Kagoshima is a sunny metropolis on the southernmost tip of Kyushu mirroring the heat and allure of Italy’s Naples with its gentle local weather and streets lined with palm timber. The highest attraction right here is the unimaginable Mount Sakurajima, harking back to Vesuvius.
Mount Sakurajima is one in all Japan’s most lively volcanos, which has frequent minor eruptions. It’s a typical sight to see Sakurajima emitting smoke each day, which is a part of the rationale so many individuals come to see it in Kagoshima.
Should you’re a historical past buff, you’ll undoubtedly recognize Kagoshima because it was as soon as the house base of the highly effective Shimazu clan, who performed a giant function within the Meiji Restoration.
Past the principle sights within the metropolis itself, Kagoshima additionally serves as a gateway to a few of Japan’s most picturesque landscapes and islands like Yakushima and Amami Oshima.
I just lately visited Kagoshima with my husband, to flee a number of the winter chilly in Tokyo, as seeing Sakurajima has been on my must-visit listing for a few years. With this information, I intention to share the essence of Kagoshima, serving to you uncover town’s greatest experiences. From my latest go to, I’ve gathered all you’ll want to find out about Kagoshima, making each second rely.
How you can get to Kagoshima
Kagoshima is served by the shinkansen and may be accessed (quick!) from any Japanese main metropolis.
The preferred possibility for guests is to normally go to Kagoshima for 1-2 days as a journey from Fukuoka. On the Kyushu Shinkansen, it takes 80 minutes to achieve Kagoshima Station from Hakata Station.
From Hiroshima Station, it takes 2 hours and half-hour on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to achieve Kagoshima.
Should you’re feeling adventurous and wish to journey to Kagoshima all the best way from Tokyo, know that it’s greater than doable and contemplating the space (1400 km), I’d say it’s surprisingly quick. It takes roughly 7 hours on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen line to achieve Kagoshima from Tokyo. Your journey can be coated by the JR Go.
Kagoshima may also be accessed by aircraft. It takes slightly below 2 hours to fly from Tokyo to Kagoshima and there are round 20 flights a day (sure, that’s right), with costs ranging between $100-400 per ticket.
Security Suggestions for Kagoshima
Visiting Kagoshima is usually very protected however given its proximity to an lively volcano, you’ll wish to come ready.
Sakurajima is an lively volcano. Keep knowledgeable about its exercise and comply with any advisories or evacuation orders from native authorities. I like to recommend downloading the Security Suggestions app for the most recent data on pure disasters. There are evacuation areas and shelters nearly in all places in Kagoshima. Simply all the time take inventory of your environment.
Kagoshima may be very sunny (which is superior!). Use sunscreen, put on hats, and keep hydrated to keep away from sunburn and heatstroke.
When mountain climbing in Kirishima Nationwide Park or different pure areas, persist with marked trails, put on applicable footwear, and carry enough water and snacks.
If visiting onsen or sand baths like these in Ibusuki, comply with native etiquette and security tips, comparable to not staying in sizzling water too lengthy to keep away from overheating.
Mount Sakurajima
The primary motive to go to Kagoshima is to see the unimaginable Mount Sakurajima. It’s one in all Japan’s most lively volcanos, and it’s quite common to see it emit plumes of smoke each day. The truth is, in all places you might be in Kagoshima, you may see residue from the volcanic ash.
There are a number of factors dotted all through town from the place you may see and {photograph} Mount Sakurajima, however the Shiroyama Park Remark Deck is, for my part, the perfect and most accessible. From the remark deck, you get to see Mount Sakurajima in all its splendour, but in addition the rooftops of Kagoshima metropolis.
There are lots of locals who make the hike to the remark deck each single day, partly as a result of they love the view and partly as a result of, we’re advised, it’s good train. There are usually not as many vacationers in Kagoshima as earlier than the pandemic, so it’s not unusual for locals to strike a dialog and ask you a number of primary questions.
Shiroyama Park Remark Deck
Entry Payment: Freed from cost
Open 24/7
Shiroyama Park Remark Deck is a well-liked vantage level positioned at 107 meters above sea stage. It’s positioned on the Shiroyama Hill and offers probably the greatest views of Kagoshima Bay and the lively Sakurajima volcano.
