Spots in Kagoshima Area

Area

Kagoshima
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Category

Sengan-en

4.5

1306 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Yoshinochou 9700-1

"This residence and Sengan-en Garden of the Shimazu Clan was built in 1658, by Shimazu Mitsuhisa, the 19th head of the clan. It was well-loved by Shimazu Nariakira, the 28th head of the clan, and visitors to this beautiful garden where Atsu-hime and Saigo Takamori also visited can enjoy the same magnificent views of Kinko Bay and Mt. Sakurajima as they enjoyed. The garden is approximately five hectares in size, with different flowers blooming with the changing of the seasons and various festivities which take place conveying the traditions of the samurai to the present. There are also a wide range of restaurants and shops where visitors can enjoy Satsuma's local cuisine while sightseeing. The entire garden was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site and named a ""Site of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution"" in 2015 and was also a filming location of the 2018 drama series, Segodon."

Even on an overcast day, with cherry blossoms faded and the view of the volcano across the water nonexistent, Sengan-en Garden is worth a visit. The beautifully manicured garden is filled with...
Kirishima Shrine

4.0

982 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Kirishimashi Kirishimataguchi 2608-5

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Ninigi, a god who is part of the myth of the founding of Japan. The current main shrine building was erected in 1715, although the shrine is believed to have been founded around the sixth century on Setoo Hill between Mt. Takachihonomine and Mt. Hinotokomine. Buildings such as the main shrine and worship hall are designated Important Cultural Properties. The shrine is also famous for having been visited by Sakamoto Ryoma on his honeymoon. The grounds are renowned spot for viewing the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. A 10-minute bus ride from Kirishima-Jingu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line.

Kirishima Jingu Shrine, the largest in southern Kyushu, is an exceptional shrine amidst the lush greenery of Japanese pine and cedars. There is a magnificent Torii gate about 22m high and in the...
Chiran Peace Museum

4.5

717 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Minamikyushushi Chiranchoukori 17881

This museum collects materials and personal items relating to the special attack unit (kamikaze unit) active at the end of World War II. The museum was erected on the site of a former launch base with the aim of preserving records of the time for future generations and in a prayer for peace. Parties of 10 or more can listen to a storyteller with advance reservation. The museum also provides English, Chinese, and Korean audio guides. A five-minute walk from the Tokkokannon-iriguchi bus stop.

We had a chance to visit the Chiran Peace Museum during our recent trip to Japan. The name peace museum is a bit ironic as the museum celebrates the lives of the Japanese kamikaze pilots who died...
Sand Bath Hall Saraku

4.5

476 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Kagoshima Pref. Ibusukishi Yunohama 5-25-18

A hot spring bath facility where you can enjoy Ibusuki’s famed hot spring sand baths. The sand baths use the heat of the hot springs naturally welling up under the coast; bathers wear a white robe and are buried in sand stirred to reach just the right temperature, heating the body. Depending on weather conditions, you can even enjoy your sand bath right at the edge of the waves. Even when the weather is not perfect, the facility has a covered sand bathing area, ensuring you can enjoy your sand bath no matter what it is like outside. The sand baths aid in relieving nerve pain, rheumatism, and cold extremities. Approximately five minutes by car from Ibusuki Station.

2023.10.29 鹿児島指宿の砂蒸し温泉♨️ に初めて行ってきました。海岸に温泉が湧出し温められた砂に入浴できる砂蒸し温泉。世界で唯一天然のものが楽しめるのは指宿だけだそうです。Experienced Ibusuki Steam Sand Bath for the first time in Kagoshima Prefecture
Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium

4.0

387 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Honkoushinmachi 3-1

This is the municipal aquarium built on the coast, on Kagoshima Bay facing Sakurajima Island. In the Kuroshio Large Tank which contains as much as 1,500 tons of water, you can watch the tuna and bonito migrating on the Kuroshio Current. Among them, the impact of the whale shark “Yu Yu” is a highlight. The seal exhibitions and dolphin pool are also popular. It is a 15-minute walk from Kagoshima Station.

