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Enjoy the wonders of Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima.

Shirokuma, a kagoshima specialty, is made from fluffy shaved ice with plenty of condensed milk., kagoshima black beef crowned best in japan, if you want to fully enjoy the delicious taste and sweetness of kurobuta pork, try shabu-shabu., senganen, the garden loved by lords of the satsuma clan., more than 1,500 brands of kagoshima shochu are always available., experience a different sakurajima. the panoramic view is the highlight of the observatory., distributing kagoshima tea around the world., satsuma kiriko cut-glass is representative craftwork of kagoshima., one of japan’s longest footbaths at the foot of the active volcano., welcome to kagoshima city, access from major cities, special contents.

Articles recommended for full enjoyment of Kagoshima

Set your foot on the ground of Sakurajima to discover more about the popular Kagoshima tourist attraction

Save money by getting cute, a one-day pass that allows unlimited travel on buses, trains and ferries in kagoshima city and sakurajima., kagoshima's meats - the best black beef, black pork, and black satsuma chicken, one table; delicious for everyone., kagoshima tourism app waku waku, lighting up the night skies of kagoshima how to best enjoy kyushu’s largest fireworks display, seasonal attractions.

Seasonal Attractions

Kotsuki River Bank

A relaxing and beautiful cherry blossom tree-lined river in a historical site., stunning stately home and gardens overlooking the magnificent sakurajima, hirakawa zoological park, (a unique) zoo with a great view of sakurajima and even a footbath, new japan aviation co.,ltd., a short hop to sakurajima – spectacular sightseeing flight, bicycle rental, tour around sakurajima, tenmonkan mujaki main rastaurant, famous for shirokuma shaved ice, a kagoshima specialty, jigenji somen nagashi, enjoy nagashi somen amidst nature, 【kagoshima kayaks】a half-day sakurajima kayaking tour, kayaking while viewing sakurajima, popular beach with a superb view of sakurajima, kagoshima kinko bay summer night fireworks festival, one of the largest fireworks festival in kyushu is held with sakurajima and kinko bay in the background, ohara festival, southern kyushu’s largest festival joined by 20,000 dancers, rental bicycle, experience the magnificent sakurajima through cycling, sightseeing flight: sakurajima course, experience stunning panoramic views of sakurajima by cessna, jigenji park, relaxing park surrounded by nature in historical area., illumination with nearly 1 million leds, kagomma furusato yataimura, lots of superior kagoshima foods are available. heart-warming food stalls near chuo station, “sakurajima” yogan nagisa park footbath, one of japan’s longest footbaths at the foot of the active volcano, io world kagoshima city aquarium, attractive exhibitions with various themes such as the kuroshio current and “sea of nansei islands”, kagoshima city museum of art, a worth seeing collection of modern western paintings and traditional crafts.

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Kagoshima City

Home of sakurajima and rich cuisine, about kagoshima city.

Kagoshima City is set against the backdrop of Sakurajima, an active volcano and the city's icon in Kagoshima Prefecture. The prefecture's capital city is likened to the Italian city of Naples due to its climate and presence of a volcano.

Sakurajima can be accessed by a 10-minute ferry ride from Kagoshima's port and visitors can get around the island by hiking trails, or by vehicles such as rental cars, sightseeing buses, or bicycles. The volcano has three peaks: Kita-dake, Naka-dake, and Minami-dake. There are several observation decks around the volcano where visitors may witness mini eruptions from Minami-dake's Showa Crater at a safe distance.

In the city center, there are shopping complexes scattered around and Tenmonkan, the largest shopping district in south Kyushu, is located downtown Kagoshima City.

Just a little north from downtown is the Senganen Garden, a Japanese landscape garden that features Sakurajima in its scenery. The garden features a wide variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year, allowing visitors a chance to be visually treated all year round.

Kagoshima also has much to offer in terms of food such as satsuma age (deep-fried fish cake) and the "Black trio" of Wagyu beef, Berkshire pork, and Satsuma jidori chicken - the name is derived from the black colors of the animals used to make the dishes. Wagyu beef from Kagoshima is said to be the top in Japan, which will definitely entice beef lovers to the region.

Near the end of the year, the Kagoshima Ohara Festival is held. The entire city descends into downtown Kagoshima for a lively performance over two days and it is a great opportunity to experience the city's atmosphere.

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Kagoshima City Museum of Art

In the center of Kagoshima on Japan's western Kyushu island, the City Museum of Art is home to a wide range of art, by both..

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Getty Images/Photon RM

The southernmost big city on Japan's main islands, sunny Kagoshima (鹿児島) has a personality to match its climate and has been voted Japan's friendliest city nationwide. It's proud of its past as capital of the feudal Satsuma province, which holds an outsize place in Japanese history. Kagoshima's backdrop/deity is Sakurajima, a very active volcano just across the bay. Locals raise their umbrellas against the mountain's recurrent eruptions, when fine ash coats the landscape like snow and obscures the sun like fog – mystical and captivating.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

In 1658, the 19th Shimazu lord laid out his pleasure garden on this hilly, rambling bayside property of groves, hillside trails and one of Japan's most…

Museum of the Meiji Restoration

This museum offers insights into the unique social system of education, samurai loyalty and sword techniques that made Satsuma one of Japan's leading…

Nishi Hongan-ji Kagoshima Betsuin

The current building of this large Buddhist temple near Tenmonkan dates from 1982 and was renovated in 2013. Inside, it's unlike most temples you may have…

Shōko Shūseikan

Adjacent to Sengan-en, this 1850s building, a Unesco World Heritage site as Japan's first modern factory, has been converted into a museum. Historical…

The Reimeikan has extensive displays on Satsuma history and ancient sword-making. It's inside the site of Kagoshima's castle, Tsurumaru-jō (1602); the…

Terukuni-jinja

This famous shrine is in memory of Shimazu Nariakira (1809–58), celebrated 11th leader of the Satsuma clan in the late Edo period. He is credited with…

Kagoshima City Museum of Art

The Kagoshima City Museum of Art has a small permanent collection of works by modern-day Kagoshima painters, as well as some 16th-century porcelains and…

Satsuma Students Statue

This statue and landmark commemorates the students from Satsuma (the feudal name for Kagoshima) who went to study Western technology in the UK in 1865…

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Home » Travel Guides » Japan » 15 Best Things to Do in Kagoshima (Japan)

15 Best Things to Do in Kagoshima (Japan)

The vibrant city of Kagoshima is the capital of the wider Kagoshima Prefecture and is one of the nicest spots to start a visit to the island of Kyushu in Japan.

The city is best known for the spectacular Sakurajima volcano which looms next to it and this is also a great place to use a base if you want to explore the neighboring islands of Okinawa.

In the town itself you will be able to visit a number of engaging museums, as well as explore graceful parks, hike the adjacent volcano, and explore the hot springs in the nearby villages.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Kagoshima …

1. Tour Shiroyama Park

Shiroyama Park is a pretty little park in Kagoshima which is famous for the Shiroyama Observatory.

Here you will find that you can see all over the city, and this is also one of the most significant historical spots in Kagoshima as this was the spot where the Satsuma Rebellion took place in 1887. There is a cave in the park called Saigo Cave which is linked to the local Kagoshima resident Saigo Takamori which fought in the rebellion and this is said to be the place where he fought to the death as part of the rebellion.

2. Take a ferry ride

If you want to check out Sakurajima Volcano in all its glory but don’t want the hike, then you can take a scenic ferry ride from Kagoshima Harbor over to the island that the volcano sits on.

There are ferries that operate daily between the two points and it only takes around 15 minutes to make the journey, but this is still one of the best ways to enjoy the amazing scenery for which Kyushu is so famous.

3. Walk around Sengan-en

Also known as Iso-teien, Sengan-en is a gorgeous section of gardens in Kagoshima which are said to date from 1658. In the days of old the gardens would have been designed by a Shimazu lord, but they are still every bit as impressive now as they would have been back then.

To get around the gardens you can go for a walk which will take you around 30 minutes, or you can also sign up for a tour of the villa that stands on the garden grounds which would also have belonged to the Shimazu family.

You can even take tea at the former home and look out over the delightfully landscaped grounds at the same time.

4. Attend Sogadon-no-Kasayaki

If you happen to be in Kagoshima in July then make sure that you don’t miss one of its premium attractions which is the Sogadon-no-Kasayaki festival.

This is also known as the Umbrella Burning Festival and it features male residents walking down to the Kotsuki-gawa River and setting fire to umbrellas.

This ritual is based on a legend which says that two brothers used umbrellas as flaming torches in the days of old which is also an engaging tale of rivalry and deceit.

5. Explore Shoko Shuseikan

Shoko Shuseikan is a museum in Kagoshima which used to be the home of the first factory in Japan which would have stood in the 1850s.

The museum is known for its antiques that relate to the famous Shimazu family in Kagoshima and you will find some 10,000 different items in the collections here which include beautiful calligraphy pieces, ceramics and glassware.

6. Visit Tsurumaru Castle

Tsurumaru Castle is known as the castle which would have been owned by the Shimazu family.

As with many castles in Japan however, Tsurumaru Castle would have been destroyed in the days of old and the only original sections that still stand are the moat and the outer wall.

Still, it is considered an important monument in the city so it is well worth a look when you are in town, and it is also the site of a small museum.

7. Trek to Sakurajima

Sakurajima is an active volcano which overlooks the town of Kagoshima and you can get to the smoldering mountain by taking a ferry across from Kagoshima Harbor.

To hike to the main lookout here takes around two hours and there are also a few other smaller lookouts on the way up which let you get a look at both the mountain and back over to the harbor and city of Kagoshima.

Bear in mind however that this is still an active volcano however so you need to check its latest status before you attempt to climb.

8. Drink the local tipple

Kagoshima is famous in Japan for its liquor which is similar to something like vodka and is known as shochu.

This tipple is made from sweet potatoes and you can get this drink, also sometimes known as imo-jochu, all over the city.

The way that this drink is usually consumed in Kagoshima is mixed with hot water, which may sound a little strange but is said to warm the liquor so that it releases is deeper flavors.

9. Travel by train

If you are in Kyushu then one of the best things that you can do is take a train journey, as this part of Japan is said to be one of the most scenic in the country.

One of the most famous railway lines here is the Hisatsu Line and you can travel to neighboring spots like Yoshimatsu and Hitoyoshi.

This allows you to take in some of the beauty of this part of Japan without having to venture too far, and you can hop along the train line and back again as part of a day trip.

10. Kayak to Sakurajima

Sakurajima is the active volcano that looks out over Kagoshima and it lies on a volcanic island across from the main harbor.

