2024 Kagoshima Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

Kagoshima Five-Day Four-Night Travel Guide

Kagoshima recommends Kirishima, Ibusuki, and Sakurajima. 🎏 Day 1 and the morning of Day 2: Ibusuki (Pictures 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣) 🚂 Departing from Kagoshima Chuo Station, you can take the black and white Ibusuki no Tamatebako train (Picture 14), which runs three times a day, all reserved seats, and requires advance reservation. The train offers limited edition black and white puddings. On the train, the black side has views of the mountains, and the white side has views of the sea, which is quite unique. It is recommended to stay near Ibusuki Station, where there are buses, electric bicycle rentals, and taxis. Ibusuki recommends visiting Chiringashima, Lake Ikeda, and Nagasakibana Shrine. ☀️ Chiringashima is an uninhabited island that emerges in Kinko Bay, isolated from the world. A sand bridge about 800 meters long appears on the sea surface connecting the island to the mainland for a few short hours before low tide, which is interesting. It is safe to walk on it only from March to October during low tide, and it takes about 20 minutes on foot to reach Chiringashima. The island largely retains its original natural ecology. 🌄 The sunset at Nagasakibana is very beautiful, but the last bus to Nagasakibana leaves at around 3 PM (Picture 6️⃣), which is a bit early for sunset viewing. The nearest train station to Nagasakibana is Nishi-Oyama Station, 18 minutes from Ibusuki Station, but there is no transportation from Nishi-Oyama Station to Nagasakibana, and it takes about an hour on foot. One option is to take a taxi round trip, another is to rent an electric bicycle at Ibusuki Station. 🎏 Afternoon of Day 2 and morning of Day 3: Kirishima (Pictures 7️⃣8️⃣) Kirishima is very beautiful, especially during the cherry blossom season, with cherry trees all along the way. The hot springs here are also famous. Kirishima Shrine is a must-visit for its beauty and atmosphere, and it is recommended to go there before 8 AM. (For more about Kirishima and Kirishima Shrine, please refer to my previous notes) 🎏 Afternoon of Day 3 and Day 4: Sakurajima (Pictures 9～13) Sakurajima is Japan's most active volcano, only four kilometers away from Kagoshima, so it is recommended to stay near Kagoshima Chuo Station on the nights of Day 3 and Day 4. From the port of Kagoshima City, take the ferry to Sakurajima, which runs every 20 minutes and takes 20 minutes for the whole journey. ⚠️ No ticket is needed for the ferry to Sakurajima; just board the ferry, and pay upon arrival at Sakurajima Port, where change machines are available. The return trip is paid at Sakurajima Port before boarding. Upon arriving at Sakurajima, get a Chinese version of the 'Sakurajima Area Map' (Picture 13) at the information center, and you can also buy a sightseeing bus ticket, a one-day pass for 500 yen, with hop-on hop-off privileges. The bus's highest point is 'Yunohira Observatory' (Pictures 11 and 12), and I highly recommend the 'Lava Coast Walking Trail' (Pictures 9️⃣🔟), which is less crowded and offers views of large black volcanic rocks by the sea🪨, very impressive. Not far from the trail, there is also a free foot bath to enjoy. 🎏 On the evening of Day 4, you can visit Kagoshima Chuo Station (end of the pictures), where there are plenty of restaurants and shopping.

Summer in Kagoshima

Kagoshima, a seaside city on Japan's Kyushu Island, is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture. It's best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. At its base, the Nagisa Lava Trail winds through lava fields filled with boulders. Once set on an isolated island, the volcano became connected to the Osumi Peninsula after an eruption in 1914. It’s quite easy to walk down to the ferry terminal and get on the boat to Sakurajima. No ticket required - just pay when you exit the boat. The island is populated despite consisting largely of an active volcano. There was an ash cloud above the volcano and it was belching smoke. We could see the ash on the ground where the rains had washed it into puddles. There’s a city bus that runs a loop to a few stops around town. It was cash only (no IC card) unless you buy the one day pass for ¥500. Enter the bus at the back and pay as you exit. There are shops selling fruits and souvenirs - Sakurajima is known for its satsuma mandarins. There are some nice parks, the longest in japan foot bath and some nice hikes. #bucketlistreboot #passionpassport #gooutside #staycation #urbanexplorer #staycation

