A ten-minute walk from Mizunarikawa Station in Kagoshima will bring travelers to the wondrously scenic Bandokorobana Nature Park. This spot is a local and tourist favorite which encompasses all the natural splendor of the Kyushu coast. Situated on the coast of the tropical blue East China Sea, the distant islands of Yakushima and Mishima Island are visible on the horizon on a blue, cloudless day.
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![Bandokorobana Nature Park]()
Bandokorobana Nature Park
The park was the location of the formally named Bandokoro, home of the famous Satsuma clan 200 years ago. The clan was famous for protecting the coast from invasion during the Edo Period. In the 19th century, Tadataka Ino passed this site whilst creating the first map of Japan. He referred to the location as “a superb view of the world” looking out into the endless ocean.
Within the park, there are many beautiful and tranquil scenic views. The coastline is formed by scattered rocks and reef which make up a number of natural pools. These pools are home to a vast array of seahorses, with a reef zone containing various other colorful species of fish.![Bandokorobana Nature Park]()
Bandokorobana Nature Park
Surrounded by jagged rocks and sky blue oceans, the shores of Bandokorobana Nature Park are a beautiful place for travelers to meander about. The park is most famous for its stunning view of Mount Kaimondake. Floating atop the ocean, the mountain seems like the seaside version of Mount Fuji, rightly nicknamed ‘the Fuji of Satsuma’. Rising 924 meters above the sea, Mount Kaimondake is a dormant volcano which travelers can go over by ferry to explore.
![Bandokorobana Nature Park]()
Bandokorobana Nature Park
A famous point in the park is the Bandokoro no Kane (Bell of the Guard Station). Decorated with seahorses which represent a happy marriage, ringing the bell allows the person to make a wish. The number of times the bell is rung indicates which wish the ringer wants. Once is for happiness, twice for good health, three times for fulfillment in love and a harmonious marriage, four times for fertility, and five times for an easy childbirth.
![Bandokorobana Nature Park]()
Bandokorobana Nature Park
Hanging around the park’s fences are pink sea shells called ‘Kaigara Ema’. In many Shinto Shrines across Japan ‘Ema’ are tablets of wood used to write prayers or wishes on, usually hanging around a shrine. Visitors can write their own wish and hang up their shell along the wooden railing coasting the ocean. They are believed to help particularly with wishes for matchmaking and good luck.
![Bandokorobana Nature Park]()
Bandokorobana Nature Park
Access to the park is very easy. A simple ten minute walk from the nearby Mizunarikawa Station, on the JR Ibusuki-Mikurazaki Line, will get you there. The Park is also accessible in 30 minutes by rental car from Chiran City.
- Bandokorobana Nature Park
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- Kagoshima Pref. Minamikyushushi Eichoubeppu 5202
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- 0993832511
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- Open all day
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