With that in mind, you can take the ferry across to the island or, if you are looking for an adventure, you can sea kayak across to Sakurajima.

It takes around an hour to paddle out in the local area and you will need to have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility to attempt it, but getting out on the water is one of the best ways to experience the towering majesty of Sakurajima.

11. Explore Reimeikan

The Reimeikan is known for its historical background on the history of the Satsuma Rebellion in Kagoshima and this is also the place to come if you want to know more about ancient Japanese arts and crafts such as sword making.

The Reimeikan is located inside Kagoshima Castle and is like a small museum, even though most of the original castle no longer stands here.

Still, it is one of the most important historical sites in town and will tell you more about how people would have lived and worked in Kagoshima in the days of old.

12. Visit the Kagoshima City Museum of Art

If you want to know more about arts and crafts in Kagoshima then you need to come to the Kagoshima City Museum of Art.

Here you will find a number of galleries that are dedicated to a variety of local Kagoshima artists as well as some antiques and painting that date back to the 16th century, including fine porcelain and woodblock print pieces.

This is also one of the best places to find works of art dedicated to Sakurajima.

13. Try the local snacks

If you visit Kagoshima during the summer months then you may want to try the local snacks and desserts which will help to keep you cool in the city.

One of the favorites of local residents is called kakigori which is a kind of dessert made from shaved ice which is then topped with a mix of sweet condensed milks, fruit, jelly and beans.

This may sound a little strange, but it is just the ticket when the city gets steamy in the summer months.

One of the most famous places that sell these desserts in Kagoshima is called Tenmonkan Mujyaki which is known for its polar bear statue located outside.

They also do a signature version of kakigori which is made to mirror the polar bear motif.

14. Cycle to Sakurajima

If you really want a work out when you visit Sakurajima then you may want to think about hiring a bike.

Many people don’t even realize that it is possible to cycle around the mountain, but there is actually a track here which stretches for some 39 kilometers.

It takes around four hours to cycle along the path but this is also one of the best ways to take in the sights around Sakurajima, including a viewpoint that looks into the crater.

15. Tour the Museum of the Meiji Restoration

If you want to know more about the history of Kagoshima then you need to head to the Museum of the Meiji Restoration.

Here you can learn all about how samurai would have lived in the days of old and even learn about how swords were made and handled.

One of the big highlights of this museum is that much of the signage is in English so that you can learn more about things such as the samurai education system and you can also learn about the Satsuma Rebellion which took place in the city.

15 Best Things to Do in Kagoshima (Japan):

• Tour Shiroyama Park
• Take a ferry ride
• Walk around Sengan-en
• Attend Sogadon-no-Kasayaki
• Explore Shoko Shuseikan
• Visit Tsurumaru Castle
• Trek to Sakurajima
• Drink the local tipple
• Travel by train
• Kayak to Sakurajima
• Explore Reimeikan
• Visit the Kagoshima City Museum of Art
• Try the local snacks
• Cycle to Sakurajima
• Tour the Museum of the Meiji Restoration

What To Do In Kagoshima – 7 Interesting Spots You Must Visit

Kagoshima is a city located south of Kyushu , one of the four main islands that make up the Japanese archipelago. With its strategic location in the Kagoshima bay, the city of Kagoshima has played a significant role in the history of Japan. In addition to its rich culture, it has beautiful landscapes to explore, many of them are in the gorgeous island of Sakurajima , located right in front the city.

Before we get into the city’s best attractions, here are some tips on how to travel to Kagoshima and where to stay.

How To Get To Kagoshima?

Fly to Kagoshima

As you can see, Kagoshima is quite far from the most frequently visited cities of Japan such as Tokyo , Osaka or  Kyoto for example. One of the fastest ways to get to Kagoshima is therefore to take a short domestic flight. You can do your research on Skyscanner for example and you will see that it is not very expensive. Actually, you can buy a round-trip plane ticket from Tokyo to Kagoshima for about $115. For your information, the flight lasts about 2 hours.

Take a train to Kagoshima

The train can also be an interesting option but only if you have a JR Pass . Train travel is quite expensive in Japan but this is no longer valid if you have a JR Pass . The pass also covers the ultra-fast Shinkansen lines so it will only take 4 hours to get from Osaka to Kagoshima by train. Check out the Hyperdia website to find the best route for you.

Take a boat to Kagoshima

I didn’t take the plane or the train to Kagoshima but rather went for a ferry trip from Naha City in  Okinawa . To cover the 700 kilometers that separate the two cities, I boarded the big boat you see above for a 26-hour trip. You read right, a 26-hour trip! It was a long trip I admit but I wanted to do a Tokyo – Okinawa – Kyushu -Kansai – Tokyo loop and I absolutely loved it!

Of course, you can sleep on the boat and there are rooms where sleeping mats and (rectangular) pillows are provided.

It was certainly not the most comfortable trip but I really didn’t regret it because it was very fun and I met nice people there.

Where To Stay In Kagoshima?

During my trip to Kagoshima, I spent 3 nights in the Green Guesthouse and it was totally satisfying. It is conveniently located between Kagoshima Station and the port where you can embark to go to Sakurajima . The staff was also very welcoming and helped me organize my stay in Kagoshima. I also had great memories of parties we had at the roof top. You will also be able to see the volcano from there. 🙂

If you want to enjoy a good onsen after a busy day of touristy activities, you can book at the Nakahara Bessou ryokan to relax in its lovely hot spa.

The Nakahara Bessou ryokan also has the advantage of having western-style rooms, but I strongly recommend Japanese rooms with tatami mats and futon bedspreads. It is a typical Japanese experience to do at least once during your trip. And even if it doesn’t look very comfortable, I personally find it very relaxing and pleasant to sleep on a tatami mat.

The 7 Best Things To Do In Kagoshima

It’s time for adventure! Let’s go through the list of the 7 attractions I liked best in Kagoshima.

• Sakurajima volcano
• The Meiji Restoration Museum
• Samurai houses
• The statue of Saigo Takamori, the last Samurai
• Shiroyama Park
• Terukimi Shrine
• Sengan-en Garden

To make it all easier for you, those 7 places are marked on the city map of Kagoshima as follows:

1. Sakurajima Volcano

Sakurajima is undoubtedly the most interesting place to visit in the Kagoshima area. Onsen for foot baths ( ashiyu ), magnificent views of the volcano, great sanctuaries and magnificent trekking trails, that’s all that Sakurajima has in store for you. I talk about it in details in the following blog post, so don’t hesitate to check it out: Sakurajima .

2. The Meiji Restoration Museum

• Exact location : https://goo.gl/maps/J34VfNAaCT12
• Opening hours : every day from 9AM to 5PM
• Entrance fee : 300 yen (about $2.7)

The Meiji Restoration Museum in Kagoshima is a must-visit attraction if you want to understand the city’s culture and its role in Japanese history. The Meiji period (1868-1912) followed the famous Edo period, after which the present city of Tokyo was named. The country was then under the hegemony of the Tokugawa Shogunate who enacted the sakoku policy, under which foreigners and Japanese people were barred from entering or leaving the country for a couple hundred years. For more information on the Edo period, make sure to visit the Edo Museum in Tokyo.

This isolation period ended somewhat forcibly following Commodore Perry’s visit to Tokyo Bay on heavily armed American ships. In view of the technological backwardness that Japan had accumulated during the Edo period, the Tokugawa Shogunate gave in to the Americans’ request and opened the country to foreign powers.

The Tokugawa even ended up transferring power to the Emperor of Japan, whose authority was only symbolic during the Edo period. It was Prince Mutsuhito who inherited power and in 1868, proclaimed the restoration of Imperial rule and the transfer of the capital from Kyoto to Tokyo (literally “eastern capital”).

This was followed by a series of reforms that transformed Japan into an industrial nation, quickly catching up to the European and American powers. At the military level, the Samurai no longer served much purpose after the end of the Shogunate; they became businessmen or enrolled in the imperial army. These sudden changes did not please everyone and a rebellion broke out, led by Kagoshima’s most influential figure, Saigo Takamori.

We’ll talk more about Saigo when we visit his bronze statue. As for the museum itself, you will get there by crossing the Kōtsuki river through this beautiful wooden bridge.

Inside the museum are many traditional Japanese artifacts and a small amphitheater where you can watch robots reenacting major events from the Meiji Restoration period.

Here is a little glimpse of what’s inside the Meiji Restoration Museum:

3. The Samurai Houses of Kagoshima

Exact location :  https://goo.gl/maps/j8HiLMLFpNR2

The Satsuma clan of Kagoshima glorifies the status of samurai and so there are references to the lifestyle of these traditional Japanese warriors throughout the city. There is even a reconstruction of the houses of samurai just in front of the Meiji Restoration Museum, which you can visit for free.

This minimalist style called Futatsuya was adopted by low-level samurai who, at the end of the Edo period, had to live very modest lives. These reconstructed houses can therefore be considered a protest against the end of the samurai era.

4. The Statue of Saigo Takamori, The Last Samurai

Exact location :  https://goo.gl/maps/v73KnLnUYKL2

Saigo Takamori is the star of Kagoshima and you will find references to his character all over the city. He is even on the city walls, posing with a girl on each side.

Who is Saigo Takamori, you say? First of all, it is one of the most influential samurai in the history of Japan and most Japanese people know his story. During the Edo period, Saigo was opposed to the reign of the Shogunate and supported the idea of an Emperor with more power and more openness to Western powers. He led the imperial forces during the Boshin War (1868-1869), which was a bit like a revolution meant to overthrow the Shogunate. He finally won and thus actively participated in the Meiji Restoration I mentioned earlier.

Following Meiji reforms, the power of samurai gradually started to dwindle and they were replaced by social and administrative authorities. This turn of events led Saigo Takamori to return to Kagoshima to form a private samurai school and Kagoshima became an independent region that rejected imperial authorities. In response to these provocations, the imperial forces sent more than 70,000 men to suppress the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877.

During the bloody war that ensued, Saigo got seriously wounded and decided to end his life, following the harakiri samurai ritual. It was his spectacular death that elevated him to the rank of hero of the nation. He is also considered to be the last true samurai of Japan. The last battle of the Satsuma Rebellion at Mount Shiroyama in September 1877 is what inspired the movie The Last Samurai .

5. Shiroyama Park

Exact location  :  https://goo.gl/maps/XaaYuLTbDxE2

Shiroyama is obviously an important landmark in the history of Japan. There is a beautiful park there today with other statues of important figures of the Satsuma clan such as Himazu Hisamitsu (picture below). Even if you are not a fan of Japanese history, it is a very pretty place to visit.