Iso Beach

City Beach with nice views of sakurajima volcano. Water temperature is perfect. This is a parking lot across from the beach. Free showers available

Black pork hot pot and kakigōri are a perfect match. In Kagoshima, black pork hot pot is a well-known dish, and we have selected a restaurant highly praised by local people. The main ingredients of hot pot are beef and mutton, but black pork is preferred in Kagoshima. Very fresh, it is cooked instantly after being dipped in boiling water. It's tasty and not at all chewy.

Many tour buses are painted with cute patterns. Chinese ocean liners en-route to Japan berth at Kagoshima, so the wharf is full of life. The nearby aquarium is also popular among visitors. Statues of Saigō Takamori and Ōkubo Toshimichi can also be found here. Saigō Takamori was a warrior, soldier, and politician from the Satsuma Domain during the late Edo period. He is praised as one of the "three heroes of the Meiji restoration".

There are group statues of Meiji restoration figures around the square. Kagoshima offers many attractions, including the planetarium and Senganen Garden. You can get here by sightseeing car or bus. A single ticket is YEN190, and a day ticket is YEN600. It is recommended to choose an all-day tour bus ticket, as you can see all attractions in a day.

In Senganen Garden of Kagoshima, you can admire Sakurajima. Kinkowan Park is known for gardens of view borrowing. Senganen Garden also goes viral for it is the shooting location of the full-length historical TV play series - Atsuhime. You have to have a seat in Starbucks because you can admire volcanoes and enjoy a cup of coffee at the same time. It seems you are in a secluded world. The surroundings near the mountain and by Sakurajima, so you can't help slowing down and enjoy yourself.

At the shopping mall, I found Kagoshima specialties such as black pork and Kagoshima shochu (sweet potato is very popular, so shochu also has this distinctive flavor)."Daikon" refers to the local white radish.

Southernmost Railway Station in Japan. The happy mailbox in Kaimondake is in Nishi-Oyama Station of Kagoshima. On the platform you can see Kaimondake, one of one hundred famous mountains in Japan. Gallant sight welcomes many tourists each year. You can put emails of happiness into yellow mailbox and send blessings to your dearest love.

The tram network connects all tourist spots in #kagoshima town including antique tram which made riding one's is fun and interesting too #kyushu #japan #travelinspiration #happynewyear

Xian Yan Yuan, also known as the Rock Garden, is a representative Japanese courtyard. was built in Jiayong 5 years (1658), was the residence of Jin Qibin, the main island of Satsuma. Since the completion of the construction, the masters of all generations have repaired them. At the time of the 28th generation, there was a modern factory group, which is an important testimony of the Meiji Restoration. Xianyanyuan draws on a lot of Chinese garden architecture skills in terms of construction style and art. Although the buildings in Xianyan Garden are mainly Japanese style, the most praised place is the Chinese garden. The traditional "borrowing scene" approach has made Sakurajima volcano her reliance, and Jinjiang Bay seems to be an extension of its pool spring, making this traditional garden full of pride, making the landscape in the park seem infinite, artificial and natural reconciliation People are amazing.

There are many hot spring resources on Kagoshima, but most of them are mainly mixed baths for men and women, that is, all men and women are naked and bathing, and some need to be surrounded by bath towels. Since many Chinese people may not be accustomed to this method, including me, they chose a hot spring where men and women are separated. The hot spring is divided into indoor and outdoor parts. The indoor part includes bubble hot springs, steamed Chinese medicine, and hot springs that can lie in the water. There are only two pools outside, one is warm and one is cold. Basically, it takes 40 minutes to get cool and cool, or go straight into the cold pool. The hot springs here are not sulphurous, which is much better than many domestic hot springs. However, the embarrassing thing is that when I was completely naked, the big sister at the front desk came in. And the other party is extremely calm. She came in and handed the bag to everyone for a wet towel. It is worth noting that some tattoo people are not allowed to take hot springs. A hot spring in the winter, it doesnt feel like its great.

