Things You Must Buy in Kagoshima
Kagoshima, as we have introduced in our past Kagoshima articles, is a great place full of history!
Full of traditional history that you can see a strong influence from the Satsuma Clan in their art, architecture and even food, there are definitely many things that you must buy if you ever visit Kagoshima!
1. Satsuma imo tart from Yamafuku Seika
The staple food in Kagoshima is definitely Satsuma Imo, the sweet potato!
Made of Kagoshima sweet potatoes, these mildly sweet tarts are a classic souvenir that you must try yourself!
They also have a pretty long shelf life, for slightly more than a month, so you can bring them back to Malaysia and share with your friends and family too!
You can purchase these here:
| Name | Yamafuku Seika |
| Opening hours | 8:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Address | Miyage Yokocho, 1-1, Chuo-cho, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima鹿児島県鹿児島市中央町1番1号 みやげ横丁内Google Maps |
| Website(Japanese) | http://yamafukuseika.co.jp/itemlist/oimo/30 |
2. Saigo Senbei from Bontando
Remembered from our previous article that we have mentioned about a certain famous figure in Kagoshima?
Everywhere you go, you will be reminded of him, and that includes souvenirs and food!
The late Saigo Takamori is a legendary samurai is someone well-known in Japan, his name is definitely brought up if you ask a Japanese to name a famous person from Kagoshima, and now he makes an appearance in the famous rice cracker!
Whether it’s the packaging or the Saigo Senbei rice cracker, both have his face printed. People of all ages can enjoy these crispy and fragrant crackers, be sure to eat them as soon as you open them so they can be enjoyed at their utmost crunchiness!
| Name | BLUE SKY (Kagoshima Airport) |
| Opening hours | 6:50 am – 8:30 pm |
| Address | 822, Fumoto, Mizobe-cho, Kirishima-shi, Kagoshima鹿児島県霧島市溝辺町麓822番地Google Maps |
| Website(Japanese) | https://www.koj-ab.co.jp/shops-restaurants/shops/ |
3. Karukan from Akashiya
If you looked at this, you might be asking “why is this even a must-buy? it looks plain…”
If you think this, then you are very wrong!
These soft desserts are called karukan, and they are one of the famous souvenirs from Kagoshima! These sweets are a traditional souvenir that is loved by many for decades at Akashiya.
A little moist, bouncy when touched, the karukan from Akashiya are unique compared to many other sweets. Also, they are made of Japanese yam, so they are not too sweet so it is also perfect to be enjoyed with green tea. Their karukan manju (the round one in image) are also a popular item.
While there are lots of places to purchase this delicacy, Akashiya always brings the traditional taste as a traditional sweets store.
For further details, check them out!
| Name | Akashiya Karukan Main Store |
| Opening hours | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Address | 4-16, Kinsei-cho, Kagoshima-shi鹿児島市金生町4-16Google Maps |
| Website(Japanese) | https://www.akashiya.co.jp/ |
4. Kasutadon from Jokiya
Definitely not the last on the list (there are much more that we recommend buying!) but this is a classic! Jokiya’s kasutadon are so fluffy, and are filled with custard that tastes just perfect! Not too sweet, and suitable to eat on its own or with tea, so it is very popular with everyone.
Their cakes are also individually wrapped, so it is also easy to buy a couple of boxes and share with your family or colleagues in the office.
Pro tip: Put them in the freezer and you’ll taste something like a frozen sherbet!
Also, be sure to eat them up soon, they have a pretty short lifespan so you might want to get them right before you fly home!
| Name | Jokiya Karukan Chuo Station Main Store |
| Opening hours | 8:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Address | 21-1, Chuo-cho, Kagoshima-shi鹿児島市中央町21-1Google Maps |
| Website(Japanese) | http://www.jokiya.co.jp/index.html |
If you love sweets, relaxing atmosphere, or even some historical and cultural experience, then Kagoshima is a great place for you.
Let’s visit Kagoshima!
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