6. Terukimi Shrine

Exact location :  https://goo.gl/maps/3y6HVRn4mWn

You can visit the amazing Terukimi sanctuary, located not too far from Shiroyama Park, and its impressive stone torii . If you visit it later in the afternoon, you will see its lanterns light up.

Be careful though, because terrible demons sometimes lurk around the sanctuary!

7. Sengan-en Garden

• Exact location : https://goo.gl/maps/KAifC6rwLRw
• Opening hours : every day from 8:30AM to 5:30PM
• Entrance fee : 1000 yen (around $9)

Last but not least is the magical Sengan-en garden. If you’ve never seen a Japanese Zen garden before, you’ll not only enjoy its various flowers and plants, but you’ll also have a magnificent view of the volcano on the Sakurajima island. The Sengan-en garden is located outside the city, towards the northeast, and it’s about a 30 to 40 minute walk from there.

To go there, you can also take the following bus lines from Kagoshima Station:

• Nangoku Kotsu Bus to Kamo or Kusuda
• Iwasaki Bus to Aira New Town, Shigetomi, Hinatayama / Shigehisa or Kokubu / Shigehisa

The trip lasts about 10 minutes and you will have to get off at Sengan-en Mae Station. Our visit to the city of Kagoshima is over! I hope you enjoyed it and that you will one day visit this part of Japan. If you have questions or comments, let me know in the comment section below.

After Kagoshima, I hitchhiked to Kumamoto to help rebuild the region after the 2016 earthquake. I didn’t know it then, but I ended up volunteering in Minami Aso.

Don’t forget that you can follow all my adventures in Asia on social media, on my Facebook Page ,  Facebook Group , Instagram  and  Pinterest .

See you around,

PS : If you are looking for Nature and Adventure when you are in Kagoshima, you can take a boat and explore the beautiful Yakushima Island and its old trees. For your information, the forest in Yakushima inspired the famous anime Princess Mononoke and the landscapes over there are absolutely amazing! 🙂

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Kagoshima travel guide

Kagoshima tourism | kagoshima guide, you're going to love kagoshima.

A smoking volcano, a reputation as Japan's friendliest city, and a proud samurai past all add up to making Kagoshima an inviting destination. As well as being home to Saigo Takamori, a samurai legend, this Kyushu castle town also played an important part in the Satsuma Rebellion of the late 19th century.

Kagoshima's symbol, the volcano of Sakurajima, lies on the other side of Kinko Bay and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world. A short ferry hop to the island reveals to the visitor the lunar-like layers of lava that provide a testament to the volcano's fiery nature.

Visitors to Kagoshima can revel in its mild climate and palm-tree-lined streets, reminiscent of southern Italy, while making the most of its abundant nature, hot springs, tourist attractions, and delicious food.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Kagoshima

1. its 'onsen' or bathhouses.

Step into one of Kagoshima's 50 or more bathhouses and you'll enter the world of the ancient sentō or public bath. Based around hot springs, you'll find these onsen everywhere, even at the airport. The local favorite is Nishida Onsen, which is located near the main train station.

2. The Samurai Spirit

Monuments to Kagoshima's proud Samurai past are everywhere. The best place to start exploring this heritage is at the Museum of the Meiji Restoration. Animatronic performances detail samurai history and demonstrate sword techniques.

3. The Flavors of Japan

Follow your senses to the delicious aromas and tastes of Yatai-mura. This food stall village in the city center delivers traditional dishes like Sumibi-yaki or coal-cooked chicken, and Kuro Satsuma-dori, black Satsuma chicken.

4. A Scenic Train Journey

One of Japan's most beautiful train journeys is on Kagoshima's doorstep. The Hisatsu line meanders through mountains and river valleys, stopping for a few minutes at small stations for souvenir buying and photo opportunities.

5. Satsuma Kiriko Glassware

The rich colors of Kiriko glassware are famous around the world. From a laboratory inside Kagoshima castle, rich shades of indigo, crimson, purple, and jade were developed.

What to do in Kagoshima

1. head to sakurajima.

This volcano is a constantly smoking backdrop to the town, and you can't really say you know Kagoshima without paying it a visit. Make the short crossing by taking a ferry from Sakurajima Ferry Terminal.

2. Relax in Senganen Garden

Lying along the coast just north of central Kagoshima is the peaceful Senganen Garden. Leave the cares of the world behind you while strolling among its ponds, shrines, and streams.

3. Marvel at Life Under the Sea at Kagoshima Aquarium

Within easy reach of Kagoshima Port is the city's aquarium. It focuses on local marine life with fascinating exhibits spread over seven floors, including the vast Kuroshio Tank.

4. Visit Reimeikan Museum

This museum showcases local history and culture and was built on the site of Tsurumaru Castle. The castle's moat and stone walls can still be seen.

5. Take it all in at Shiroyama Park

Also created on the site of the former castle is this verdant park, which spreads itself up and over Mount Shiroyama. From Shiroyama Observatory at the top, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the city below and Sakurajima across the bay.

Where to Eat in Kagoshima

The streets near the ferry terminal and station as well as the Tenmonkan district are the best places for dining out, while tiny restaurants serving both local dishes and international cuisine can be found in the narrow streets around City Hall. If the black Satsuma chicken dish of Kuro Satsuma-dori tempts you, you'll find it served in the chic-meets-rustic surroundings of Yamauchi Nōjō, or pop into Marutora Ikka where you'll find a young crowd. Noodles from a street stall cost around JPY750, while restaurant prices range from around JPY3,000 to JPY7,000 per head.

When to visit Kagoshima

With its humid subtropical climate, Kagoshima is a year-round destination. Fall and winter are mild and relatively dry, while spring and summer temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F. Rainfall is heaviest in spring and summer. July is when the Rokugatsudo Lantern Festival takes place, while the end of August sees the Kagoshima Kinko Bay Summer Night Fireworks Display. Up to 14,000 fireworks are set off against the backdrop of Sakurajima.

How to Get to Kagoshima

The airport is located around one hour's journey by bus from downtown Kagoshima. Flights connect with major cities in Japan such as Tokyo, Okinawa, and Osaka as well as internationally to Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Taipei.

The JR Kyūshū Shinkansen and the JR Nippō rail services stop at JR Kagoshima-Chūō Station. Frequent services connect Kagoshima with towns and cities like Hakata, Miyazaki, Beppu, and Shin-Osaka. Kagoshima lies at the southernmost point of Japan's bullet train network.

Nine major highways and expressways link Kagoshima to all towns and cities on the island of Kyushu. There is a good choice of car hire companies, both on Kyushu and in Kagoshima itself.

Long-distance buses arrive at the express stops located just outside the JR Kagoshima Chūō Train Station. Services from towns like Nagasaki, Osaka, and Kobe operate during the day while routes to Fukuoka and Oita are available both day and night.

Kagoshima's ferry terminal is one of the main points of contact between mainland Japan and its southern islands. Ferries run between Kagoshima and Naha (26 hours, JPY14,610) and Kagoshima and Yakushima (4 hours, JPY4,800).

Airports near Kagoshima

Airlines serving kagoshima, where to stay in kagoshima.

Castle Park is a luxury option in Kagoshima and offers its guests spectacular views of Sakurajima from its outdoor hot spring bath. For a real taste of old Japan, book into a ryokan. Often traditionally styled, these inns include communal baths fed by hot springs and provide guests with a yukata, or kimono to relax in. Kagoshima's ryokan range from the wood-built Nakazono Ryokan to the ultra-modern Ginsyo. The Tenmonkan District is at the heart of Kagoshima and is its most vibrant and prosperous area and a lovely area to stay in. Here you'll find the Tenmonkandori Shopping Arcade with its chain stores and independent boutiques as well as cafes, restaurants, and cinemas.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kagoshima

Most booked hotels in kagoshima, how to get around kagoshima, public transportation.

Hop-on-hop-off buses continually circle Kagoshima and are perfect for a city overview. While some knowledge of spoken Japanese helps when negotiating the city's buses, its network of trams is easy to navigate. The routes cover all major city destinations. For JPY600, you can buy a one-day travel pass from the tourist office. For the best value transportation, however, buy the Welcome Cute Transit Card, which costs JPY1,000 for one day and JPY1,500 for two days. This covers buses, trams, and the Sakurajima ferry.

Taxis are widely available at the port and train station as well as at points across the city. A taxi ride between city attractions will cost around JPY2,500.

Hiring a car lets you really explore all the sights of Kagoshima as well as go further afield on the island of Kyushu. Most car hire outlets are located around JR Kagoshima-Chūō Station. Hire car costs start from around JPY7,000 a day. Bicycles can also be hired from the train station and cost around JPY500 for 2 hours or JPY1,500 for the whole day.

The Cost of Living in Kagoshima

If you want to shop until you drop, head to Tenmonkan where you'll find no shortage of opportunities to buy contemporary designer clothes or traditional Japanese kimonos, both of which can cost several thousand yen. For local souvenirs, look out for regional specialties that include Satsuma Kiriko glass, bamboo products, silk clothing, and the black and white Satsuma-yaki pottery. Satsuma Kiriko glassware can cost upwards of JPY20,000. For real bargain hunting, visit the Asa-ichi, a popular and busy market held every morning near the train station.

Supermarkets and Food Stores

Supermarkets can be easily found across Kagoshima. Most popular are the Aeon Mall and various branches of the Coop Kagoshima. They carry reasonably priced local food products, while some branches have a small selection of international items. The Kagoshima Brand Shop offers over 1,500 local products including food, drink, and confectionery. As a guide, a quart of milk costs around JPY195 to JPY250.

• Travel tips

Kagoshima Travel Guide: 12 Top Things to Do in Kagoshima Japan

Kagoshima is the southernmost city on Kyushu Island in southern Japan. As the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture , the thriving port city is known for Sakurajima , an active volcano, and the gateway to many remote islands in southern Japan including Okinawa.

Even though Kagoshima is not as well known as other major Japanese cities like Tokyo , Osaka or Kyoto , there are many things to do in Kagoshima, especially if you like nature and exploring places off the beaten path in Japan .

And as a solo traveller, it is possible to travel to and around Kagoshima on your own and it is very safe to do so. I’ve compiled 12 best things to do in Kagoshima for touring the city on your own. Take a look!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the disclosure for more info.

Before you start your Kagoshima itinerary

Before you travel to Kagoshima, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan . I included a lot of information including how to get around Japan and other travel tips.