When in Kagoshima

Discover Kagoshima 😄

its very nice day

Don't Miss This Autumn Travel Guide to Japan

Just snagged a 7-day ticket to Japan and feeling overwhelmed with planning? Don't worry, this 7-day in-depth travel guide to Japan is a must-have for exploring the country! Itinerary Overview: Day 1: Ohori Park 🌳 On the first day, we'll immerse ourselves in the tranquility and beauty of Ohori Park, enjoying close contact with nature. Day 2: Yufuin no Mori Sightseeing Train -> Yufuin Street -> Beppu Onsen Steam Observatory -> Kinrin Lake -> Beppu Park 🚂 On the second day, we'll take the Yufuin Sightseeing Train to enjoy the natural scenery, followed by a relaxing hot spring bath in Beppu. Day 3: Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi -> Mount Kuju -> Daikanbo 🌉 On the third day, we'll experience the thrill of standing on the Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi, then admire the beautiful mountains and rivers. Day 4: Mount Aso -> Kirishima Shrine ⛰️ On the fourth day, we'll climb Mount Aso and then seek the ancient mysteries at Kirishima Shrine. Day 5: Sengan-en -> Sakurajima 🌸 On the fifth day, we'll first appreciate the beautiful gardens at Sengan-en, then feel the sea breeze on Sakurajima. Day 6: Fukuoka Castle 🏯 On the sixth day, we'll experience the rich historical and cultural atmosphere at Fukuoka Castle. Day 7: Fukuoka Tower -> Canal City Hakata 🗼 On the last day, we'll first enjoy the beautiful scenery from Fukuoka Tower, then end the trip at Canal City Hakata. Must-Visit Spots: 🎡 Fukuoka Tower: Soaring into the clouds☁️, the entire tower is covered with over 8,000 mirror panels, creating an illusion of being in a fairyland! 🏙️ Canal City Hakata: A paradise for shopping🛍️ and food🍣, you can't truly understand the beauty of Fukuoka without visiting! 🚞 Yufuin no Mori Sightseeing Train: A comfortable train ride through forested highlands🌳, evoking a pastoral charm. 🌸 Ohori Park: One of Japan's top water parks, with flowers blooming all year round🌼, offering a different experience each visit. 🌋 Mount Aso: Featuring magnificent scenery and active volcanic activity at Nakadake, it's a collision of power and beauty, offering endless views👍. Travel Tips: 1. Food: In Japan, you must try sushi and ramen🍣, and don't miss the special desserts like matcha ice cream and red bean buns🍦~ A feast for your taste buds awaits. 2. Visa Information: Remember, Japan requires a visa📝, so apply early before your trip. Planning ahead is a smart traveler's essential quality! 3. September Climate: Japan in early autumn in September, remember to bring a jacket🧥, as daytime temperatures are moderate but it can get chilly at night. 4. Airport Transportation: From the airport, you can choose between high-speed rail🚄 or bus🚌, both very convenient. A heartfelt tip: Japan's streets at dusk have a unique charm. Come to Japan and discover more surprises! ❤️ Don't forget to follow and like, and next time we'll explore more hidden gems together! 💕

A Strange Hotel in Kagoshima with That Thing in the Room

During my business trip to Kagoshima, I stayed at the 'Henn na Hotel'. Henn na Hotel is operated by HIS. The lobby is on the second floor and is basically unmanned, but if you contact the front desk via the intercom, a staff member will come out, so you can feel at ease. The lobby had a laundry area, a place to store your luggage by yourself, and manga. The room has towels, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, but other amenities are available at the amenity bar on the second floor, where you can help yourself. The room is not spacious, but it is comfortable. The best part is that there is an LG Styler, so you can sanitize and dry your clothes, which was very convenient! There is a bathtub in the room, but I often used the large public bath on the 12th floor. It seems that the sauna is only available in the men's bath. It was also nice to be able to check the congestion of the laundry and the large public bath on the TV monitor. There are many convenience stores and restaurants nearby, so I would like to stay at this hotel again when I visit Kagoshima.

