Kagoshima—The Naples of Japan

Kagoshima is often called the “Naples of Japan,” and after spending some time here, it’s easy to see why. Both cities share a warm climate, swaying palm trees, and a stunning volcano as a backdrop—Mount Sakurajima in Kagoshima’s case, which looms dramatically just across the bay.

But beyond the scenery, Kagoshima plays a surprisingly big role in shaping modern Japan. Statues of national heroes line the streets—reminders that this city was a launchpad for sweeping historical change. One of the most influential figures was Saigo Takamori, a local samurai leader from a powerful clan that ruled this area for over two centuries. He helped lead the charge in restoring power to the Emperor during the Meiji Restoration in the late 1800s. But in a strange twist, Saigo later rebelled against that same emperor and died in battle during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877. We passed the very spot where he fell.

If the story sounds vaguely familiar, check out The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise. While fictionalized, the character Katsumoto was loosely inspired by Saigo’s life and ideals.

And Saigo wasn’t the only trailblazer from here. The first Japanese doctor to practice Western medicine came from Kagoshima. In fact, the city has produced a long line of forward-thinkers who left their mark not just on Japan, but the wider world.

One of my favorite stories is about 17 teenage boys from the 1800s who realized Japan was falling behind the West in science, industry, and technology. So they did the unthinkable—they slipped out of the country (when foreign travel was still banned), made their way to England and the U.S., and came back full of ideas that helped spark Japan’s own industrial revolution. That kind of boldness seems to be part of Kagoshima’s DNA.

Our time here was as educational as it was inspiring. Our guide took us through the Reimeikan Museum, one of the most fascinating museums I’ve ever visited. It starts in the atrium with a raised lucite floor showing a topographic map of Kagoshima Bay, then leads you through a recreated prehistoric cave—stalactites and all—before guiding you through thousands of years of history. The exhibits cover everything from ancient tools and art to politics, medicine, and modern technology. It’s beautifully done and easy to follow.

Walking through it, you can really feel the pride Kagoshima’s people have in their past—and with good reason. Without Southern Kyushu, Japan’s story would look very different. And probably a lot less interesting.

It was here the Japan entered the modern age. Her industrial and technological revolution began here in the factory that stood on this spot. And since that day in 1860, she hasn’t looked back.もっと詳しく