Here are additional travel tips that you may find useful for travelling to Kagoshima:

• You can see all the Kagoshima attractions in 2 days
• Walking is the best way to see Kagoshima within city centre
• SUGOCA is the prepaid IC card for Kyushu. It is a rechargeable smartcard where you can take public transportation including bus, train and etc. It is especially useful if you take the tram.

How to get to Kagoshima Japan

Kagoshima Airport is 40km northeast of Kagoshima City . Many domestic flights fly into Kagoshima while several international flights from Seoul, Shanghai, Taiwan and Hong Kong are currently flying into Kagoshima Airport.

The easiest way to travel from Kagoshima Airport to the city is by taking the direct airport limousine bus into Kagoshima City.

• Airport Limousine Bus from Kagoshima Airport to Kagoshima Chuo Terminal Building
• Time: 45 minutes (about 4 buses per hour; ¥1,300)
• Check Nangoku Kotsu Bus website for schedule and fares

Long-distance Bus

Even though the train system is quite good in Kagoshima, travel time can be long and cost could be high. Consider taking a highway bus within Kyushu as the bus network connects many big cities and small towns on Kyushu Island.

Highway bus from Kumamoto to Kagoshima

• Kirishima-go Bus: from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshima Station (3 hours 30 minutes (8 per day; from ¥3,770)
• Check Kyushu Bus Booking website for schedules and fares

If you are travelling by train, you may be coming from the north of Kagoshima from cities likes Fukuoka or Kumamoto . You can either take the regular JR train or Shinkansen (bullet train) .

Train from Kumamoto to Kagoshima

• JR Train: from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshima Chuo Station (4 hours 30 minutes + with 2 train transfers; from ¥4,380 or covered by JR Pass)
• Shinkansen: from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshima Chuo Station (57 minutes; from ¥6,870 or covered by JR Pass except for Nozomi and Mizuho trains)

How to get around Kagoshima Japan

You can see most Kagoshima attractions by walking or by taking the tram (¥170 flat fare). SUGOCA is the prepaid IC card for Kyushu and you can use this (or other IC cards like Pasmo, Suica, ICOCA) for the tram.

For other attractions, you will have to take a ferry (to Sakurajima and other islands) and a tourist bus (Kagoshima City View Bus or Machi Meguri Bus to Sengan-en Garden).

Kagoshima Attractions Map

Wondering what to do in Kagoshima? Check out my list of Kagoshima sightseeing hotspots and create your ultimate Kagoshima itinerary!

To learn more about each Kagoshima attractions, click on the individual pin on the interactive map.

Best things to do in Kagoshima Japan

1. hiking and sightseeing at sakurajima.

Sakurajima is the symbol of Kagoshima . It used to be an island in Kagoshima Bay but the volcano erupted in 1914 and connected the active volcano to the Osumi Peninsula.

With an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of 50 kilometres, the “island” has many things to do including hiking on various hiking trails, dipping in onsens (hot springs) and foot baths.

After a short ferry ride from Kagoshima Port, follow the signs and look for Nagisa Lava Trail , an easy 3km walking trail from the ferry terminal. And dip your feet in Nagisa Park Foot Bath and enjoy the soothing warm water.

Also, get a one day pass for ¥500 and hop on the Sakurajima Island View Bus . The bus loops around the volcano and stops at attractions like Karasujima Observatory , Akamizu Observatory and Yunohira Observatory .

How to get to Sakurajima: Take the ferry from Kagoshima Port to Sakurajima Ferry Terminal. It takes 15 minutes (every 15 minutes) and costs ¥200.

2. Visit the zen Sengan-en Garden

Sengan-en Garden is a large traditional Japanese-style landscape garden along the coast just north of Kagoshima. Similar to most places in Kagoshima, you can see Sakurajima as the backdrop.

The garden was constructed in 1658 as the second residence to the Shimazu family, who ruled Satsuma (Kagoshima’s name until the 19th century).

For ¥1,500, you can see the expansive garden, the residence villa, a variety of plants and trees including cherry trees, leisure hiking trails, eat at one of the two restaurants and visit a Shoko Shuseikan Museum .

How to get to Sengan-en Garden: Take the bus from Kagoshima Chuo Station to Sengan-en Mae bus stop. The Kagoshima City View Bus takes 50 minutes and costs ¥190. The Machi Meguri Bus takes 35 minutes and costs ¥170.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 仙巌園 「Sengan-en」 (@sengan_en)

3. See whats left of Tsurumaru Castle Ruins

Tsurumaru Castle , or also known as Kagoshima Castle , was built in 1604 and stood for 260 years until a fire burned down most of the castle.

Today, only the ruins are left including a moat, stone walls and stone bridge. And you can see the bullet holes in the stonewalls from the Satsuma Rebellion, the final civil war in Japan.

Even though there isn’t a whole lot to see, I think it is still worth seeing the ruins and what is left from the fire.

While you are on the castle ground, look for Reimeikan Museum . It is a small history museum that displays arts and crafts highlighting local history and culture.

4. See a panoramic view of Kagoshima from Shiroyama Observatory

On a clear day, hike up Mt Shiroyama and look for Shiroyama Park at the top. It is a historical spot where the final battle of the Satsuma Rebellion took place in 1887. There is a walking trail leading up the mountain and around the park.

And take in the best scenic view of downtown Kagoshima, Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima from Shiroyama Observatory . The view is particularly beautiful during the day as you can see the whole city from above. And the view is quite spectacular at night as well.

Bring a snack or drink and enjoy the scenery from the park. It is a really nice spot for a break.

5. See artwork by local and international artists at Kagoshima City Museum of Art

Opened in 1985, Kagoshima City Museum of Art features various artwork by local and international artists around the world.

From impressionist to abstract modern art, the museum has an impressive array of artworks by Matisse, Renoir, Picasso, Dali, Kandinsky and many more.

And the museum features local artists from Kagoshima where traditional Satsuma pottery, woodblock prints and other artwork depicting Sakurajima.

6. Visit Kagoshima City Museum of Meiji Restoration

Kagoshima City Museum of Meiji Restoration is a small museum displaying local history and culture. Even though the museums have extensive information on the history of Kagoshima, most of the displays are in Japanese.

But you can enjoy the limited English content and also the walking trails with cherry trees and a reconstructed samurai house.

7. Shop at the local street market at Tenmonkan

In Kagoshima, Tenmonkan is a shopping district that spans several blocks of the city. And it has an old-style covered shopping street or local street market called shotengai , where you can find many boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs.

The covered arcade is the best spot to shop for souvenirs and try some of Kagoshima’s unique cuisine.

Things to eat in Kagoshima for foodies

8. take a tour around kagoshima fish market.

Kagoshima Fish Market is the 7th oldest fish market in Japan. Organized by seven local hotels in Kagoshima, the fish market tour has become one of the best activities in Kagoshima.

The tour runs every Saturday between 6:45-8am from March to November . It costs ¥2,000 and reservation is required . They will let you borrow their rubber boots for free, so your feet don’t get wet.

During the fish market tour, you will see all the variety of fish found in the waters around Kagoshima.

After seeing the tuna auction at the fish market, try fresh fish breakfast at the canteen (not included in tour price). A typical breakfast consists of a plate of fish sashimi (caught the same day), rice and miso soup.

9. Sample local Kagoshima food

Eating is a big part of travelling. And in Kagoshima, there are a few local specialties that you should try:

• Kagoshima Ramen – ramen made with a mild tonkotsu broth (pork bone broth) and thick noodles
• Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork – black pork in tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet), butaman (steamed bun with pork), or in Kagoshima Ramen
• Kuroushi Beef – pan-fried black beef served in slices or eaten as a regular steak
• Grilled meat plate made with lava – small pieces of beef, pork, and chicken grilled on a lava plate
• Torisashi – chicken sashimi
• Satsuma Age – deep-fried fish cakes
• Kame No Te – aka ’turtle hand’, a barnacle that has small fleshy meat like crab
• Tobiuo – flying fish eaten as sashimi, salted as himono (cured fish), or fried
• Kibinago – small herring fish served raw as sashimi with vinegar soybean paste
• Satsuma-Imo – sweet potato
• Satsuma Shochu – a liquor similar to vodka, usually mixed with water 

Other Things to Do in Kagoshima: Day Trips and Excursions

10. enjoy a sand bath in ibusuki in the satsuma peninsula.

Take a day trip to Ibusuki , an onsen (hot spring) town 50km south of Kagoshima in the Satsuma Peninsula. The town is famous for hot springs as the area is filled with geothermal activity.

Try Saraku Sand Bath Hall , a large hot spring facility with indoor baths, steam room and natural sand that is heated by natural steam from below the ground.

For ¥1,100, you can enjoy the sand bath where you are buried in the sand for 10 to 20 minutes. Then you wash off and use the hot spring baths.

How to travel from Kagoshima to Ibusuki: Take the JR Train from Kagoshima Chuo Station to Ibusuki Station (JR Ibusuki Makurazaki Line). It takes 70 minutes + walk 10 minutes and costs ¥1,020 (covered by JR Pass).

11. See ancient Japanese cedar trees on Yakushima Island

Yakushima Island is a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu. The island is known for its extensive cedar forest . The island has Japan’s oldest living trees, and some areas are declared as Natural World Heritage Sites.

Visit the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine , a lush natural green park. And hike along some of the best hiking trails along the ravine and see Jomonsugi , Japan’s oldest giant cedar tree. It is said the cedar tree is between 2,000 to 7,000 years old.

Besides hiking through the cedar forest, the island has other activities such as snorkelling, and scuba diving. And you can search for waterfalls, and enjoy some downtime at an onsen . You can see all these attractions over several days by car.

How to travel from Kagoshima to Yakushima Island: Take the High-speed jetfoil boat from Kagoshima Port to Miyanoura Port of Yakushima Island. It takes 2-3 hours and costs ¥9,200 (single trip), ¥16,600 (round trip within 7 days). Check Direct Ferries for schedules and fares

12. Depart for Okinawa Island

Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost prefecture in Japan. The prefecture has 160 islands and the largest is Okinawa Island .

People visit Okinawa for the clear crystal blue water, white sand beaches, coral reefs, subtropical climate and its unique Okinawan cuisine . And not to mention all the things you can do in Okinawa including diving, surfing, whale watching, and island hopping.

Okinawa is accessible via flights and ferries from Kagoshima.

The ferry option is cheaper but longer. It has communal sleeping areas, private berths in shared cabins, small shops selling snacks, and a canteen.

How to travel from Kagoshima to Okinawa: Take the A-Line Ferry or Marix Ferry. It starts at Kagoshima Port (6pm) to Motobu (4:40pm the following day) or Naha (7pm the following day). It takes 23 to 25 hours (only 1 per day) and costs ¥15,000 (without bed), ¥30,000 (first class). Check A-Line Ferry and Marix Ferry but the websites are in Japanese. FYI buy ticket at Kagoshima port.