🌋✨ Kagoshima's Best: Sheraton's Luxury & Views 🏨

Escape to the newly opened Sheraton Kagoshima for a slice of luxury in Kyushu! Nestled with views that'll steal your breath away, this spot is a gem for travelers seeking that perfect blend of comfort and splendor. 🛏️💤 First off, the rooms are more than just a place to crash – they're mini sanctuaries with plush beds and eye-popping vistas of Sakurajima volcano or the serene Kagoshima Bay. Waking up here? Absolute bliss! 🌅 Foodies, get ready to indulge in a culinary journey right at the hotel. From authentic Kagoshima flavors to international faves, your taste buds are in for a treat. 🍣🌍 For the elite wanderers, the Sheraton Club Lounge is your exclusive pass to top-tier pampering, while the fitness buffs can get their sweat on at the gym or make a splash in the indoor pool. 🏋️‍♂️🏊‍♀️ Location-wise, it's a winner! A stone's throw from Kagoshima Chuo Station and must-see spots like Sengan-en Garden, you're smack-dab in the middle of convenience. And with rates that don't break the bank, it's no wonder this place has guests coming back for more. 💰🔄 📍 43-15 Koraicho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 890-0051, Japan

Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan ~ The majestic Sakurajima Volcano and the beautiful scenery of Satsuma!

Taking the Kyushu Shinkansen, I arrived in Kagoshima City in the southern part of Kyushu. This city is built around the Sakurajima Volcano, which erupts many times throughout the year. When I arrived, the volcano's crater was still emitting thick smoke. Every household in Kagoshima City has bags in front of their doors to collect volcanic ash. From the observatory in Shiroyama Park, you can see the entire city and the Sakurajima Volcano. Shiroyama Park is the site of the last civil war in Japan, the Satsuma Rebellion. After being defeated in the Satsuma Rebellion, Saigo Takamori committed suicide here. It is said that if you haven't seen the Sakurajima Volcano, you haven't truly been to Kagoshima. However, sometimes due to bad weather, fog may obscure the view of Sakurajima, so it's best to visit on a clear day. Walking to Kagoshima Port allows you to appreciate the Sakurajima Volcano up close. There are ferries that can take you to Sakurajima, but they may stop operating during volcanic eruptions. Kagoshima City also has many statues of famous people. Starting from Kagoshima Chuo Station, you can see statues of Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, the statue of the 11th lord of the Satsuma Domain, Shimazu Nariakira, in Terukuni Shrine, the statue of Atsuhime in the Reimeikan, and the statues of Sakamoto Ryoma and his wife in the Tenmonkan shopping street. In the Tenmonkan shopping street, I tasted Kyushu's tonkotsu ramen and Shirokuma ice cream. The Ishin Furusato Museum near Kagoshima Chuo Station is a place to learn about the history of the Satsuma Domain. Kagoshima is also one of the birthplaces of the Meiji Restoration. The museum records historical materials related to Saigo Takamori, the arrival of the Black Ships, the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance, and the Satsuma Rebellion. There are many items related to the NHK Taiga drama "Segodon." The entrance fee is 300 yen, and the museum is usually open year-round. Kagoshima · Kagoshima Prefecture Sakurajima

Kagoshima: 'Portrait of a Scream' by Hiroshi Ohnari

This rock is carved into the face of a screaming person, and it's entirely made from Sakurajima lava, so you can witness a very intense statue of a scream! It was modeled after Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, who once performed live here. The location serves as an observation deck, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and the sea while admiring the impressive monument. Be sure to visit! 📍 3629-3 Akamizu-cho, Sakurajima, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture

Home Cooking

Located near the planetarium, this home cooking restaurant isn't open every day. I wanted to visit again, but it was closed. I've always loved the home cooking at small shops in Japan because each family's dishes are different, and every meal feels fresh, reflecting the chef's heart! This time, the owner's kind husband even went out of his way to find me a bus schedule to Kirishima. I'm really grateful to them! Additionally, an elderly gentleman accompanied me to Yamagata House!

The Black Pork Shabu-Shabu that only needs water.