Dolphins & Whale Shark! Great shows, stunning exhibits (manta rays!), and Sakurajima views. Must-see in Kagoshima! I had a great time here!
Museum of the Meiji Restoration

4.0

435 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Kajiyachou 23-1

Satsuma (now western Kagoshima Prefecture) was the birthplace of Saigo Takamori, Okubo Toshimichi, and numerous other heroes of the Meiji Restoration. The Museum of the Meiji Restoration uses a variety of means to present the history of Satsuma and Japan during that momentous time. The centerpiece of the museum is the historic dramas shown in the Meiji Restoration Experience Hall on the basement floor. In the “Road to the Restoration,” life-sized robotic models of figures such as Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi and multiple projection screens are used to present a stunning drama. In the “Satsuma Students, Go West” exhibit, the story of the students sent to study overseas in England in defiance of the national government is presented.

Practically all the diplays are in Japanese but apparently there would have been an English audio guide. It was somewhat confusing who was who as I was not familiar with that part of Japans history...
Yunohira Observation Point

4.0

302 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Sakurajimakoikechou 1025

A viewing site called the closest to the caldera located at the fourth station on Sakurajima 373 meters above sea level. Depending on the activity of the volcano, visitors can see smoke billowing out, as well as the Taisho Lava Field spreading out before their eyes. The observation point is the highest point on Sakurajima which general visitors may enter and can be traveled to by car. The viewing area is open any time and is a popular spot to visit at night when a great panorama of Kagoshima’s nightscape is visible. Approximately 15 minutes by car from Sakurajima Port.

A must experience when here . The view is spectacular and not only is the volcano site awesome it’s blowing smoke continuously. And the city view is also amazing. Easy access and not typically...
Ibusuki Iwasaki Hotel

4.0

295 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Kagoshima Pref. Ibusukishi Junichou 3805-1

A hotel located a five-minute drive from JR Ibusuki Station. This good, old fashioned style resort hotel has recently garnered attention in part due to the fact that all of its rooms have an ocean view. Facilities include a natural hot spring outdoor bath as well as Ibusuki’s hot spring heated sand baths which are rarely found in the world. The hotel is also replete with pools, tennis courts, and a variety of other amusement facilities, making it a fun destination for adults and children alike. The hotel’s sand baths are also open to non-guests. After a fun-filled day of indoor and outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy the tastes of Kagoshima in the hotel’s restaurants. You can take in a view of the moon reflecting off the waters of Kinko Bay along with a dinner of Japanese, Chinese, or Western dishes in the Main Dining Room restaurant. The hotel’s relaxing cafes are also recommended.

I write this in the midst of the great pandemic of 2019-2022 ? I was fortunate enough to squeeze through the stringent Covid protocols to enter Japan for a brief period of time during December of...
Sakurajima Visitor Center

4.0

232 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Kagoshima-shi Sakurajimayokoyamacho 1722-29

This visitor center for Sakurajima is located in Kirishima Kinkowan National Park (Sakurajima). The center features informational exhibits about the history of the volcano's eruptions as well as the nature on the island. It is popular for allowing visitors to experience the living Sakurajima through its high-definition theater, dioramas, computers, and other media. Exhibits include volcanic projectiles of various sizes from actual eruptions, a cross-sectional model of the volcano's layers, live camera footage of its Showa crater, and real time seismograph data, and up-to-date numbers of past eruptions. There is also a museum shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs such as the island's special products as well as volcanic ash and rocks.

A great visitor center with an informative exhibition with Japanese and English displays about the volcano and life on Sakurajima. The staff was lovely and theres also a small souvenir shop. A great...
Sakurajima Roadside Station

4.0

142 Reviews

Transportation

Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Sakurajimayokoyamachou 1722-48

A roadside station located at the entrance to Sakurajima floating in Kagoshima Bay. At the adjoining Hinoshima Megumi-kan building, visitors can enjoy unique Sakurajima home cooking and purchase local specialty products. Of particular note is the Sakurajima komikan orange, said to have been brought to Sakurajima 400 years ago by Shimazu Yoshihiro, lord of Satsuma Domain. The smallest mikan (mandarin) orange in the world, its simple flavor is very close to that of the uncultivated ancestor to modern mikan oranges. Located along National Route 224.

Upon my friend and myselfs travel back to the ferry, we came across this pit stop area. So we stopped by to check it out. And Im so glad we did. When you enter this place, to the left is sort of...
Kanoya Air Base Museum (Kanoya Sky Museum)

4.5

128 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Kanoyashi Nishihara 3-chome 11-2

A museum located on the grounds of Maritime Self Defense Forces Kanoya Air Base. The museum presents information and rare items spanning the time period from when the naval Kanoya flying corps was created in 1936 up to and including the history of the current Maritime Self Defense Forces Kanoya Air Base. The second floor of the museum provides information on topics such as the rapid developments which occurred in aviation technology in the 30-year frame from when naval aviation began; and a full portrait of the kamikaze fighters which emerged as part of Japan’s strategies during the Pacific War. The first floor of the museum presents history from the launching of the Coastal Safety Force in 1952 up to its reformation as the Maritime Self Dense Forces and on to the present day.