Where to stay in Kagoshima Japan as a solo traveller

There are plenty of excellent budget and mid-range accommodations for solo travellers in Kagoshima. These accommodations are either private rooms or an entire apartment in centrally located areas of Kagoshima (near Kagoshima Chuo Station and in Tenmonkan area).

• Check prices & reviews: Agoda

Which Kagoshima attractions are you interested in visiting?

I’ve listed all the best things to do in Kagoshima on my travel blog to inspire your next trip to the city. Between touring around the city to all the nature southern Kyushu has to offer, I am sure you will have fun to do in Kagoshima, Japan.

Let me know in the comments if you have visited any of these Kagoshima attractions or if I missed any activities!

Thank you for reading my Kagoshima travel guide

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:

Introduction to Japan

• Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
• Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
• 11 Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
• Japanese Food Culture: 11 must-try food
• One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Kyushu region

• 10-day Kyushu Island itinerary
• 25 Best things to do in Fukuoka Japan
• Day trip to Dazaifu from Fukuoka
• Kumamoto City in one day
• Day trip to Mount Aso from Kumamoto
• 1-5 day Okinawa itinerary without a car
• Where to stay in Naha Okinawa: 6 boutique hotels
• Okinawa food guide: 26 best food

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

2 Days in Hiroshima Itinerary: Solo Guide for First Time Travellers

Okinawa Travel Guide: 1 to 5-day Okinawa Itinerary without a car for first time visitors

Osaka Solo Travel Guide: 2-Day Itinerary for First-Time Solo Travellers

Kyle Kopanyshyn

Awesome blog post Queenie Mak! Thank you for all the great info. I am going to Kagoshima next month (Dec 2020) and then taking a ferry to Okinawa. Your post saved me a lot of running around the Internet for good info. I have this post bookmarked on my phone, ipad and laptop and reference it all the time.

Hi Kyle, thanks so much for your comment! Totally jealous that you will be in Kagoshima next month. I was there during autumn and loved it. Hope you enjoy Okinawa as well. And stay safe too! 🙂

Hi Queenie, Really love your blog. Help me so much for my upcoming Japan trip. Can you share how you booked for Kagoshimashi Chuooroshiuriichibagyorui Market Tour?

Hi TK, Thanks so much for reading my blog. I didn’t get to see the market tour but I did have sashimi for breakfast. I found a link where you have to fill a PDF or Word document, and email it to the address listed in the post. I put the link in my post under “reservation is required” in the section for fish market tour (so that others can use that link in the future too). You can see all the info on that website – just have to translate the page from Japanese to English. Hope this is helpful! Have a wonderful time in Kagoshima!

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Kumamoto Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Kumamoto in One Day

Japan travel tips: things i wish i knew before going to japan as a solo traveller, ms travel solo.

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Destinations

• Plan Your Trip

Kagoshima Starts Here

I’ll admit: A Kagoshima travel guide isn’t something you see every day. It took me over half a decade traveling in Japan to truly explore the city, the southernmost and westernmost on Japan’s four main islands.

(The flip-side of this is that if you’ve got Kagoshima in your sights, you’re evidently a pretty experienced Japan traveler. おめでとう！)

No matter where you are in your Japan journey or why you’re visiting Kagoshima, I think you’ll find what you need in the next dozen or so paragraphs. Japan ends here, but your discover of the country is only just beginning.

Where to Stay in Kagoshima

Kagoshima is home to a nice mix of business hotels, ryokan and even backpacker hostels, depending on what you’re looking for. Most of the best places to stay are located not near Kagoshima Station (which is actually a small station just outside the main city center, contrary to what its name suggests), but Kagoshima-Chuo Station, which is further to the west.

Specifically, I love Solaria Nishitetsu immediately near the station or Remm Kagoshima which sits right on Tenmonkan Street, and is also just a short walk from Shiroyama Observatory. On the slightly higher end, you can choose a place like Shiroyama Hotel , keeping in mind that Kagoshima in general is not a five-star destination.

Where to Go in Kagoshima

Kagoshima city.

Kagoshima’s city center doesn’t seem spectacular when you first set food in it, but it quickly grows on you. This is true whether you’re enjoy historical buildings along central Tenmonkan-dori , taking in volcano views from Shiroyama Observatory or sipping matcha amid atop the storied tatami of Sengan-en garden’s teahouse. 

Sakurajima volcano

Speaking of volcanoes, one in particular is central to most Kagoshima travel guides: Sakurajima , which rises just over the bay from central Kagoshima. If views of it are not sufficient to satisfy you, you can ride the ferry over to the base and even hike a bit, although depending on seismic conditions (spoiler alert: it’s usually erupting), you may not be able to get very close to the caldera.

Chiran Samurai district

If you’re a student of history, you may have heard of the Satsuma Rebellion , an ultimately futile revolt that marked the end of the Samurai era. The Satsuma Peninsula shares not only a name with the Satsuma Domain that once ruled over southern Kyushu; you can actually trace some feudal history at Chiran , a well-preserved Samurai district.

Ibusuki sand baths

Another interesting place to visit during your Satsuma Peninsula road trip ? Ibusuki Sand Baths , where you can be buried in a unique sand onsen right on the beach. If this isn’t your jam, I don’t blame you; I don’t even like sitting in sand. Instead, drive southward through lush tea fields to Kaimondake , a conical volcano at the tip of the peninsula that some locals characterize as their version of Fuji.

Yakushima island

While Yakushima is too far from central Kagoshima to really do as a day trip, you can easily travel here on a 2-3 day foray. While most travelers come here to admire the towering cedar forests that inspired the Princess Mononoke anime, Yakushima is also home to amazing beaches, waterfalls and one of Japan’s wildest roads.

Is Kagoshima Worth Visiting?

I first visited Kagoshima on my maiden voyage to Japan. Well, if you can call stopping for lunch en route to Yakushima “visiting.” Although it took me more than five years to make it back to a second trip, I spent basically the entire interstitial period wondering what I’d missed; I spent most of said second trip wishing I hadn’t waited so long to make it.

If you’re searching for a Kagoshima travel guide without a specific touchdown date in mind, I would urge you to see one, even if it’s relatively far in the future. Like me, you’ll realize almost as soon as arriving in Kagoshima that you should’ve come sooner. Why not put it in the books for sometime this year or next, and discover for yourself what begins in the city where Japan ends?

Other FAQ About Visiting Kagoshima

What is famous in kagoshima.

Kagoshima is famous for two main things. Historically and culturally, for being the seat of the former Satsuma Domain (and later, the center of the Satsuma Rebellion during the first decade of the Meiji era). Naturally speaking, Kagoshima is known for Sakurajima volcano, and the variety of other volcanic landforms that pepper the landscape around the prefecture.

How do you get around Kagoshima?

Kagoshima city has a pair of tram lines, as well as dozens of local buses. You can ride a ferry, meanwhile, to Sakurajima volcano, and walk or hike once you get there. The Satsuma Peninsula is a more complicated decision. Although trains and/or buses travel to various destinations there, it’s realize easiest to rent a car so that you have full freedom to explore.

Is Sakurajima safe to visit?

While the area of Sakurajima is generally safe to visit, the answer is more nuanced the closer to the crater you want to get. For more information, consult the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) website , or the posted placards you find upon arrival on Sakurajima after riding the ferry from Kagoshima city.

The Bottom Line

Keep my Kagoshima travel guide handy when you reach the southern tip of Japan’s Kyushu island. Kagoshima is a city that quickly charms you—you’ll want to have all the crucial details of your trip at the ready so that you feel empowered to explore and get lost. Enjoy scenic views and historic gardens in Kagoshima’s city center, ride a ferry over to Sakurajima volcano, take a road trip around the Satsuma Peninsula and cap off your stay with an excursion to Yakushima island . Still need additional help planning your trip? Commission a custom Japan itinerary —and let me sweat the details!

Plan Your Japan Trip

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Kagoshima travel blog — the fullest kagoshima travel guide for first-timers.

Kagoshima is a beautiful seaside city and the capital of the same name prefecture worth experiencing when it comes to Japan. Fresh seafood, vibrant nature and warm people are the stand out features of Kagoshima. The thousand-year-old beauty of many thousand-year-old trees and the still erupting volcano give Kagoshima its natural charm in harmony with the shape of the newly-sprung cities.

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So, is Kagoshima worth visiting, what to do in Kagoshima and how to plan a budget trip to Kagoshima for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Kagoshima travel blog (Kagoshima blog) with the fullest Kagoshima travel guide (Kagoshima guide) from how to get Kagoshima, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Kagoshima to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Kagoshima Japan welcome a large number of tourists to visit each year. It has everything you need for a perfect trip. In order for you to not be confused in planning your trip, we will introduce some prominent experiences that you should try when traveling to Kagoshima as below.

Overview of Kagoshima (#kagoshima travel blog)

Kagoshima Prefecture situated in the southernmost of Japan. You can easily see Kagoshima on a map of Japan when you look at the southernmost point of Japan on the map. In terms of location, Kagoshima is partly bordered to the north, west and south by the sea, to the northeast by Kumamoto Prefecture, and to the east by Miyazaki Prefecture. In addition to the mainland, Kagoshima is also surrounded by 28 small islands off the coast. Actually, it can be said that these 28 islands are close to the Okinawa Prefecture.

In which, Kagoshima City is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture located in the southwestern tip of the island of Kyushu, and is the largest city in the prefecture. The city is often referred to as the ‘Naples of the Eastern world’ due to its bayside location, hot climate and impressive active stratovolcano Sakurajima.

The Kagoshima city is 547.6 km² wide and has a population of over 600,000, most of its land is formed from volcanic ash and sediment. The climate in Kagoshima is quite warm with an average temperature of about 19 degrees, but in winter it can sometimes be so cold that it snows.

Warm, palm-fringed Kagoshima is often compared to Naples in Southern Italy because of its similarity in climate, vibrant culture, as well as the fact that both places have a volcano very close to the city. The Sakurajima volcano on the island of Kyushu is considered the Vesuvius version of Naples. The next to island of Yakushima Island with the vast ancient cedar forest, is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, visitors have countless opportunities to explore, hike in national parks, or soak in the numerous hot springs in the countryside of the Satsuma peninsula. It’s rare to find a place like this where you can just soak in the natural hot water while watching the wonderful ocean.

