (terraced rice paddies), especially the Uchino-o tanada which was selected as one of the Top 100 Terraced Paddy Fields in Japan.
Unspoiled Island of Nature: The Koshiki Islands
Magnificent sea cliffs, unique lakes, the native land for a variety of lily flower "Kanoko-Yuri", deciduous and coniferous forests . . . Koshiki Island is full of rare natural landscapes. The island is prosperous for trawling various fish, but particularly Kibinago (Silver-stripe round herring) The surrounding seas are rich with fresh seafood.
Plants and Animals
The rare endangered species of dragonfly, Libellula angelinas, lives stable around Lake Imuta. The lily flower grows naturally in the Koshiki Islands and colors the islands pink. Satsumasendai has an appropriate natural environment for these plants and creatures.
History and Culture
Satsumasendai was a provincial office of Satsuma in the year 702 (Asuka Era) and has served as an important base for south Kyushu politics since ancient times. It features the Iriki Fumoto traditional samurai building preservation district and the Masuda House, which are designated as nationally important cultural properties. Satsumasendai is an area rich in history.
Hot Springs
There are many natural hot springs in Satsumasendai. Come and relax in the waters of the Taki Hot Spring, which has continued for about 800 years and was enjoyed by Saigo Takamori (One of the influential samurai of the Meiji restoration). You can enjoy the Ichihino Hot Spring and the Iriki Hot Spring as well.
Souvenir Shop "Eki-Ichi” Station Market
Koshiki island and the mainland. All of Satsumasendai City's specialties are gathered in this shop.Enjoy our traditional products and new challenges that resonate with your senses to your heart's content.