Spots in Kagoshima Area

  • Sengan-en
    rating-image
    4.5
    1295 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."

    Only stayed in Kagoshima for a day but the garden is beautifully crafted and also provides an unobstructive view of the Sakurajima volcano. When you are there do grab lunch at their restaurant as it...

  • Kirishima Shrine
    rating-image
    4.0
    976 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.

    The first historical reference to Kirishima shrine is in the year 540. It had a solemn and mysterious atmosphere.xa0There are many nice hot spring inns nearby, and it is a recommended sightseeing...

  • Chiran Peace Museum
    rating-image
    4.5
    712 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 were on a tour, so I hadn’t read any reviews beforehand, but as we had limited time in the museum I did not hire an audio guide. I wish I had as very few exhibits have an English translation. The...

  • Sand Bath Hall Saraku
    rating-image
    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.

    This is one of the places if youre looking for a public sand bath in Ibusuki. Its a 20-minute walking distance from Ibusuki station. Once you get there, you need to take the escalator to the 2nd...

  • Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium
    rating-image
    4.0
    386 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.

    Japan has nice aquariums and I found the Kagoshima aquarium to be very nice. The entrance fee was reasonable and as an English speaker it was easy to get around. Some signs had English names while...

  • Museum of the Meiji Restoration
    rating-image
    4.0
    434 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.

    Fantastic museum next to the river You can use headphones to help understand and follow the different displays as most are in Japanese. Do the historic walk next to the river as it is beautifully set...

  • Yunohira Observation Point
    rating-image
    4.0
    300 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
    rating-image
    4.0
    294 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
    rating-image
    4.0
    228 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.

    I had a great visit to Sakurajima today, including a stop to the Visitor Center. I actually ended up spending more time here than I thought I would. Due to ample English signage, I read through all...

  • Seibu Rindo Forest Path
    rating-image
    4.5
    211 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...

  • Sakurajima Roadside Station
    rating-image
    4.0
    141 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.

    営業時間が短く閉店時間が早い。「帰りに」とが「後で」と思っていたら閉まってしまいます。24時間運航している桜島フェリーの乗場から徒歩3分程度の場所にあるのに利用できませんでした。

  • Arimura Lava Observatory
    rating-image
    4.0
    164 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.

    Clean and perfectly organized as in Japan, worth a visit. Best way is to rent a car, the transfer by ferry is convenient and the ride is scenic

  • Amami Park
    rating-image
    4.0
    189 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...

  • Ohama Seaside Park
    rating-image
    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.

  • Kanoya Air Base Museum (Kanoya Sky Museum)
    rating-image
    4.5
    126 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...

  • Flower Park Kagoshima
    rating-image
    4.0
    102 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
    rating-image
    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 is a more out of the way, quieter sand bathing onsen. A very well organised operation and the sand bath is a great experience. No English spoken but there are a few posters with some English...

  • Kirishima Open-Air Museum
    rating-image
    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...

  • Museum Shoko Shuseikan
    rating-image
    4.0
    172 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Yoshinochou 9698-1
    This is a museum adjacent to Sengan-en. The collection hall is a group of factories that the Satsuma lord Shimazu Nariakira built for industrial development at the end of the Tokugawa period. The museum building was originally completed in 1865 as a machine factory. Currently it is utilized as a place to communicate the history of industrialization of the Shimazu family and Satsuma clan. In addition to the buildings, some of the exhibits are nationally designated Important Cultural Properties.

    This museum had some interesting exhibits about industrialisation but they were not displayed or labelled as well as they could have been. On the plus side however the gardens next to the museum were...

  • Kamafuta Shrine (Itate Tsuwamononushi-jinja Shrine)
    rating-image
    4.0
    112 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagoshima Pref. Minamikyushushi Eichoubeppu 6827
    A Shinto shrine located in Ei-cho, Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Officially Itate Tsuwamononushi-jinja Shrine, the shrine is also known as Kamafuta (“Pot Lid”) Shrine. The shrine is famous for its unique ways of worship, which include throwing unglazed pottery pot lids and wearing a pot lid on top of the head to pray for one’s wish to be granted. The shrine is believed to grant worshippers such boons as victory in competitions, better fortunes, protection from misfortune, and luck in war, and as such is even visited by entertainers and famous athletes. From the “Cape of Hope” behind the shrine, visitors can enjoy a view of vast ocean and Kaimondake Volcano.

    The shrine seems very new and looks nice. When we arrived relatively early in the morning there was nobody there - which I would highly recommend! Not long into our visit a bus of Chinese tourists...

Kagoshima Areas

around-area-map

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.

Kagoshima Photo Album

Browse Interests