It’s fairly a hike to the highest of the hill and also you’ll be strolling via a residential neighbourhood earlier than climbing some steps all the best way to the highest. We visited on a heat and sunny day, and had been parched by the point we bought to the highest. Please be certain to put on sunscreen and take some water with you. There are merchandising machines on the entrance to Shiroyama Park when you want a top-up.
There are a bunch of small retailers promoting ice cream, souvenirs, and drinks on the entrance to Shiroyama Park. There’s a small rest room and a few merchandising machines to your comfort too.
Make your approach via the park in the direction of the remark deck. Some historic data for you, Shiroyama Park is a vital historic website recognized for its function within the last battle of the Satsuma Riot in 1877.
Yunohira Observatory
Entry Payment: Freed from cost
Retailers Opening Instances: 9:00-17:00
If you’re dedicated and wish to see the volcano in all its splendour, then you’ll want to head to Yunohira Observatory, a major viewing spot positioned on the slope of Sakurajima.
Yunohira Observatory is positioned at about 373 meters above sea stage, the very best level on Sakurajima that’s accessible to the general public. From this observatory, you may get an up-close view of the volcanic exercise, together with the Showa Crater, which has been significantly lively since 2006.
Attending to Yunohira Observatory is an journey in itself. Make your approach to the ferry port in Honkoshinmachi (close to the Kagoshima Metropolis Aquarium). Take the ferry to cross to Sakurajima Port. The journey is 15-20 minutes. Sakurajima Ferry operates 102 occasions on weekdays and 112 occasions on weekends and holidays.
From the port, take the Sakurajima Island View buses to the Yunohira Observatory. The journey takes round 20 minutes and the drive includes going up a winding mountain highway.
Entry Payment: Freed from cost
Foot bathtub Opening Instances: Obtainable from 9:00 till sundown
“Sakurajima” Yogan Nagisa Park Footbath is a foot onsen positioned on the base of mountain Sakurajima, simply 5 minutes from the ferry port. Yogan Nagisa Park itself is located alongside the coast, providing beautiful views of Kagoshima Bay and town skyline throughout the water. Inside it, there may be the onsen footpath with pure sizzling springs that gush out from 1,000 meters underground.
This footbath is likely one of the longest of its type in Japan, making it a particular attraction in Sakurajima. Not solely do you get to chill out after an extended stroll, however you additionally get to admire the volcano from right here.
There isn’t any admission payment to make use of the bathtub. Deliver your individual towel or buy an unique Kagoshima towel from the Sakurajima Customer Middle or Kokumin Shukusha Rainbow Sakurajima. To make use of the bathtub, take away your sneakers and be sure that no garments contact the water. Take pleasure in!
Tenmonkan
Tenmonkan is a big procuring and leisure district in Kagoshima Metropolis. You’ll wish to come right here for the huge variety of retailers and eating places, the place you’ll eat native meals.
Begin with a stroll down Tenmonkan Avenue, which is a conventional shotengai (Japanese coated procuring road). It’s a incredible place to seize some native Japanese souvenirs, eat some muffins and native baked objects. One factor that stood out to me is how less expensive the costs had been right here compared to Tokyo! For instance, a slice of beautiful cake right here was within the area of 400 yen, in comparison with 800 yen in an analogous place in Tokyo.
Tenmonkan is nice for native delicacies too. Kagoshima has its personal tackle ramen referred to as Kagoshima ramen, which has a lighter, clearer soup. The broth is comprised of a mix of pork and hen bones and topped with the standard sliced pork (chashu), bamboo shoots (menma), scallions, and boiled eggs.
Probably the most scrumptious native speciality is Kurobuta which is black pork. I particularly advocate ordering a Kurobuta Tonkatsu.
CenTerrace Tenmonkan
Purchasing in Japan is all the time a pleasure and Kagoshima is not any exception. CenTerrace Tenmonkan is a multi-level procuring centre simply reverse the doorway to Tenmonkan Avenue. That is your cease for espresso (and extra meals, after all). The best factor about CenTerrace Tenmonkan is the Astronomical Museum Library positioned on the fifth ground. It appears to be like tremendous trendy and welcoming and there may be even a gallery subsequent door.