When to visit? (#kagoshima blog)

Kagoshima rains a lot, spring is warm, summer is hot and humid, autumn is cool and quite humid. Winter rarely snows (if it does, it’s just chalk dust), usually with light rain. So remember to bring an umbrella. In July, Kagoshima hosts Kagoshima cup Kazanmeguri Yacht race which takes place around several volcanic islands. This same month, you can attend a unique local festival called Sogadon no Kasayaki, which involves an extremely unusual custom: boys burn umbrellas by the riverbank, like characters from a folk tale when umbrellas often be burnt as lanterns.

Kagoshima’s climate is characterized by warm, and especially, you should remember that it rains a lot. Annual heavy rainfall usually lasts from May to July, in which the most rainy month is June. Besides, December to January is often covered with snow so then the good time you should come here are the remaining months of the year to facilitate moving and participating in outdoor activities.

Kagoshima has a relatively warm climate compared to Tokyo. Sometimes there will be snowfall in the mountains in winter in the Kirishima area. So, you prepare the right winter travel outfit to get the perfect, most complete trip if you visit at that time. Usually, there isn’t a big difference between Kagoshima clothing and what you would wear while visiting Tokyo.

In addition, there is a possibility that the ash from the Sakurajima volcano will fly out and disperse in the air. Therefore, you should keep electronic devices in a sealed bag and do not bring contact lenses when coming here.

How to get to Kagoshima? (#kagoshima travel guide)

Kagoshima Airport is located in Kirishima and is only a 2-hour flight from Tokyo’s Haneda and about about 1 hour and 35 minutes from Narita Airport. If you fly from Sapporo (Hokkaido) to Kagoshima, it will take about 3 hours and a half. In addition, from Shizuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Okinawa can also be easily reached by plane!

Kagoshima Airport connects to the city by bus. If you traveling to Kagoshima by plane, first go to Kagoshima-Chuo or Tenmonkan station to get into the downtown. There are two companies that operate these express buses. Each ride takes about 50 minutes and costs around ¥1,200 to get to Kagoshima-Chuo Station. There are also other lines connecting to many parts of Kyushu. Taxi ride to Kagoshima Chuo station costs ¥10,000 and 40 minutes of traveling.

Getting around Kagoshima (#kagoshima guide)

Foreign visitors should purchase a Welcome Cute ticket for unlimited use of transportation services including tram, city sightseeing bus, other buses and Sakurajima ferry. With the Welcome Cute ticket, visitors also get a discount on entrance fees to some tourist attractions. Ticket price is ¥1,000 (one day), ¥1,500 (two days).

Kagoshima City Sightseeing “Machi Meguri Bus” (#kagoshima travel blog)

To travel to tourist attractions in the city, you should take a bus. There are two types of buses: Machi Meguri for 500 yen and Kagoshima City View for 600 yen for a day pass. These 2 routes will go along the sea and the Shiroyama observatory.

Buses will stop at major attractions in the city, including Tenmonkan, Shiroyama observatory, and Sengan-en garden.

Kagoshima Community Bike Sharing System, “Kagorin”

Kagorin, a community bicycle sharing system, near Kagoshima-Chuo and Tenmonkan Stations. There are 21 drop off points in the city and you can drop off your bike to any point. Registration fee is 200 yen (one day). You can also use the bike multiple times at no extra cost by returning the bike within 30 minutes each time. Rental manuals are available in English, Chinese and Korean.

Kagoshima has two tram lines through the city, the fare is ¥170 each trip regardless of the distance. There is also a city sightseeing bus service, departing from Kagoshima Central Station (Kagoshima-Chūō Station) to many popular tourist spots. Fares are ¥180 (one trip) or ¥600 (all day).

You can use the tram that runs throughout the city, taking you to famous places like Kagoshima-Chuo Station, Tenmonkan, and more at a fixed price of 170 yen.

In addition, for convenient to explore Kagoshima, you can comfortably travel by car. If you have an international driver’s license, you should consider renting a car. This will make it easy to add more places to your travel itinerary.

Where to go and what to do in Kagoshima?

From the center of Kagoshima city, you can see the volcano Sakurajima – a symbol of the prefecture. In addition, Kagoshima has some typical areas to visit such as: Kirishima hot springs and Ibusuki – which is famous for its sand baths.

By ferry or plane from the main island of Kyushu, you can also visit Yakushima and Amami Oshima with a countless of fun activities.

Sakurajima – The symbol of Kagoshima

Located off the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture, just 15 minutes by ferry from the mainland, Sakurajima is actually an island with a very nice name, Cherry Blossom Island, and the volcano located on this island is considered the most active mountain. here. The beauty of Sakurajima when looking at it from afar and the products that Sakurajima brings is the lush and fertile soil here.

Sakurajima is an active volcano and you can see it anywhere from Kagoshima City. Small eruptions occur almost daily on Sakurajima, with more than 1,000  eruptions a year. Volcanic eruptions occur every day but do not affect sightseeing or travel.

Volcanic ash is constantly pouring down the town, however the residents of Kagoshima are mostly used to it. So don’t be surprised when the locals say, “Sakurajima is full of energy today” and continue with their daily life.

However, the direction of volcanic ash will change with the seasons and weather. Therefore, if visiting Sakurajima and the surrounding areas when visiting Kagoshima, you should take precautions such as preparing a hat and not wearing contact lenses.

Sakurajima Island (#kagoshima travel blog)

To get to Sakurajima Island, it takes about 15 minutes by ferry from Kagoshima Port for around 160 yen. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, try Kaku Udon – a popular dish offered at the Udon Yabukin shop located inside the ferry for 450 yen.

If you want touring around on the island, you can use the bus line called Sakurajima Island View right next to the Sakurajima ferry terminal. It goes around Sakurajima’s main points, including the observatory, in about an hour for about 500 yen.

Shiroyama Observatory

Shiroyama Observatory is a popular tourist attraction in Kagoshima and is loved by many visitors. On clear days, you can come here to observe the mighty volcano. The observatory is about a 3-minute walk from the Shiroyama bus stop.

Alternatively, you can also walk up to the observatory by the mountain road from the city center. The green trees along the way will definitely bring you a feeling of refreshment and comfort.

Terukuni Shrine (#kagoshima travel guide)

Address: 19-35 Terukunicho, Kagoshima, 892-0841, Japan Hours: 9 AM–4:30 PM

Legend has it that the origin of the shrine dates back to 1863, when Shimazu Nariakira, the 11th feudal lord of the Satsuma Domain, was given the holy name Terukuni Daimyojin by the Emperor for his virtues during his lifetime. Terukuni-jinja Shrine has been destroyed many times due to wars, but then it was repaired and rebuilt by people from Buddha hall, haiden shrine, shinmon gate, heiden ceremony hall… Since 1993, the temple has looked like as we see today and this is a very famous shrine in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Ibusuki Onsen – Hot Sand Bath

Besides Sakurajima, you must definitely visit Ibusuki to experience hot sand onsen bath! Although it is called a hot spring, here you will be buried in black sand that has been heated by an underground hot spring.

This experience will be extremely enjoyable and memorable in your travel! You will be wearing a thin yukata and lying on the sand. Then, the staff will put sand on your body, so that your body can relax and sweat.

Sand baths are said to have a detoxifying effect. During a 10-minute soak in the sand bath, you’ll sweat and feel as if excess waste is draining out of your body. Remember to replenish yourself with plenty of water before you start as you will sweat a lot while bathing. Sand bath will raise blood pressure, so please do not join this activity if you have cardiovascular problems.

Sand baths are located in the Ibusuki area, south of Kagoshima. It is best to travel here by train or bus because it is quite far from the city. Alternatively, you can experience sand baths at other places like Saraku and Sayuri.

Dolphin shows for free near Io World Kagoshima Aquarium (#is kagoshima worth visiting)

Address: 3-1 Honkoshinmachi, Kagoshima, 892-0814, Japan Hours: 9:30AM–6PM

The Irukasuiro or Dolphin Canal is a part of the natural sea that connects to Kinkowan Bay. This canal covers the northern area (from Shinbato overpass ~ Sakurabashi bridge) the part closest to Io World aquarium of Kagoshima Prefecture (いおワールドかごしま水族館), the central area (from  Sakurabashi bridge ~ Itcho Daiba overpass), the southern area (from the overpass Itcho Daiba to the south), a total of 275m long with an area of 7,000㎡.

The dolphins at the aquarium go to the canal and spend time in the canal, freely swimming, exercising, having fun… Besides dolphins, depending on the season, there are also shiira fish, manbou fish…

The Dolphin Canal is a FREE area, so if you’re walking around this area, make sure to stop here to watch the dolphins! This time called Aozora Iruka Wotchingu (青空イルカウォッチング) which lasts about 10 minutes.

Note: In case the show is canceled immediately before the scheduled time due to equipment failure or dolphins physical condition.

Senganen – Famous garden of Kagoshima (#kagoshima guide)

Sengan-en Garden is a private garden owned by his family in the Satsuma region of Shimazu in Yoshino town, Kagoshima city. With an area of 5 hectares, the Sengan-en Garden is large in size, using natural landscape techniques such as mountains, trees, and forest trees to create the landscape of the garden, in which Sakurajima as a small mountain and Kagoshima bay as a lake. In 1958, Sengan-en was chosen as the national’s best landscape.

Senganen is a Japanese garden you must visit during your trip to Kagoshima. Built by Mitsuhisa Shimazu – the ruler of Satsuma in 1658 during the Edo period, Senganen was once used as a residence for the Shimazu family. Currently, the gardens and a part of the buildings from that period are preserved and open to visitors under the name Sengan-en.

Senganen also became a filming location for the film “Segodon”. Especially, Suzumon is the winged portmanteau that Ken Watanabe went through in the film. Watanabe plays Nariakira Shimazu, the 28th leader of the Shimazu clan.

Yoronjima – Island of happiness

Located only 23km from Okinawa towards the North East, Yoronjima Island is famous for its magnificent scenery, characterized by the white sand beach stretching along the blue sea in the blue, which is also known as the “Oriental Pearl”. Among them, Yurigahama, also known as “the illusion beach”, appears only in the period from April to October, when the tide is low. If people joke with each other, if they pick up these star-shaped sand grains with quantity equivalent to the age, they can become happy and the island of Yoronjima is called by the name of the island of happiness.

Amami Oshima

If you have more time, visit Amami Oshima! The island has an unspoiled natural setting with beautiful cobalt blue beaches, coral reefs and mangroves which are great to experience.

It is the largest of the 8 islands that make up the Amami Islands, including Yoronjima. Beside the beautiful blue sea spread all over the horizon, the mountains ranges in the middle of the island also invited many people to meet the rare animals and plants living in the natural jungle near the tropical, which looks like in ancient times. The famous local specialty is Keihan, which is rice placed on top with chicken meat, Shiitake mushrooms, pouring broth and then enjoy.

