Shibushi

Shibushi is a coastal city on the Osumi Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture, stretching along a sheltered bay. The landscape combines seaside areas with rolling hills covered by tea gardens that dominate the region.

The region served as a port during Japan's Heian period and later became integrated into Satsuma Domain. The area gained its current status as an independent city in the early 2000s.

Tea farming shapes daily life here, with the Tamaryokucha variety grown across hillside gardens that define the landscape. Local farmers take pride in their craft, and the tea culture remains central to how people in this region connect with their environment.

The city is accessible by the JR Kyushu Nichinan Line railway and served by national roads connecting to the expressway network. The hilly terrain and rural setting mean travelers benefit from planning routes ahead and checking schedules in advance.

The early harvest season here allows local farmers to produce tea qualities that stand out from other regions in Japan. This timing advantage has helped establish the area as a source of premium grades sought by tea specialists.

Location: Kagoshima Prefecture

Inception: January 1, 2006

Reference: 462217

Shares border with: Sō, Osaki, Miyakonojo, Kushima

Website: https://city.shibushi.lg.jp

GPS coordinates: 31.47717,131.09989

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:45