On the second ground, you’ll discover the Gachagacha Forest which is a maze-like area filled with capsule toy machines, good for gachapon lovers. I discovered a very cool gachapon dispenser specialising in mushroom keychains and couldn’t resist not getting one. Superior memento connected to my journey backpack now.
Sengan-en
Entry Payment: 1600 yen (backyard, shoko shuseikan, palace) or 1000 yen (backyard, shoko shuseikan)
Opening Instances:9:00-17:00
Sengan-en is a lovely backyard by the Kagoshima bay, initially in-built 1658 by the Shimazu clan. The backyard is known for its superb views of Sakurajima, nevertheless it’s the backyard itself that’s the fundamental attraction right here as a result of it’s a a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
The backyard is conventional Japanese with typical options like like ponds, stone lanterns and picket homes. Probably the most curiosity facet is that among the many ordinary inexperienced vegetation featured in most conventional gardens, you’ll additionally see palm timber right here.
There’s a historic home inside the backyard that belonged to the Shimazu household, the place you may see how the samurai and their households lived prior to now.
Iso Seashore
Iso Seashore is a public sanby seaside positioned simply 5 minutes stroll from Sengan-en. Iso is the preferred native seaside from the place you may hearken to the mild waves of the water whereas admiring the beautiful Mount Sakurajima within the distance.
Please word that swimming isn’t all the time be advisable as a result of volcanic exercise within the bay, the seaside is an ideal spot for leisure and taking within the views. There are bogs and a small Japanese candy store to seize a snack.
Should you’re a fan of watersports, Iso Seashore is a superb beginning for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Statue of Okubo Toshimichi (Lyons Park)
The doorway to the Lyons Park is marked by the statue of Okubo Toshimichi. Okubo Toshimichi was a distinguished Japanese samurai and statesman who performed an vital function within the Meiji Restoration. Toshimichi-san was born in 1830 in Kagoshima and established himself as one of many leaders of the Satsuma Area. Okubo was a key determine within the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate, which had dominated Japan for over 250 years
Following the restoration, Okubo turned one of the vital influential leaders within the new Meiji authorities. He held a number of vital positions, and labored on implementing many reforms included the abolition of the samurai class, the institution of a conscript military, and the event of recent infrastructure and business.
Okubo Toshimichi’s life got here to a tragic finish in 1878 when he was assassinated by disgruntled samurai.
Past the statue, you’ll wish to stroll alongside the Inari River within the Lyons Park. That is an particularly widespread spot in the course of the spring blossoms, while you’ll discover meals stalls promoting Japanese meals.Yoshino Park
Yoshino Park
Entry Payment: Freed from cost
Opening Instances: 7 am–5 pm
Yoshino Park is a widespread cherry blossom viewing spot within the spring, positioned alongside the Kagoshima Bay. The park is additional out of the principle metropolis centre space however it’s value your whereas because it’s huge and presents panoramic views of town and the Sakurajima volcano.
Yoshino Park is ideal for lengthy walks in nature, for while you simply wish to reconnect together with your environment. It has strolling paths, open lawns, and areas designated for picnics and leisure. It additionally contains playgrounds when you’re travelling with children, making it a super place for households to spend time outdoor.
Should you’re visiting Japan throughout Spring, word that Yoshino Park typically hosts occasions and festivals, particularly in the course of the cherry blossom season.
Amino-no Sato
Entry Payment: 400 yen (plus additional for any workshop or particular actions)
Opening Instances:9:00-17:00
Amino-no Sato is a cultural and botanical attraction positioned round 25 minute practice journey away from the principle Kagoshima station. Amino-no Sato celebrates the wealthy heritage and tropical fantastic thing about the Amami Islands. Apart from the beautiful landscaped gardens right here, you’ll wish to interact in interactive actions comparable to dyeing handkerchiefs with pure plant-based dyes, braiding workshops, weaving, and making an attempt on the beautiful Oshima pongee clothes. Please word that prior reservation for actions is required.
As I’m an enormous nature lover, the principle spotlight for me was the backyard referred to as Path of Islands Backyard. It was created to include stones to imitate the archipelago’s look.