Kirishima Onsen

Kagoshima is the top hot spring (onsen) place in the country with many hot springs found in the Kirishima area.

Kirishima hotel ( Agoda , Booking )

Kirishima Hotel owns huge hot springs, similar to an amusement park. Even if you are not a guest of the hotel, you can still come and experience the Large Garden pool. This pool is 25 meters deep, spews out a dozen cubic meters of hot water every minute, and is an extremely impressive pool.

Since the hot water pool does not differentiate between genders, this area is reserved for children or couples. When using a bath tub, you should wrap bath towel carefully. However, if there is a large number of guests staying at the hotel, guests should note that the bathrooms are reserved for ladies only from 7:30pm to 10pm.

Sakura Sakura Onsen ( Agoda , Booking )

Sakura Sakura Hot Springs is where you can experience “mud bathing” in the most unique way. The mud here is taken from the sedimentary layers that contain many minerals, collected from the bottom of the water sources. Your skin will become smooth and shiny due to these minerals. Only apply it on your hand and body, and you’ll immediately see the usefulness of this layer of mud!

If you come to the Kirishima Onsen area, you can combine a visit to Kirishima Shrine – one of the most famous spiritual sites in Kagoshima. The shrine was established in the 6th century to worship Ninigi-no-Mikoto – Japanese deity, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu.

Yakushima – World Natural Heritage Site of Natural Beauty

If you want to immerse yourself in nature, why not come to Yakushima?

Yakushima is known to be a place rich in nature with Japanse cedars that are more than 1000 years old and a natural landscape with 90% of the area forested. But this is not the oldest cedar trees area in Yakushima, the most famous one is Jomon Sugi, discovered in 1966 and believed to be about 2,000 to 7,200 years old. About 20% of the land area covered by the island’s surface is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yakushima is a small island that has been recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage. The main island is the most ideal tourist destination for those who love nature.

This is an ideal tourist destination for those who love nature and love to explore the beauty of primeval forests. Yakushima Island is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions, with a beautiful landscape of primeval forests and fresh air that you can’t miss if you want to explore the forest scene here. In addition, the primeval forest also makes the air on the island extremely fresh and fresh. Perhaps this is also one of the reasons why this area is one of the areas with the largest number of elderly people in Japan.

You can reach Yakushima by plane or ferry. It takes about 35 minutes from Kagoshima Airport by plane and the fastest speed by ferry from Sakurajima Ferry Terminal Kagoshima Port (Main Port) is 1 hour 45 minutes.

To admire the thousand-year-old cedar tree, you will have to get up at 4 am and walk for 8 hours. However, this is not the most perfect path. Instead, you can go to Shiratani Unsui gorge with a relatively easy route. Shiratani Unsui Gorge is the symbol of “Princess Mononoke” – Studio Ghibli’s animated film with a beautiful fairy tale setting.

Amami No Sato Village

Amami-no-Sato Village with an area of more than 5 hectares, here you will be able to experience the nature and culture of Amami Island. The colorful garden of the many flowers and plants that grow in the southern lands, along with the thatched-roof houses make you really feel the island atmosphere. Going inside the garden will find a museum documenting life on Amami Island. The museum recreates the image of the island known as the home of Oshima-tsumugi fabric as well as the tools used by the ancients, and also organizes experience classes such as silk braiding, weaving, and dyeing food. objects so visitors can learn more about this Oshima-tsumugi fabric.

To get to Amami Oshima, it will take you about 1 hour by plane from Kagoshima. Flights also depart from other areas such as Tokyo. If going by ferry from Kagoshima, it will take about 11 hours. The ferry will depart at night and arrive early the next day to reach the island.

Kakashi Yokocho – Satsuma Jokiya

Kakashi Yokocho – Satsuma Jokiya is in the 4th place, on the left in Kagoshima’s famous shopping street Tenmonkan.

Kakashi Yokocho is a small street about 50 meters long, which is a combination of a 70 year old wooden house and a newly built wooden part. At the entrance, there are traditional Japanese and Western sweets and a waterfall in the center with the meaning of healing.

From Donatsu buns with just the right amount of sweetness, just finished baking so you can enjoy it right away to the traditional Karukan that is perfect for buying as a gift. In addition, the egg tart Kasutadon is a very popular choice among young people!

Kurozu no Sato – Kakuida

In this field there are about 23,000 jars of vinegar.

Here you will be introduced by the staff of the complex about the effects as well as the ingredients and the process of making black vinegar.

You know, according to the staff here, by drinking black vinegar regularly, the NK cells in the body are activated, increasing immunity to diseases and maintaining a healthy body.

At the 60th Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Science (2006), research results were published that, in people who drink black vinegar, immunity is less impaired than those who do not drink. So great, right?

Oranges in Sakurajima, Kagoshima Prefecture are said to be the smallest oranges in the world.

In addition, you may not know that it is the Sakurajima radish that has been recognized by Guinness as the heaviest radish in the world. For this reason, the street lights in Sakurajima are designed in the shape of a radish. If you go to Sakurajima, try to find these turnip-shaped bulbs!

Ashiyu foot bath – in front of Kirishima Jingu Station

Kirishima Jingu Station is a station on the JR Nippo Honsen line. The next station towards Kagoshima is Kokubu station and the next station towards Miyazaki/Miyakonojo is Kita Naganoda station. During the day there is 1 station staff, but at night Kirishima Jingu is an unstaffed station.

You just need to take off your socks and roll up your pants and put your feet in the water. It only takes 15 minutes, but the warm water will help you feel much more relaxed and calm!

There is no towel shop near the station, so please bring your own towel to wipe your feet after soaking.

Watching handmade glass cutting

One of Kagoshima’s famous crafts is the Satsuma Kiriko cut glass. Stained glass pieces are mounted in complex shapes and designs to create sophisticated, glittering and unique items. You can see firsthand the entire production process in the factory that is open daily for visitors to visit. The nearby souvenir and display shop welcomes you in and picks up beautiful gifts.

Watching the volcano eruptsb

From Kagoshima across the bay is Sakurajima – a volcano that regularly spews smoke and dust. If you want to walk on the three peaks, you can catch a ferry to the island. You are not allowed to set foot on the Sakurajima crater, but there are many points to enjoy this unique panorama. In addition, on the island there is a monumental dinosaur park that children love very much.

Admire the pinnacle of kingship

If you want to combine hiking and learning about history, the Kirishima mountain range is the optimal choice, although the distance is a bit far. According to legend, here once upon a time the god Ninigi no Mikoto descended and created the list of Japanese emperors. On the terrain with majestic, bright scenery is a long chain of volcanoes, where you can walk and enjoy the panoramic view from above. After a long day of walking, go to the hot springs to soak, dispel fatigue.

Drinking alcohol mixed with hot water

Kyushu is famous for its sweet-smelling shochu. The alcohol here is called imo-shochu, made from sweet potatoes, and is available in almost every Japanese restaurant. If you want to drink like a real player, call oyu-wari a drink mixed with hot water. You can also visit many distilleries. In particular, Satsuma Shuzo is a favorite destination for English-speaking tourists.

What to eat in Kagoshima? (#is kagoshima worth visiting)

Local cuisine is something you should definitely try in Kagoshima. Blessed with nature, this land is the capital of Kyushu specialties!

Kurobuta Pork

Kurobuta, also known as black pork, is a famous dish throughout Japan that was introduced to Kagoshima 400 years ago. Kurobuta Pork is the culinary pride of Kagoshima as it has the largest pork production in Japan. There are many ways to enjoy Kurobuta, the most famous of which are shabu-shabu hot pot and katsu-don pork cutlets or stewed pork both are savory.

The famous restaurant Ichinisan is one of the places serving this dish. After dipping the pork in boiling water, it will served with a special dipping sauce. Shabu-shabu is usually eaten with ponzu or sesame sauce. Another option is a special sauce made from soy sauce produced by Kagoshima and shredded tuna from Ichinisan.

Soft black pork combined with the mild flavor of the special dipping sauce will make this dish more delectable. When you’ve finished most of your meal, add some soba (buckwheat noodles) to the dipping sauce. Soba served with black pork flavored sauce is absolutely delicious!

Satsuma-age

Satsuma-age is minced fish deep-fried in oil, soft and mildly sweet when eaten. Currently on the market there are many variations of this delicacy, including fish cakes made from mixed vegetables or marinated spices.

Satsuma was the name of Kagoshima Prefecture in the past. Because of that, many popular dishes throughout Japan come from here with names associated with the word Satsuma, such as the delicious sweet potato Satsuma-imo or the deep-fried fish cake Satsuma-age.

Although, Satsuma-age is also sold in supermarkets in other areas of Japan, but Satsuma-age – Kagoshima specialty has a characteristic sweet taste. This dish is extremely suitable when drinking with shochu – spirit distilled from wheat and potatoes, a specialty of Kagoshima.

Shirokuma is a type of sweet that originated in Kagoshima. It is a type of shaved ice garnished with various fruits and topped with condensed milk.

This dish is named Shirokuma because it looks quite like a polar bear, “shirokuma” in Japanese for this bear. Currently, this Kagoshima specialty is loved and easily found anywhere in Japan. However, if you have come to Kagoshima, you definitely cannot ignore Tenmonkan Mujaki – the shopping district in the city center – where this unique dish was born!

Shochu is a typical Japanese spirit, made from barley, sweet potatoes or white rice. With a mild taste and no headache effect, Shochu is very popular with Japanese people. Kagoshima is the home of this wine and is the leading Shochu-producing prefecture in Japan with the famous Satsuma-shochu made from the prefecture’s specialty sweet potato. This wine has been registered for trademark protection and is characterized by an outstanding aroma.

What and where to buy in Kagoshima?

Tenmonkan is the main shopping district in Kagoshima, located in the heart of the city. It has many restaurants serving local dishes and souvenir shops. Tenmonkan is the ideal shopping destination for you.

If you’re looking for a shopping mall, you can check out Maruya Gardens (Address: 6-5 Gofukumachi, Kagoshima, 892-0826, Japan/Hours: 10 AM–8 PM) and Yamagataya (Address: 3-1 Kinseicho, Kagoshima, 892-8601, Japan). Maruya Gardens is a shopping mall surrounded by trees outside, with LOFT stores and many other famous brands.

Meanwhile, Yamagataya is an old department store loved by locals with its traditional and nostalgic look.

