Yusui, town in Aira District, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Yusui is a small town in Aira district, Kagoshima Prefecture, surrounded by mountains that form a basin. The town is marked by natural springs flowing through many areas, which shape both the landscape and the local farming practices.
The region was historically part of the larger Satsuma area and was controlled by the Satsuma clan during the Edo period. In 2005, the current town of Yusui was formed by merging the two smaller towns of Kurino and Yoshimatsu.
The name Yusui means 'spring water' in Japanese, and this connection shapes daily life in the town. Local festivals celebrate the seasons and harvests with shared meals and music, bringing the community together around customs passed down through generations.
The town is best reached by car or local bus, as transport options are limited. Visitors will find few large hotels or restaurants, but can stay at guesthouses and small cafes offering home-cooked meals and friendly service.
A notable feature in the surrounding region is the zigzag switchback on the JR Hisatsu train line, popular with train enthusiasts. This looping track demonstrates how the railway was engineered to navigate the hillside terrain and represents a piece of local transportation history.
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