🐟 A Hidden Gem for Tuna Lovers!

A Spontaneous Side Trip to Makurazaki, Kagoshima

If you’re driving from Kagoshima Airport, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the charming seaside town of Makurazaki—a place famous for its delicious skipjack tuna (katsuo).

But Makurazaki isn’t just about fish! It also offers some unique and Instagram-worthy spots that are perfect for travelers looking for something off the beaten path.

Let me introduce two of my favorite photo-friendly places in Makurazaki!

🚉 Makurazaki Station – The Southernmost JR Station in Mainland Japan

Welcome to the southernmost terminal of JR (Japan Railways) on the Japanese mainland!

Believe it or not, this little station is the starting (or ending) point of a train journey that stretches all the way to Wakkanai Station in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost tip.

The station is small, unmanned, and peaceful—a perfect spot for photos without the crowds.

No ticket gates here, so you can freely walk inside and check out the quaint station interior.

Tip: Visit on a clear, sunny day. The bright blue sky, the quirky katsuo monument, and the seaside vibes make for a great snapshot!

☕ Yamaneko Bottling Lab – A Mysterious, Storybook-Themed Café

Next up is something truly special:
A café inspired by Kenji Miyazawa’s fantasy tale “The Restaurant of Many Orders.”
It’s called “Yamaneko Bottling Lab,” and it’s unlike any café you’ve ever seen.

🏣 A Renovated Old Post Office

The building was once an old post office, now turned into a whimsical café and a one-group-per-night guesthouse.

When you first walk in, you’re greeted by what looks like a retro front desk—not exactly what you’d expect from a café.
To your left is a one-of-a-kind capsule toy machine (gacha) featuring exclusive goodies.

📸 A Surreal, Immersive Experience

As you walk further inside, the atmosphere suddenly changes.
It truly feels like stepping into a fantasy world straight out of a Japanese novel.

The café is far from the city, adding to its magical and secluded vibe.
I visited on a weekday morning and was the only guest there—lucky me! I had the entire place to myself to soak in the atmosphere.

🍠 Must-Try Sweets: Muffins & Sweet Potato Catalana

This café is known for two signature sweets:

• Muffins made with local rice flour and seasonal ingredients

• Sweet potato catalana made from Kagoshima-grown satsumaimo

🙈 “I really wanted to try both… but I had lunch plans, so I had to choose!”

I went with the muffin, and it was a hit!

Plenty of variety, great portion size, and a light, refreshing texture rather than overly moist—just the way I like it.

One thing to note: the café doesn’t have solo seating, so if you visit during peak hours or weekends, expect a wait.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Makurazaki may be best known for its katsuo (skipjack tuna),
but it’s also full of surprises—hidden photo spots, artistic cafes, and peaceful railway charm.

If you’re planning a trip through southern Japan and want to add a little mystery and flavor to your itinerary,
don’t miss a quick detour to Makurazaki. It might just be the highlight of your trip!

🗺️ Find your way to Makurazaki:
Official Map in English (PDF)