Black Pork Shabu-Shabu Ichiniisan Yushoku Tonsa Ichiniisan Tenmonkan Branch I am a beef lover, but Kagoshima's black pork completely changed my perception of pork. I found myself craving it every other day. The thinly sliced black pork cooks quickly with just a few swishes in the hot water. A little bit of green onion sauce, and I couldn't stop eating! The staff were very busy, each serving multiple tables, so the food didn't come out quickly. I saw many people asking several times before getting their utensils. Eating alone was quite comfortable, but some people who were in a hurry didn't even have time for dessert. If the service was faster, the dining experience would be even better. I visited two branches of this restaurant in one week, and both were understaffed! However, the food was delicious, though relatively expensive. If you have the chance and the time, you should definitely try it!

Unique Yamagata Department Store

Yamagata Department Store is a must-visit for shopping enthusiasts. Established during the Edo period, this historic store boasts a nostalgic and grand exterior. It features four main halls filled with famous brands such as LV, Patrick Cox, Kate Spade, Hermes, Par Avion, Chole, and more.

The best sugarcane brown sugar in japan

It has natural good taste with natural aroma and I strongly recommend it to those who love brown sugar. It is one of the best brown sugar in japan. Must try it when you visit south part of japan.

Serene Comfort at Sheraton Kagoshima

#japantrip Sheraton Kagoshima offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Kagoshima, blending contemporary luxury with warm hospitality. The hotel features spacious rooms with stunning views of Sakurajima volcano or Kagoshima Bay, providing a tranquil ambiance. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including local Kagoshima cuisine and international dishes, at the hotel's restaurants and lounges. The Sheraton Club Lounge offers exclusive services for club-level guests, while the fitness center and indoor pool cater to wellness enthusiasts. Conveniently located near Kagoshima Chuo Station and attractions like Sengan-en Garden, Sheraton Kagoshima is an ideal choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience in this charming southern city.

#trip

Southernmost JR Train Station Monument JR

#familytrips2024 There is a shooting spot on the ground, so l thought it would be a good idea to take pictures from there. It can be taken as a set at just the right angle with Mt. Kaimondake in the background. There aren't many people using the train, but there are quite a few visitors by car, and the platform can get crowded, so it's important to have a spirit of compromise. If you come by the first train early in the morning, you can enjoy the atmosphere of a quiet, unexplored station with few people.

Hirakawa Zoo

#familytrips2024 This place was amazing. The best zoo l've ever been to. Quiet and huge. Very little smell from animal dung. Really well managed and spruced up. We went on a monday and it felt like we owned the place. l'd go to Kagoshima just for this zoo. It's not Disney Land, but the lush environment make the zoo feel like it's a natural part of the landscape. (in a way it is) the fee is so cheap, too. 500 yen for an adult and my kid got to go in for free!! I'm normally not a fan of zoos, but I felt in love with this one.

Dazaifu … so nice

Sengan-en

Sengan-en, located in Kagoshima, was established in 1658. It is the garden of the Shimazu clan, the feudal lords of the Satsuma Domain. The garden ingeniously incorporates the views of the Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay, extending the landscape into the garden. It has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. The Shimazu family claims to be descendants of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. This place also produced the remarkable woman Atsu-hime, who deeply influenced the history of the late Edo period.🎎

Tanegashima Space Center

As the home of Japan's largest rocket launch site, Tanegashima is filled with rocket-related sites and items, from supermarkets that also sell space food to observation decks designed for visitors to watch the rockets ascend. In short, the topic of rockets is ubiquitous. Most visitors aim to time their trip to witness the deafening rocket launches that occur every few months from the southern space center. However, with limited launch days, to soothe the hearts of those who miss the launch dates, an official space center open year-round has been established, where the exhibits depict the path out of Earth. Boasting the title of Japan's largest space development base, the Tanegashima Space Center covers an area nearly as vast as 20 Tokyo Disneyland parks, and it is generally impossible (and time-consuming) for visitors to tour the entire site. Tanegashima Space Center (Tanegashima Uchu Center) Address: Masuda, Nakatane, Kumage District, Kagoshima Prefecture