In addition, near Tenmonkan there are several other interesting places to visit. Retroft Chitose is a trendy mixed-use building with a second-hand bookstore, chic cafe and hotdog shop located right inside.

Alternatively, you can spend time exploring Meizan Bori – an area of small izakaya  Japanese pubs and bars near Meizan Cho. If this area is quite quiet in the afternoon, when night falls, it becomes extremely lively and bustling.

Suggested Kagoshima itinerary 3 days

If you are planning to visit Kagoshima for 3 days and 2 nights doesn’t seem to be enough to experience it all. Honestly, 1 week is the right time to leisurely travel around and explore Kagoshima.

However, if you do not have much time, please refer to the plan below that we has made up to experience the best places to visit in Kagoshima!

Day 1: Visit Kagoshima Center

• Morning: Sakurajima
• Afternoon: Stroll around Kagoshima City, shopping at Tenmonkan

Day 2: Ibusuki

• Morning: Ibusuki sand bath experience
• Afternoon: Visit Chiran and other places in the southern region

Day 3: Kirishima

• Stroll around Kirishima Onsen, then head to Kagoshima Airport in Kirishima.

Where to stay?

In addition the two hotels we suggested above, below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima ( Agoda , Booking )
• Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima ( Agoda , Booking )
• JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima ( Agoda , Booking )
• Dormy Inn Kagoshima ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Taisei Annex ( Agoda , Booking )
• Remm Kagoshima ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Mystays Kagoshima Tenmonkan ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Sunflex Kagoshima ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Kagoshima on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Kagoshima you can refer to

• Sengan-en Special Tour in Kagoshima, Kyushu
• Kagoshima City Aquarium Admission Ticket in Kyushu
• Sengan-en Admission Ticket in Kagoshima
• Cruising Around Sakurajima to Watch Dolphins
• Kagoshima Open Top Bus Tour
• Kagoshima Distilleries One Day Tour
• Private Charter Flight Tours in Kagoshima
• Sushi Making Experience in Kagoshima
• Kagoshima Airport: Private Transfer to/from Kagoshima City

It can be said that Kagoshima is a sacred land with many unique experiences and breathtaking scenery. Please visit this beautiful land someday! Read more Japan guide here .

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Sakurajima (����) is one of Japan's most active volcanoes and the symbol of Kagoshima . The volcano smokes constantly, and minor eruptions often take place multiple times per day. Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area's most prominent geographic feature, having an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.

Before a powerful eruption in 1914, Sakurajima used to be an island in the bay, but the massive lava flow from that eruption created the volcano's current land connection to the Osumi Peninsula in the east. For the majority of travelers, however, the volcano is still most easily accessed by the ferries that run the 3.5 kilometers between Kagoshima Port and the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal.

Sakurajima has three main peaks: Kita-dake ("north peak", 1117 meters), Naka-dake ("middle peak" 1060 meters) and Minami-dake ("southern peak", 1040 meters). The Minami-dake peak is currently the most active, with many eruptions taking place from the Showa Crater on the peak's eastern slope. It is prohibited to approach within two kilometers of the volcano's craters, but there are many observation points around Sakurajima where eruptions can be observed from about three kilometers away.

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the ferry terminal , including an onsen , foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center. Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car , which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries. Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.

Around the ferry terminal

Elsewhere around Sakurajima

Getting there and around

How to get to sakurajima.

Central Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries . The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 200 yen. The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop, and is also served by the City View Buses.

Cars can be taken onto the Sakurajima ferry and cost 1400 yen one way for 3-4 meter long cars or 1950 yen one way for 4-5 meter long cars. Those trying to avoid the ferry will need to make a 90 minute detour to reach the southeastern end of the Sakurajima peninsula via land (slightly faster if using the expressway ).

How to get around Sakurajima

By far the easiest way to travel around Sakurajima is by rental car . Driving once around the coast of Sakurajima takes about an hour. Car rental outlets can be found in the city center and at Kagoshima Airport.

It is also possible to travel around Sakurajima by public transportation. There is a loop bus for tourists, the Sakurajima Island View Bus, that operates every 30 minutes from the ferry terminal to the Yunohira observation point and back. The fare depends on the distance traveled or is 500 yen for a 1-day pass.

Lastly, there are regular city buses that run roughly hourly from the ferry terminal along the northern coast and along the western coast of Sakurajima; however, they do not make the entire loop around the peninsula. To access the Kurokami area, a transfer of buses is required along the way, with connections only every 2-3 hours.

How to get to and around Kagoshima

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Sakurajima visitor center, sakurajima ferry, magma onsen, hotels around kagoshima.

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Strong earthquake with 7.1 magnitude hits off southern Japan, sparking new concern over major quakes

Updated on: August 8, 2024 / 1:40 PM EDT / CBS/AP

A powerful earthquake struck off southern Japan on Thursday, causing mostly minor injuries but raising the level of concern over possible major quakes stemming from an undersea trough east of the coast.

The quake prompted seismologists to hold an emergency meeting in which they raised the level of risk of major quakes associated with the Nankai Trough — the source of past devastating earthquakes — east of southern Japan. They issued an assessment that the potential for a future quake in the area from Kyushu to central Japan is higher than previously predicted. 

The agency said it will continue to closely watch movements of plates near the Nankai Trough.

That does not mean there's an imminent danger of a big quake in the near future, but they urged residents on the coasts along the trough — which spans about 500 kilometers (310 miles) — to review their quake preparedness, University of Tokyo seismologist Naoshi Hirata, a member of an expert panel, told a joint news conference with JMA officials.

There is a 70-80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 quake stemming from the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years, Hirata said, adding that Thursday's quake raises that probability even while the timing or exact location cannot be predicted. He urged residents to keep their caution levels high for a week for the time being.

Thursday's quake registered magnitude 7.1 and was centered in waters off the eastern coast of Kyushu at a depth of about 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) below sea surface, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. The quake most strongly shook Nichinan city and nearby areas in Miyazaki prefecture on Kyushu island.

The agency said tsunami waves of up to 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) were detected along parts of Kyushu's southern coast and the nearby island of Shikoku about a half hour after the quake struck. Tsunami advisories were issued, but lifted for most areas three hours later, and for all remaining coastlines five and a half hours later.

Officials said nine people were injured on Japan's southern main island of Kyushu, but the injuries were mostly minor. There were no reports of serious damage.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that the government crisis management team was to step up disaster preparedness, and called on residents to pay close attention to information from the authorities in case of another big one and never to spread disinformation.

The  United States Geological Survey  gave Thursday's earthquake a yellow alert for estimated economic losses, meaning "some damage is possible and the impact should be relatively localized." It gave the quake a green alert for estimated fatalities, meaning "there is a low likelihood of [shaking-related] casualties."  

JMA Seismology Department official Shigeki Aoki warned that strong aftershocks could occur for about a week.

Japan's NHK public television said windows were broken at the Miyazaki airport near the epicenter. The airport's runway was temporarily closed for safety checks.

Kyushu "shinkansen" super-express trains returned to normal operations after temporary safety checks, but a number of local train lines in the quake-hit areas were to be suspended through Friday, according to Kyushu Railway Co.

NHK showed dozens of people gathering at a designated hilltop evacuation area.

In Osaki in neighboring Kagoshima prefecture, concrete walls collapsed and a wooden house was damaged, but no injuries were reported.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority said all 12 nuclear reactors, including three that are currently operating, on Kyushu and Shikoku remained safe.

Earthquakes in areas with nuclear power plants have been a major concern since a massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Japan sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean, and is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.

An  earthquake on Jan. 1 in Japan's north-central regio n of Noto left more than 240 people dead.  

Haley Ott contributed to this report.

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE WITH OSAKA'S 2025 EXPO

New York – August 13, 2024: Starting in April 2025, Expo 2025 will invite the world to Osaka, Japan to explore the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, focusing on prominent issues such as combatting world hunger and climate change, as well as the need for global connection. From April 13 through October 13, 2025, this “People's Living Lab” will allow participants to experience breakthrough technologies, innovate with new ideas, and absorb the wealth of Japan’s culture. Expo 2025 comes 55 years after Japan was home to its first world exposition: Expo Osaka 1970.

Dedicated to the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," Expo 2025 Osaka will explore three major topics (“Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives” and “Connecting Lives”), which are encapsulated in the following travel experiences throughout lesser-known corners of Japan below:

Saving Lives: Togenkyo-Iya Mountain Village

Known as one of Japan’s “Three Most Secluded Areas,” Iya in Tokushima Prefecture is a hidden gem with striking mountain scenery. A highlight of the region is the remote village of Ochiai , where travelers can stay in classic thatched-roof houses while exploring ancient stone walls and paths from the 1600s. Alongside the 2025 Expo, Iya showcases the importance of environmental conservation and the preservation of traditional customs.

Empowering Lives: Ama Hut Experience

The town of Osatsucho in Mie Prefecture is home to the highest number of active female divers in Japan, known as ama. Before and after their dives, the ama rest in special huts, where visitors can engage in one-on-one conversations with the divers themselves, while enjoying the area’s freshly grilled seafood. The experience focuses on sustainable fishing practices, as well as empowering the local community.

Connecting Lives: Arita Ware

In Saga Prefecture, the town of Arita hosts Arita Ware Treasure Hunt Tours, an immersive experience that spotlights the unique techniques and skilled practitioners of Arita pottery through a special treasure hunt for deadstock ceramics, which guests can then take home. The 400-year-old practice connects the past to the present, facilitating global exchange and communication.

Super Early Bird Tickets for Osaka's Expo 2025 are now available for purchase online until October 6, 2024: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/price/ .

Any type of tickets - one-day, weekday, night, group and advanced tickets - can be purchased at the official online store, select travel agencies and more. For more information about tickets to Osaka’s Expo 2025, visit https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/ .

ABOUT JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION (JNTO)

As the official tourism board, JNTO seeks to inspire international travelers to visit Japan. Focusing on sustainability, diversity and preservation of its history and culture, JNTO encourages travelers to explore the country while supporting local businesses, learning about indigenous cultures, and helping conserve its natural sites.

For more information about travel to Japan, visit https://www.japan.travel/en/us or the JNTO pages on Facebook , Instagram and Youtube . To contact the New York office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) directly, please e-mail [email protected] .

ABOUT U.S.-JAPAN TOURISM YEAR

2024 will mark the first time both the United States and Japan have developed this kind of union, which seeks to promote increased travel, mutual tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The Tourism Year agreement is a project of Japan National Tourism Organization(JNTO), the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office and U.S. Commercial Service, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and Brand USA. For more information, visit https://www.japan.travel/en/us/us-japan-tourism-year-2024/ .

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