Naples-Kagoshima and a twinning that was born on May 3, 1960. Two cities so distant, but so similar to each other. An exchange between ancient and culturally different souls. An indissoluble bond that unites the two splendid landscapes. An article and a tribute to the two realities. A journey to discover Kagoshima, the capital of the prefecture of the same name, located on the island of Kyushu and Naples in Japan.
Naples-Kagoshima: twinning
Kagoshima, between water and volcano, is an explosion of colors and nature. Here, the climate is mild and reminiscent of that of the beautiful Napoli. The blue of the sky and the sea makes it a wonderful postcard and one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Japan. The Sakurajima, constantly active volcano, is the symbol of the city and of the Naples-Kagoshima twinning. An almost sixty-year long bond. An important partnership that is renewed over time.
Suffice it to say that the Japanese administration has dedicated a great road to Naples. There Napori douri, namely Viale Napoli, but also a tram and for several years it has financed a part of the trip to ten onlookers and as many tourists who want to visit the Neapolitan capital.
The purpose? Keep the twinning alive and make the Italian city known and discovered. The administration of the city of Naples, for its part, dedicated an entire square to the Japanese city; at the Business Center, in fact, there is: "Largo Kagoshima" and a street located in the Vomero district named after Kagoshima.
What to see in Japanese Naples
Do not miss the Sengaku-en, Japanese garden built in 1658 as a villa of the feudal lord. The view is a riot of beauty, you can admire the gulf where the volcano in the background dominates gloriously and imposingly. Inside the garden there is a museum that preserves historical documents relating to the reign of the Shimizu. Another attraction not to be missed is the Shiroyama Woods. Theater of the final battle of the Kagoshima Rebellion; a suggestive place where the hero Takamori Saigo committed suicide along with his battle companions. Among the museums: the art museum (works by painters from the prefecture of Kagoshima, local crafts). The Reimekan Museum (history and culture of the city). The Meiji Restoration Museum (period of the Meiji Restoration).
Among the parks not to be missed in this splendid city of Japan: Memorial park of San Francesco Saverio and the church of the same name, built in 1949 to celebrate the XNUMXth anniversary of the arrival of the first Christian missionary, St. Francis Xavier. The Minato Odori Park, a masterpiece full of fountains and monuments. Finally: the Kagoshima aquarium, one of the largest in all of Japan and the Board Walk, a suggestive street where you can walk and admire the sea, the port and the wonderful Sakurajima volcano. Two cities so far away, yet so close. Kagoshima is a dream and if you can go and visit it, but take care and remember the words and advice of the great German writer Goethe: See Naples and then die!
