Ichiki-kushikino Shi

History:

The history and identity of Ichikikushikino are best understood through its three main pillars: gold, tuna, and its pivotal role in Japan's modernization.

For centuries, this area was one of Japan's leading gold-mining towns. While the original Kushikino Mine closed in 1966, its history is now a major tourist attraction. The old mine tunnels have been repurposed by the Satsuma Kinzangura, a unique distillery where visitors can take a tram deep into the cool, dark shafts to see where shochu (a Japanese spirit) is aged.

Historically, the city's most significant event occurred in 1865 at Hashima Port. This was the secret departure point for the "Satsuma Students", 19 young men sent to Europe in defiance of national policy. They went on to become key leaders in Japan's modernization, and this pivotal story is now told at the Satsuma Students Museum located right at the port.

While the area was historically ruled by various samurai clans and the modern city was formed by a merger in 2005, it is these tangible legacies of industry and modernization that define the travel experience today.

Climate:

Ichikikushino has a mild, subtropical climate due to the warm Kuroshio Current, which keeps winters exceptionally mild with temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C (41°F). However, travelers must be aware of the distinct rainy season in June, which is extremely intense; the city often receives record-breaking downpours of over 500 mm (20 in) in this single month alone. This is immediately followed by a very hot and humid midsummer (July-August), with temperatures regularly exceeding 32°C (90°F). Furthermore, from late summer into autumn (approx. August-September), the city lies directly on the main path for typhoons and can be affected by strong storms.

By plane:

There is no airport in Ichikikushikino. The nearest airport is Kagoshima Airport, and you can take the airport bus from Kagoshima Airport to Satsumasendai Station and take the subway.

By train:

The Kagoshima Main Line passes through Ichiki Station, Kushikino Station, and Kamimura-Kakuenmae Station.

1 Ichiki (市来). It is the first station in the direction of Kagoshima City. It is the name of Ichiki's definition before the merger. (updated Dec 2025)

2 Kamimuragakuenmae (神村学園前). Located between Kushikino Station and Ichiki Station, there is a school of the same name near the station. (updated Dec 2025)

3 Kushikino (串木野). The last station in the city was named after Kushino-shi before the merger. (updated Dec 2025)

By car:

As for the highway, the Minami-Kyushu Western Circulation Expressway passes, and there are Kushikino IC and Ichiki IC in the city. The Minami-Kyushu Western Circulation Expressway runs from Kumamoto to Kagoshima, and the Kyushu Expressway runs to Kitakyushu.

National road 3 and 270 pass.

4 Kushikino IC (串木野 IC). The last highway entrance is close to Kushikino Station and City Hall. (updated Dec 2025)

5 Ichiki IC (市来 IC). It is the first highway entrance to Kagoshima and is located on the border between Ichikikushikino and Hioki. (updated Dec 2025)

By bus:

The express bus connecting Kagoshima-shi and Satsumasendai passes through. The stop is as follows.

6 Oharu (大原). It is the first stop in the direction of Kagoshima-shi. (updated Dec 2025)

7 Ichikikushikino Shiyakusho Mae (いちき串木野市役所前). As the second stop, there is a city hall nearby. (updated Dec 2025)

8 Honmachi (本町). It's the third stop in the direction of Kagoshima (updated Dec 2025)

9 Kushikino Shinko (串木野新港). It is close to the port as the last stop. (updated Dec 2025)