To get to Amino-no Sato, take the JR Ibusukimakurazaki Line from Kagoshimachuo Station to Taniyama Station (4 stops, 12 minutes), then stroll for about quarter-hour. The journey is roofed by your JR Go, or prices about 250 yen per particular person.
Kagoshima Chuo Station (Amu Plaza Kagoshima)
Kagoshima Chuo Station is a key practice station that connects this space with the remainder of Kyushu (and past). It’s particularly recognized for being a part of the Kyushu Shinkansen line, which suggests this can be your port of arrival and departure to Kagoshima. Just like many shinkansen practice stations in Japan, the Kagoshima Chuo Station is a big place for procuring and consuming.
Inside, you’ll discover Amu Plaza Kagoshima, a giant procuring heart proper on the station, and locations like Gourmand-Yokocho and Miyage-Yokocho the place you may seize a fast snack or purchase items close to the doorway. It’s actually useful for individuals coming to go to Kagoshima as a result of there are additionally bus and tram stops right here that go across the metropolis’s high spots.
One cool factor at Amu Plaza is the large Ferris wheel. It’s 60 meters extensive and takes you up 91 meters excessive, so you may see over the buildings and get an ideal view of Sakurajima, the volcano close by. The Ferris wheel stays open till 10:45 pm, so you may see town lights at evening, too.
Locations to go to close to Kagoshima
Kagoshima is a beautiful place to go to in Japan, however many individuals come right here for 1-2 nights earlier than persevering with their journey to close by factors of curiosity, like Ibusuki and Yakushima.
Ibusuki
Ibusuki is a well-liked spa city the place you get to expertise a novel remedy the place you’re buried in naturally heated sand. It’s undoubtedly an uncommon expertise, however one which takes care of your achy muscle tissue. You’ll wish to head to the Sunamushi Onsen to your remedy.
Past the sand baths, Ibusuki is blessed with a gentle, subtropical local weather and beautiful landscapes. To get to Ibusuki, get on the JR Ibusukimakurazaki Line (17 stops, 90 minutes) from Kagoshima Chuo Station to Ibusuki Station. The journey is roofed by your JR Go or prices round 1000 yen per particular person.
Yakushima
Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and one of the vital lovely Japanese islands with historic cedar forests. It’s an ideal location for nature lovers and Studio Ghibli followers. Yakushima impressed Hayao Miyazaki to create the animated masterpiece Princess Mononoke.
Attending to Yakushima normally includes a ferry (round 3 hours on the speedy ferry or in a single day for the automotive ferry) or flight (40 minutes) from Kagoshima. As soon as there, you may hike within the mountains, chill out in sizzling springs, and benefit from the peaceable environment. For deeper exploration, I like to recommend renting a automotive.
Kirishima Nationwide Park
Seize your mountain climbing boots and head to the attractive Kirishima Nationwide Park, that’s residence to mountains, a volcanic lake and sizzling spring. The park is wealthy in mythology and a part of local Japanse legends, stated to be the birthplace of some Japanese gods.
There are quite a few mountain climbing trails that vary from straightforward walks to tougher treks, main you thru quite a lot of landscapes, from lush forests to volcanic craters and peaks. Spring is a very lovely time to go to Kirishima Nationwide Park when the azaleas and different wildflowers bloom.
To get to Kirishima Nationwide Park you may both drive (1 hour) or take the general public transport, a mix of practice and buses to the doorway to the park (2 hours and half-hour).
Okinawa
A bit additional away however accessible by aircraft, Okinawa has shortly develop into one in all my favorite locations in Japan. Having spent near every week exploring the principle island, I can genuinely say that it’s a shocking subtropical place filled with unimaginable surroundings, seashores, and scrumptious meals. You’ll need to fly to Okinawa, nevertheless it takes simply 90 minutes to achieve Naha from Kagoshima.
When to go to Kagoshima
Kagoshima has an ideal gentle local weather, which makes it great to go to 12 months spherical.
Spring and Autumn are the perfect occasions to go to Kagoshima. The climate is heat however not too sizzling, and the cherry blossoms bloom in late March making it a lovely time for sightseeing. Autumn is great with cooler temperatures and fewer rainfall. The altering colours of the leaves in areas like Kirishima Nationwide Park make for spectacular surroundings.
