🟠 Local-First — Best in its home region: Kagoshima.
When people hear "Kagoshima," they usually think of Kurobuta (Black Pork). That is correct, but it is only half the truth.
Kagoshima is a "Meat Kingdom." Not only pork, but also Wagyu beef and local chicken are of the highest quality in Japan. Furthermore, because it faces the sea and has a warm climate, the aquaculture of yellowtail (Buri) and amberjack (Kanpachi) is thriving.
In this article, I will introduce the "Black Trio" (Pork, Beef, Chicken) and the fresh seafood that you must eat when you visit Kagoshima. I have eaten them all.
Last updated: 2026-01-03
1. Kurobuta (Berkshire Pork)
Kagoshima Kurobuta is the most famous branded pork in Japan. The characteristic is that the fat has a distinct sweetness and a crisp texture, not greasy.
Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)
If you go to a specialty restaurant, you might find "Black Tonkatsu" utilizing bamboo charcoal in the breadcrumbs. It looks impactful, but the taste is authentic. The batter is crispy, and the meat inside is juicy.
Black Loin Cutlet: The batter uses bamboo charcoal, matching the "Black Pork" name.
Shabu-Shabu
Kurobuta fat has a higher melting point than regular pork, but it dissolves pleasantly in the mouth. For Shabu-Shabu, you can taste the natural sweetness of the meat directly.
Simply swishing it in the dashi broth turns the meat pink. It pairs well with plenty of green onions.
Simply dip it in the hot broth. The fat is sweet and not heavy.
Hamburg Steak
If you visit a farm-direct restaurant, try the Hamburg Steak. Made with 100% Kurobuta, it is incredibly juicy.
Farm-to-table quality: Kurobuta Hamburg Steak.
And of course, Katsudon (pork cutlet bowl) and Negi-Tan-Shio (salted pork tongue with green onions) are also local favorites. The variety of ways to enjoy pork here is impressive.
Left: Katsudon with egg. Right: Pork tongue with green onions.
2. Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese Black Beef)
Actually, Kagoshima is Japan's largest producer of "Kuroge Wagyu" (Black Wagyu), often competing for the top spot at the Wagyu Olympics. It features fine marbling and rich umami.
Sushi & Tataki
Because the meat is fresh, you can eat it almost raw. Wagyu Sushi and Tataki (seared beef) are exquisite. The fat melts instantly at body temperature.
The beauty of marbling. Wagyu Sushi (Left) and Seared Tataki (Right).
3. Kuro-Satsuma Dori (Black Chicken)
The third "Black" is chicken. In Kagoshima (and parts of Miyazaki), there is a unique culture of eating chicken raw.
Torisashi (Chicken Sashimi) involves searing the surface of the chicken and eating it with sweet soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It has a firm, chewy texture and sweetness that you cannot experience with cooked chicken. *Please make sure to eat this only at certified restaurants with high hygiene standards.
Local specialty: Chicken Tataki and Yukke. A unique texture you can only find here.
4. Seafood: Buri, Kanpachi & Satsuma-age
Kagoshima has Kinko Bay, a deep bay with warm currents, making it the number one producer of farmed Buri (Yellowtail) and Kanpachi (Amberjack) in Japan.
The "Buri King" brand, in particular, has moderate fat and a crunchy texture. It is exceptionally fresh.
"Buri King" (Yellowtail) Sashimi. The belly fat is amazing.
Left: Fresh Kanpachi. Right: Piping hot Satsuma-age (Fish Cake).
Also, don't forget Satsuma-age. It is minced fish deep-fried in oil. In Tokyo, it is eaten cold, but in Kagoshima, freshly fried hot ones are served. It is fluffy and sweet, completely different from what you buy at supermarkets.
Tokyo or Trip?
🟠 Local-First — Best in its home region: Kagoshima.
Kagoshima's food has overwhelmingly high "material strength." You can eat Kurobuta and Wagyu in Tokyo, but the freshness of Chicken Tataki and Buri Sashimi can only be tasted here. It is definitely a place worth traveling to just for the food.
Explore Nearby
- Kagoshima Yakiniku — Premium Kalbi Lunch 🥩
- Kurobuta Katsudon at Kagoshima Airport 🍚
- Hakata Ramen — Silky Tonkotsu 🍜
- Hitokuchi Gyoza — Bite-Size 🥟
- Hakata Ika Sashimi — Transparent Squid 🦑
Similar Dishes
- Meat Yazawa, Tokyo — A Famous Shop for Kuroge Wagyu Hamburg 🐮
- Chicken Nanban — Another Chicken Specialty from Kyushu (Miyazaki) 🐔
- Kanburi in Kanazawa — The Winter King of Yellowtail 🐟
External Links
- Visit Kagoshima City — Kagoshima’s Meats (Black Pork, etc.) 🏙️
- Kagoshima Prefecture Official Tourism — Gourmet & Kurobuta 🐖
About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.