Japan’s southern Kyushu region is renowned for shochu, and among its most famous is “Kuro Kirishima,” produced by Kirishima Shuzo headquartered in Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture. The name “Kirishima” comes from the Kirishima mountain range, which even appears in mythology. Nearby Kirishima City in Kagoshima Prefecture also boasts abundant nature, hot springs, a vibrant shochu culture, and top-quality local ingredients. In this article, we present the latest pairing experiences of local shochu and regional cuisine in Kirishima City—perfect for lovers of shochu and gourmet travel seeking an authentic, local-infused journey.

The Deep Connection between “Kuro Kirishima” and the Kirishima Mountains

Kuro Kirishima shochu is crafted by Kirishima Shuzo, founded in 1916 in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture. From the beginning, the distillery has used locally grown sweet potatoes and pristine spring water from the Kirishima range. The name “Kirishima” was chosen to honor the natural beauty and spiritual aura of the mountains. While the name references the range, it should not be confused with Kirishima City in Kagoshima Prefecture. Still, this city also shares the region’s deep natural and mythological heritage and has a rich shochu tradition.

Enjoying Local Shochu and Regional Dishes in Kirishima City

Kagoshima Prefecture is among Japan’s top shochu-producing regions, and Kirishima City is no exception. Local distilleries supply an abundance of shochu, and izakayas and regional restaurants offer luxurious moments savored alongside locally sourced delights. Here are some must-try pairings in Kirishima City:

Kirishima Black Pork Shabu‑Shabu × Warm Sweet Potato Shochu

Kirishima City is famed for Kagoshima black pork. Its fine texture and naturally sweet fat become superb when briefly dipped in hot water. Paired with warm sweet potato shochu, the sweetness and roasted aromas meld with the pork’s savory flavors—an utter delight.

Charcoal‑Grilled Local Chicken × Kuro Kirishima on the Rocks

Kagoshima is known for its local chicken. Kirishima’s charcoal‑grilled chicken is seared over an open flame, delivering a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The bold, smoky meat harmonizes perfectly with chilled Kuro Kirishima served on the rocks. The crisp, cold shochu intensifies the charcoal‑grilled flavors.

Kibi­nago Sashimi × Kuro Kirishima Soda (Kuro-High)

Kibi­nago (silver-stripe round herring) sashimi from coastal Kagoshima is commonplace even on Kirishima tables. These translucent silver fish offer a gentle sweetness and oceanic aroma. Pairing them with a bubbly Kuro Kirishima soda (Kuro‑High) brings a refreshing sparkle that gently envelops the delicate flavors of the sashimi.

Places to Fully Experience Shochu Culture in Kirishima City

You’ll find numerous spots in the city where you can deeply appreciate shochu culture. Here are some recommended stops during your visit:

Kirishima Kogen Brewery & Shochu Distillery Tour

In the Kirishima Highlands stands a brewery for craft beer, adjacent to a shochu distillery. With advance reservation, guided tours are available. These offer an up-close look at the shochu-making process, along with tastings—ideal even for beginners wishing to learn more.

Indulgent Nights: Hot Springs × Shochu in Kirishima City

Kirishima City is also famed as a hot spring destination. After a day exploring nature, relax in your room’s pure, free-flowing hot spring. Then enjoy local shochu and regional cuisine at dinner. This is the signature “shochu travel style” unique to Kirishima.

Some local lodgings offer “all-you-can-drink shochu” plans or even “shochu baths” (baths infused with shochu ingredients), so you can fully indulge in both hot springs and shochu.

Summary: Kirishima City—A Healing Land Where Shochu, Cuisine, and Nature Unite

Though Kuro Kirishima’s origin lies in Miyakonojo, the name’s embodiment of natural beauty and mythology continues vibrantly in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Here, visitors encounter a memorable fusion of local shochu (including Kuro Kirishima), fresh regional cuisine, and soothing hot springs. Whether you’re a shochu enthusiast, a gourmet lover, or someone seeking restoration in nature—Kirishima City offers a fresh way to experience travel through shochu, food, and adventure. Be sure to visit and discover a new style of enjoyment you’ve never known before.