Twilight Downtown Stroll in Style

Ōshima-tsumugi textile is part of the assemblage of coveted, timeless art crafts created in the land of Kagoshima. This silk fabric is renowned for its elegantly lustrous, lightweight, supple, and wrinkle-resistant qualities, and not only proves comfortable wear, but also provides breathability and warmth for each of the hot and cold season. Sandy headed to Tsumugi Kagoshima Kimono Rentals to try this kimono. Helping her get into this pongee is Keiko, who is a stylist specializing in Japanese traditional attires and also active in promoting its charms to the world. “Many people tend to think of Ōshima-tsumugi as having only understated color tones. Nowadays, we are seeing more and more bright dyes, actually. A white version, for example, is what we refer to as Shiro Ōshima.” Keiko picks a pongee in a soft, blue tint to match Sandy’s skin tone. For the sash around the waist, Keiko suggests a unique twist using two half-width sashes instead of one traditional shape. The entire process took only about 15 minutes. Sandy then heads to a walking course, named the History and Culture Road, which follows along the moats of the former Tsurumaru Castle. Public events are often hosted in the area throughout the seasons, so check out what’s happening before your visit.

Rokugatsudo Lantern Festival
This summer festival, held at shrines and temples in Kagoshima Prefecture in around July, has continued for since nearly 400 years (the Edo Period). Throngs of people enjoy night stalls and performing arts at shrines and temples in the gentle atmosphere created by lanterns. This traditional festival is still a popular seasonal tradition in Kagoshima. You should visit a nearby shrine during the festival.
 

Ogionsaa
This traditional festival has been held for nearly 400 years since early in the Edo Period to ward off disease and pray for business success. The highlight of the festival is a procession of portable shrines accompanied by 3,000 people cheerfully parading for approximately 2.5 km through the downtown of Kagoshima City which becomes a car-free area during the festival. On the eve of the festival, portable shrines and parade floats are displayed in Central Park where a special stage and stalls are set up.
 

Kagoshima Kinko Bay Summer Night Fireworks Festival
This fireworks festival, one of the largest in Kyushu, is Kagoshima’s summer highlight held in outstanding natural surroundings with Sakurajima, the world famous active volcano, and calm Kinko Bay in the background.

 

Ohara Festival
The Ohara Festival, with more than a 70 year history, is the largest festival in Southern Kyushu. The highlight of the festival is a dance to the popular Kagoshima folk song “Ohara Melody.” The venue bustles with many people.
Other programs include Japanese taiko drumming by Kagoshima’s attractive and gallant women, parades, marching band processions and traditional performing arts. The spectacular “So-odori” features more than 20,000 dancers in costumes of different team colors.
This two-day festival starts in the evening of November 2nd and some people dance with Shochu liquor in their hands. The atmosphere changes on the second day which ends in the late afternoon. Anyone can join the dance, so why not give it a try?

 

About – Sandy Juhasz
A Budapestian  who first arrived in Japan in 2003 and later moved to Kagoshima Prefecture in 2017. (She’s currently the only Hungarian national residing in the prefecture.) Serves as a creative advisor and a member of the Tourism Development Council for Aira City. Full member of the National Association of Hungarian Journalists (MÚOSZ). Shoes collecting and martial arts viewing are a few examples of her extensive list of hobbies.
 

Sandy’s Comment
I’ve been looking forward to this day to try an Ōshima-tsumugi on myself, and I’m incredibly honored on behalf of Hungary. I already own one of these, but today’s experience really opened my eyes to how much joy these kimonos can provide. The stylist’s take on the over-the-sash cord (obijime) was also very original and refreshing, where she used the normal belt we use today instead of a traditional one.
 

TSUMUGI: KAGOSHIMA KIMONO RENTALS
Grace Bldg, Suite 102, 3-3 Yasui-chō, Kagoshima City
 

After the leisurely walk and soaking up all the history, Sandy made her way to San-ei next, a restaurant nestled at the foot of the verdant hill of Shiroyama. The regal and elegant facade in front of you describes everything you need to know about the 91-year-old establishment. As you pass through the entrance curtains, the third-generation proprietress welcomes you inside with a setting that offers warmth. “We offer the comfort of dining and the finest quality of food,” says the proprietress. Sea Bream Soup is their signature dish, where wild sea bream is cooked with simple tosses of salt and sake. Kagoshima’s most classic dishes are naturally available on the menu: Shabu-shabu Hot Pot with Sea Bream or Kurobuta Pork, Braised Pork, Blue Sprat, Satsuma-age Fish Cake, and Satsuma Sake Zushi, a sushi bowl prepared with locally brewed sake. The founder’s vision of “passing down the flavors of our soil for the enjoyment of our customers” is firmly in place.

 

SAN-EI
Address: 2-18 Shiroyama-chō, Kagoshima City
Phone: 099.222.8300
Opning hours: 11:30am–2pm (Last call 1pm), 5:30–8pm (Last seating)
Closed: Lunch, Sun–Tue; Dinner, Sun–Mon
Instagram：@sanei_1933
Parking: Available
Booking: Available　
Digital Payment: Credit cards, PayDon
Languages: English
Cost Per Person: Lunch, ¥3,000 (Excl. 5% service charge); Dinner, ¥11,000–¥33,000 (Excl. 10% service charge)
Service Charge: 10%