Visitors who want to focus their stay in Aira on nature and history can choose from distinctly different themes. The Shigetomi Coast is part of the marine area of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park. Other highlights include the Yamada Triumph Arch and its memorial shrine, the tradition of taiko dancing, and the recreational facilities at Kenmin no Mori. Aira cannot be reduced to a single type of excursion: coastal scenery, historical remembrance, culture and experiences of nature each shape a different side of the town.

Coast and National Park

The Shigetomi Coast lies within the marine area of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, which was designated on March 16, 2012. Its marine setting gives Aira’s natural landscape a specific context: the focus here is a stretch of coast within the national park. For travelers seeking a destination that combines the sea with a designated natural landscape, this is a fitting focus in Aira. It offers a different perspective from the memorial sites and forest activities.

Yamada Triumph Arch and Memorial Shrine

The Yamada Triumph Arch commemorates a specific moment in local history. It was built in March 1906 to honor the safe return of soldiers from the then-village of Yamada who had served in the Russo-Japanese War. Behind the arch, a stone staircase of 100 steps leads to a memorial shrine. It honors 1,200 people who fell in the Satsuma Rebellion and the Sino-Japanese, Russo-Japanese and Pacific Wars. The arch and shrine thus represent two different forms of remembrance: the triumph arch commemorates soldiers’ return from a particular war, while the shrine honors those who fell in several conflicts. Visitors interested in local history can gain a focused insight into several historical reference points here.

Taiko Dance: A Living Tradition

Another cultural thread leads to taiko dancing, a tradition that has changed over time. In the area of the former town of Aira, the dance was once performed in Shigetomi, Hiramatsu, Funatsu, Fureta and Chōsa; today, it is preserved only in the Haruhana district. The contrast between five former performance locations and one present-day location makes the change in its reach tangible. At the same time, Haruhana shows that the tradition lives on in Aira. This cultural focus differs from the history of war and remembrance at the triumph arch: here, the focus is on a traditional dance form.

Forest and Recreation at Kenmin no Mori

Those seeking recreation in nature and leisure activities will find a different kind of focus at Kenmin no Mori. The area spans the former municipalities of Aira, Mizobe and Kajiki. Facilities include a forest exhibition hall, campsites, a climbing and play area, a water play area, and nature trails. The options range from an exhibition about the forest to places for exercise and play; the nature trails add another way to experience the outdoors.

Discover more destinations: Kirishima, Isa, Kanoya, Tarumizu, Kamikawa, Nishinoomote, Nakatane, Shibushi.

For the main travel overview: Kagoshima Prefecture.