You can see only one existing Kawanishi H8K a.k.a. Emily which was displayed in the U.S.A. after the 2nd world war and then brought to Tokyo and finaly here. This admission free Naval airforce museum...
Arimura Lava Observatory

4.0

167 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Arimurachou 952

An observatory located right next to the “Yogan Tenbojo” bus stop built on the Taisho Lava Field in the Arimura area. Situated on top of lava rock which flowed during the 1914 Taisho Eruption, a one-kilometer long walking path makes it possible for visitors to view smoke emerging from the crater up close. The restaurant adjoining the observatory was remodeled in 2016 and now has multipurpose toilets and a nursing room. The shop near the parking area sells gifts and souvenirs from Sakurajima.

Amazing views up at the volcano and lava formed landscapes. Nicely maintained paths with quite a few steps. Possibly because the lava and path hold the heat, but on a sunny day that was cool...
Seibu Rindo Forest Path

4.5

212 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Kumage-gun Yakushimacho

This roughly 20-kilometer road connects to the communities of Kurio and Nagata on western Yakushima Island. It runs through along the coast through one of the largest evergreen forests in Japan with little or no human sign of human presence. The Yakushima macaques, Yakushima deer, and other wildlife that inhabit the area can frequently be spotted along the road. The roughly 15-kilometer-long section from the Segiri Ohashi Bridge to about a kilometer before the entrance to the Yakushima Lighthouse is part of the Yakushima World Natural Heritage site. This portion of the road runs through virgin forests untouched by human hands.

Deer and macaque haven. Another harrowing drive but so worth it. The macaques do not move off as you approach so you have to drive around them. Stunning views all around. One of the best experiences...
Ohama Seaside Park

4.0

173 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Kimotsukigunminamiosumichou Nejimeyamamoto 6868

This is a very popular leisure spot full of abundant natural scenery even among Amami Oshima Island. The park includes the Amami Kaiyo Museum (Maritime Museum), which introduces the types of animals inhabiting the waters adjacent to Amami Oshima Island, and Ohama Beach, which allows visitors to enjoy the cobalt blue ocean, white sandy beach, and coral reefs. In the center of the park is Kaigara Stage Hiroba, an amphitheater with a large seashell shape that serves as a venue for outdoor events, and in the bathhouse there are showers, toilets and coin lockers available. It’s also worth seeing the sun set as it sinks down in the East China Sea.

White sandy beach 1.5 hours drive from the airport. We loved the sunset . It was very quiet and peaceful. Would love to visit in May or June, when we could swim and snorkel.
Flower Park Kagoshima

4.0

103 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Ibusukishi Yamagawaokachogamizu 1611

A botanical park opened in 1996 which makes use of the local warm weather to good effect. Visitors can enjoy flowers from around the world in a garden setting which harnesses the natural geography and surrounding pine forest. An abundance of events and classes are held at the park year round; the Flower Park Illumination, during which the park grounds are lit up at night from early December to early January, is particularly famous. A bus circles the park grounds and baby strollers and wheel chairs are also available to lend, making the park a facility which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. A 90-minute drive by car from within Kagoshima City or 20 minutes by bus from JR Yamakawa Station.

The park was very neat but lack intensity of floral display. The buggy offered for seniors were few in numbers. I saw only one which was insufficient. The labelling of plants and tress were all in...
Yamagawa Natural Sand Bath Sayuri

4.5

174 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Kagoshima Pref. Ibusukishi Yamagawafukumoto 3339-3

A sand bath facility located a 10-minute drive from JR Yamakawa Station. A natural sand bath site heated by the geothermal energy of the Fushime Onsen hot spring, the sand baths have been a favorite of locals since ancient times. Surrounded by abundant natural beauty and with Kaimondake Volcano towering in the distance, bathers enveloped in hot sand can relax to the sound of ocean waves. The sweat generated from the weight of the sand and hot spring heat rids the body of toxins. After a sand bath, a bath in the waters of Fushime Onsen feels spectacular. Money saving tickets which include access to the adjoining Tamatebako Onsen outdoor hot spring bath facility, known for its spectacular views, are also available.

