Unveiling the Charm of Kinkō Bay
Stunning sea unfolding before you: Explore Kinkō Bay through morning activities

About – Leon Ishibashi
Basketball player from Kanagawa Prefecture. He made his professional debut as a 3×3 player in 2021. The following year, he transitioned to the Japanese B3 League. Then in August 2024, he moved to Kagoshima City, where he currently works at Wiz, the team owner of Kagoshima Rebnise, and plays for its second team, Red Monsters. He is also a member of Explorers Kagoshima, a 3×3 team.

Diverse selection of fish lined up on a large auction floor
 

To see what seafood is brought in from Kinkō Bay, Leon paid a visit to a fish market. The site is normally off-limits to outsiders, but with a booking, you are able to watch the auction process up close while a guide provides information. “The world of fish markets is something I’ve only seen on TV. I’m really excited to see it with my own eyes!” says Leon, as he puts on the hat and rubber boots that were provided, and makes his way inside.
 

The sight lights up the ichthyophile’s face
 

The sound of bells and spirited shouts echo on the floor

You’ll first be captivated by the array of fish, beautifully lined up in rows. The sailfish and tuna are the easiest to spot thanks to their size. The guide entertains you with interesting information and facts, such as the visual differences between naturally grown and farmed fish, what bidders look for when selecting fish, and what happens at the auction. As the guide continues, suddenly the piercing sound of a bell interrupts his speech. It’s time for the auction. The auctioneer uses his dashing vocal to entice high bids. Once the highest bidder is determined, the winning wholesaler quickly moves on to the buying process. “I can’t quite make out what they’re saying because they really talk fast. But you have to love this energy!”
 

The sheer range of fish that are landed in the fish market seems to make Leon understand the level of bountifulness evident just off the coast. He also learnt that, in order to maintain the freshness throughout the process, as soon as fish are auctioned off, they are swiftly transported to the conveniently located wholesaler’s storefront right next to the bidding site, processed for filleting, portioning and shipped. The proximity to the town also provides the benefits of availability of fresh fish to the public at places like restaurants and grocery stores.
 

It turned out to be a good look at the richness Kagoshima Sea provides

KAGOSHIMA FISH MARKET
Address: 37-2 Jōnan-chō, Kagoshima City
Phone: 099.223.0310
Visitor Hours: Weekdays, 5am–Noon (Exceptions apply). 30 min–1 hour per visit.
Auctions typically take place 5:30–8am.
Price: Free (available boots rental)
Booking: Check tour schedules on the official calendar. Fill in your information on the downloadable application form and send it by email or fax at least one month before the visit date.
gyorui@city.kagoshima.lg.jp
(Fax) 099.223.9817

This fish market isn’t just for trading in fresh seafood: it’s also a place to savor the catch. This diner sits on the same site where workers and buyers have also long been able to enjoy the bounty of the sea. It opens in the early hours and is freely open to visitors. ‘Home cook’ Leon checked out this spot to find out the secrets that make this diner so cherished by those in the trade. He picked up their extensive menu, and after weighing his options, he settled on a very hearty Sashimi Set Meal, along with Fried Horse Mackerels à la carte, and a Clam Miso Soup instead of the regular miso soup. The sashimi picks for this day included red snapper, cosmopolitan sailfish, greater amberjack, horse mackerel, squid, bonito, and a few more. The fried horse mackerels made for a hearty meal. The freshness and generous portions are clearly what make their morning meals so special.
 

Ichiba Shokudo Jonanten
Address:37 Jonancho, Kagoshima City, inside the fish market
 

Leon picked a matching large board
 

Lastly, it’s time to ‘Play’ in Kinkō Bay. The closest beach from downtown, Iso Beach, is where we headed next. Leon has never tried ‘SUP’ before. Excited for the experience, he quickly changes clothes and puts on a life jacket. For a standard SUP excursion, all you need is a swimsuit. Depending on the weather, you may opt to add a windbreaker, sunglasses or a hat. SUP is short for ‘stand-up paddleboard(ing)’. It’s a great activity that anyone can pick up easily. This tour also seems to be very popular with a wide range of age groups.
 

You will first learn how to angle and move the paddle as you sail into the bay. According to the instructor, one’s core is the most important variable when paddleboarding. Your entire body’s muscles will need to be engaged to maintain balance on the board. The taller one is, the trickier this becomes as the center of gravity moves up. “It is called stand-up paddle, but it’s totally fine to choose not to stand up,” says the instructor as he encourages Leon to enjoy it at his own pace. With a sigh of relief, he decided to take it slow.
 

Time to get wet!

There are many different sizes of paddles and boards you can choose from. The largest board available was chosen for Leon, which would help with the stability given his towering height. He first started the ride in a sitting position, keeping his center of gravity low. While he struggled to get his long feet into a kneeling position, he manages to follow the instructor’s lead. When he reached the next step of standing up, he regretfully cut the challenge short as he had to go to work soon that afternoon. “I’ll come back and try again on my day off!” he vowed, ending the outing.
 

Time’s up! He successfully got to kneel on the board.

Private Stand-up Paddleboard Tours
– KAGOSHIMA VOLCANO SUNRISE SUP ACTIVITY
RISING SUN VOLCANO SUP TRIP
¥40,000/3 hours per group (up to two). Transportation & breakfast incl.
Contact:Hotel & Residence Nanshukan
Address:19-17 Higashisengokucho, Kagoshima City
Phone:099.226.8188(10am-8pm)  Contact:Hashimoto


 

– MAJESTIC SAKURAJIMA SUP EXPERIENCE
The great thing about stand-up paddleboarding is that anyone can enjoy it as soon as the basics are learned, even for beginners to water sports. Anyone above 10 years of age can participate. ¥2,000/hour per person. Rental equipment incl. (board, paddle, life jacket, etc.). ¥8,000 for one day (5+ hours). Available wetsuit rental ¥1,500/day.

Kinkowan Marine
Address: 9679 Iso, Yoshino-cho, Kagoshima City
Phone: 090.8838.4470
Operation Hours: 9am-6pm
Irregular holidays
Reservations can be made by phone or via the website

One of the largest aquariums in Kyūshū sits right across from Sakurajima and is home to 10,000 exhibits representing 800 species, showcasing Kagoshima’s deep sea and biodiversity. During the Twilight Aquarium hours in summertime, the lighting is altered from normal daytime settings to create a mystical atmosphere that allows visitors to enjoy a special moment.

Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium
Address: 3-1 Honko Shinmachi, Kagoshima City