Winter is comparatively thoughts in Kagoshima in comparison with the remainder of Japan, with temperatures hardly ever dropping under freezing. It’s a good time to go to sizzling springs and ideal when you’re wanting a bang to your buck as costs are a lot decrease being off season.
The place to remain in Kagoshima
Kagoshima has so many pure onsen, it will be a disgrace to come back all this fashion and never keep in a resort with a public bathtub. Listed below are the accommodations I like to recommend in Kagoshima.
That is the resort my husband and I stayed in throughout our Kagoshima journey. It was very inexpensive, had a sizzling spring bathtub overlooking the Kagoshima Bay and the Sakurajima mountain. We booked a non-smoking double room with Sakurajima view. The room was comfotable, inexpensive and really clear. Good for a few nights in Kagoshima.
Click on right here for costs and e book Kagoshima Solar Royal Resort
Sheraton Kagoshima is a 5-star resort in Kagoshima that provides quite a lot of facilities. It has a health heart, backyard, terrace, and its personal restaurant. For enterprise vacationers, there’s a enterprise heart and concierge service. The resort does have a beautiful spa and wellness facility together with a sauna and a sizzling bathtub spring.
Remaining ideas on Kagoshima
Whereas I wished to go to Kagoshima primarily to see Mount Sakurajima I used to be very excited to see the array of sights obtainable, starting from the cool onsen on the resort, to beautiful open air parks.
I beloved our time in Kagoshima, and I’m within the technique of planning a visit again for this 12 months. I beloved the climate, the laid-back environment and simply how welcoming the locals have been in the direction of us. Possibly it’s as a result of Kagoshima isn’t getting the standard inflow of vacationers, however we genuinely felt like this was one of the vital enjoyable locations we’ve seen in Japan. Please be certain so as to add it to your Japan itinerary when you go to Japan subsequent.
Continuously Requested Questions
Is it value going to Kagoshima
Kagoshima is 100% value it, because it was one of the vital laid-back cities I’ve visited in Japan. The spotlight right here is the character, with views of Mount Sakurajima and a number of other different parks dotted throughout town. There’s tradition due to the native museum, there may be distinctive native meals which embody the Kagoshima fish muffins and the kurobuta pork, in addition to nice procuring choices. I’ve discovered many souvenirs together with particular Kagoshima beers, beautiful handcrafted native crafts and delightful hand painted postcards with views of Sakurajima. Kagoshima is value visiting when you love historical past too, because it performed a big function within the Meiji Restoration. Locations just like the Reimeikan Museum in Kagoshima Metropolis and the Chiran Samurai Residence Backyard supply insights into its samurai previous.
What’s Kagoshima greatest recognized for
Kagoshima is well-known for Sakurajima, an lively volcano that’s a giant a part of town’s backdrop. It has a wealthy historical past with samurais and is known for its tasty native meals, just like the particular Kurobuta pork. Individuals additionally go there for the new springs, particularly the sand baths in Ibusuki, and to go to close by Yakushima island, recognized for its historic forests and out of doors actions.
What number of days ought to I spend in Kagoshima
For Kagoshima metropolis 1-2 days is sufficient to see Mount Sakurajima, perform a little procuring, see the principle vacationer sights and eat native meals. In a single day, I like to recommend staying in a resort with sizzling springs to get the complete Kagoshima expertise. Should you want to take some day journeys to the close by Ibusuki or Kirishima Nationwide Park, you then’ll wish to prolong your keep to 3-4 days as a substitute.
Is Kagoshima foreigner pleasant?
I can solely communicate from private expertise and say that Kagoshima has been extremely overseas pleasant. We felt actually welcomed there. On the Shiroyama Park Remark Deck, an aged man got here as much as chat with us. He gave us tips about the place to eat and store for particular Kagoshima produce. He additionally shared a bit about his life in Kagoshima and the world round it. He advised us he’s actually pleased that vacationers are coming again to Kagoshima, particularly after every part slowed down with the pandemic. He was additionally fairly excited to get an opportunity to talk English with extra individuals.