This was a fabulous unique experience and I cannot recommend it enough. After changing into the robe in the separate amenity blocks you proceed to the beach, under cover in case it’s raining and...
Kagoshima Jingu Shrine

4.0

106 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Kirishimashi Hayatochouchi 2496-1

A Shinto shrine located in Uchi, Hayato-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Also known as the Shohachimangu, Kokubu Shohachiman, and the Osumi Shohachi, this shrine is the head shrine of all Shohachiman shrines nationwide. The shrine is dedicated to the legendary Yamasachihiko and the queen Toyotamahime no Mikoto. Records state this ancient shrine was founded during the reign of Emperor Jinmu (660–585 BCE) and is believed to grant expecting mothers an easy childbirth. The Hatsu-uma Festival, held on the first Sunday after January 18 according to the old calendar, is considered one of the three biggest events in Kagoshima Prefecture. During the unusual festival, a parade of dancers journeys to the shrine led by a sacred, bell-covered horse.

This Japanese shrine with a lot big & old trees surrounding. Its also with an ancient story about the born of Gods grandchild here, quite interesting. Highly recommended to take a walk and...
Amami Park

4.0

190 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Amamishi Kasarichousetta 1834

The Amami Park is just a five-minute bus ride from the Amami Airport. This Amami Islands park is centered around the Tanaka Isson Museum, a Japanese artist, and introduces his works depicting the natural beauty and life of Amami. The park is also the home of the Amami no Sato exhibition center which displays the nature and village life of Amami Islands through scale model exhibits and videos. In the Nature and Culture Center, the Amami no Sato, one can enjoy the Ocean Path, the Island Path and the Forest Path exhibits, and the Amami Theater with high definition videos with surround sound acoustics. The Amami corner is set up as an introduction to the many islands while multiple events are held in the indoor event hall hosts multiple events and amphitheater hosts outdoor events.

Tanaka Isson, my favorite artist is probably Paul Gauguin of Japan. Art gallery in the park is the largest collection on Earth. Rare arts from the age of 8 as well as iconic fish & lobsters. Also...
Kirishima Open-Air Museum

4.5

83 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Airagunyusuichou Koba 6340-220

An expansive outdoor art museum located on a plateau 700 meters above sea level on Mt. Kurinodake (1,094 meters) in Yusuicho, Airagun, Kagoshima Prefecture. The extensive grounds are dotted with 23 works of art by Japanese and international artists which make use of the local terrain and natural beauty. One of the distinguishing features of the museum’s pieces is that in addition to be able to be enjoyed visually, visitors are free to touch and even lean on them. Most museum goers enjoy taking photos together with the unique exhibits. The distinctive rectangular art hall contains the museum’s indoor exhibits and special exhibitions as well as a cafeteria where visitors can take a break.

I had wanted to see Kusama’s work but didn’t realize how much more there was to see at this museum. My son and husband expected to be finished very quickly but we were there for a couple of hours...
Yakusugi Museum

4.0

90 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Kumagegunyakushimachou Ambou 2739-343

This museum located on the east side of Yakushima Island provides information on Yakushima cedars and the ecology of Yakushima. The museum contains numerous hands on exhibits such as the Inochi Branch, a tree branch which broke off of the Jomon Sugi due to the weight of a heavy snow, and a cross section from a 1,660 year old Yakushima cedar tree. The exhibit which lets visitors shave off Yakushima wood to smell the distinctive perfume and a cedar wood grain puzzle are particularly popular with children. Normally requires around 45 minutes to see the whole museum.

This museum is small, but very nice. You have to take off your shoes and the floor is made of Yakusugi wood, which is moving, something that is great in my opinion. The surroundings of the museum...

Kagoshima Kirishima Kitasatsuma Minamisatsuma Osumi Amami / Okinoerabu Island Tanegashima / Yakushima

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Kagoshima Areas

Over 100 active volcanoes across Kagoshima make it one of the Japan's most exciting prefectures. The prefectural capital, Kagoshima city, looks out to one of the prefecture’s most spectacular volcanoes, Sakurajima, an island of its own that can be visited and seen close up or admired from afar, with the promise of breathtaking sunsets complete with frequent puffs of smoke and ash. Down the Satsuma Peninsula, the most southerly part of mainland Japan, waterfalls, sand onsen, and fascinating history await, while Kagoshima's abundance of satsuma imo (sweet potato) provide a wholesome snack as well as one of Japan's favourite drinks - shochu.