Travel / Tourism Spots in Kagoshima Area

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Kagoshima
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Category

Travel / Tourism

Sengan-en

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

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The first historical reference to Kirishima shrine is in the year 540.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

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...
Museum of the Meiji Restoration

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

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...
Sakurajima Visitor Center

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...
Sakurajima Roadside Station

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。
Kanoya Air Base Museum (Kanoya Sky Museum)

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...
Seibu Rindo Forest Path

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...
Arimura Lava Observatory

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
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

89 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 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.

山幸彦として知られるヒコホホデミを祀る、南九州最大級の神社です。現在の社殿は江戸時代の建物で国重文、彫刻などの装飾や天井の植物の餌が美しく巨大な社は壮麗な感じを覚えました。比較的近くにある霧島神宮とはまた違う趣で興味深かったです。
Museum Shoko Shuseikan

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)

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...
Heart Rock

4.0

114 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Oshima-gun Tatsugocho Akaogi

干潮の時を狙っていきました。駐車場はわかりにくいですが、混んでいなかったのでスムースに停められました。混んでいるときは車の出入りすら苦労するかも。ハートロックのビーチはきれいでした。パラグライダーで見学する人もいました。思っていたより小さい潮だまりです。
Kagoshima City Museum of Art

4.0

68 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Shiroyamachou 4-36

This is a private art museum which is built on the ruins of Tsurumaru Castle Ninomaru which was once the castle of the Satsuma Lord Shimazu. The collection focuses on works by local writers and Western art since the 19th century. It also has oil paintings by Cezanne and a “Water Lily” painting by Monet. The collection of paintings depicting Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima, is also spectacular. It is a 16-minute walk from Kagoshima Station.

First room is mostly European artists, some very famous. There were some works Id not seen before. 2nd room more Japanese artists. Not huge but ok for entrance fee of ¥300 for permanent collection...
Ooshima Tsumugimura

4.0

75 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Oshimaguntatsugouchou Akaogi 1945

A facility where visitors can watch Amami Oshima tsumugi pongee cloth being made and try making it themselves located a two-minute walk from the Oshima Tsumugimura-iriguchi bus stop. Visitors can listen to a courteous guide and watch as Oshima tsumugi is laboriously crafted in the adjoining workshop. The facility also offers a variety of classes, including T-shirt and handkerchief dorozome mud dyeing, weaving, and kimono wearing. The facility’s shop sells Oshima tsumugi accessories and exclusive Oshima tsumugi items in both Japanese and Western designs offered no place else.

大島紬の事が良く理解出来る施設です。大島紬は生地を染色するので無く、糸自体を染色して色々に染色された絹糸を織り込んで大島紬を作って行くとか。その工程は、最初から製織り製品になるまで41の沢山の工程をへて出来あがるとか-そりや高価なのも納得です。その工程に沿って女性の係員の方が丁寧に説明して頂けます。製織りの工程で、機織しているお婆さんと話をしたところ、40数年此の仕事をしているとか。一番の苦労は...
Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest

4.0

93 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Amami-shi Naze Asato Kane Sakuhara

This virgin forest located about a 30-minute drive from Amami City is the most untouched subtropical broad-leaved tree forests left on Amami Oshima Island. The forest, which extends deep into the mountains of Naze, evokes images of ancient times. The forest's massive 10 meter-tall Cyathea lepifera ferns are living fossils whose fronds are believed to have been fodder for dinosaurs eons ago. The sunlight filtered through their large umbrella-like fronds creates a mystical spectacle to behold. The forest is also a habitat for rare wildlife such as Lidth's jay, a national Natural Monument, as well as the Okinawan tree lizard.

ツアーガイドさんの案内で2時間半くらいかけて、自然を感じてきました。お勧めです。テレビや広告などに使われるスポットも説明を受けてきました。
Roadside Station Yamagawa-minato Io Kaido

4.0

57 Reviews

Transportation

Kagoshima Pref. Ibusukishi Yamagawakinseichou 1-10

A roadside station located a 10-minute walk from Yamakawa Station on the JR Ibusuki Makurazaki Line. Yamagawa Port is also known as “Crane Port” due to its shape resembling a crane extending its wings, a design also employed in the shape of this roadside station’s building. The station consists of three zones—a local specialty products zone where visitors can buy woodwork crafts and ceramics, a morning farmers market selling produce from local farms and fresh seafood like skipjack tuna and greater amberjack, and finally a seafood restaurant zone where visitors can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Day after day, the station bustles with visitors.

指宿を通りすぎて長崎鼻にいく時に少し足を伸ばして立ち寄りました。道の駅によくあるパターンですが、地元の野菜が豊富に揃っていますし、漁港すぐ近くということもあって、海の特産物もあります。なかなか活気がある場所でした。

Kagoshima

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

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour Factory / Workshop Sightseeing Spot Experience / Training / Vehicle Nature Travel / Tourism Information Rental Car / Bicycle / Motorcycle Souvenirs Rest Spot Other Sightseeing

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.