Kagoshima is a sunny metropolis on the southernmost tip of Kyushu mirroring the heat and appeal of Italy’s Naples with its gentle local weather and streets lined with palm bushes. The highest attraction right here is the unimaginable Mount Sakurajima, paying homage to Vesuvius.
Mount Sakurajima is one among Japan’s most lively volcanos, which has frequent minor eruptions. It’s a standard sight to see Sakurajima emitting smoke on daily basis, which is a part of the rationale so many individuals come to see it in Kagoshima.
In the event you’re a historical past buff, you’ll positively admire Kagoshima because it was as soon as the house base of the highly effective Shimazu clan, who performed a giant position 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 lately visited Kagoshima with my husband, to flee a few 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 current go to, I’ve gathered all it’s worthwhile to learn about Kagoshima, making each second depend.
get to Kagoshima
Kagoshima is served by the shinkansen and could be accessed (quick!) from any Japanese main metropolis.
The preferred choice 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.
In the event you’re feeling adventurous and need to journey to Kagoshima all the way in which from Tokyo, know that it’s greater than potential and contemplating the gap (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 will probably be coated by the JR Move.
Kagoshima will also be accessed by airplane. It takes just below 2 hours to fly from Tokyo to Kagoshima and there are round 20 flights a day (sure, that’s appropriate), with costs ranging between $100-400 per ticket.
Security Suggestions for Kagoshima
Visiting Kagoshima is mostly very secure however given its proximity to an lively volcano, you’ll need 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 newest info on pure disasters. There are evacuation areas and shelters virtually all over the place in Kagoshima. Simply at all times 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 climbing in Kirishima Nationwide Park or different pure areas, stick 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 pointers, comparable to not staying in scorching water too lengthy to keep away from overheating.
Mount Sakurajima
The primary purpose to go to Kagoshima is to see the unimaginable Mount Sakurajima. It’s one among Japan’s most lively volcanos, and it’s quite common to see it emit plumes of smoke on daily basis. In reality, all over the place you might be in Kagoshima, you’ll be able to see residue from the volcanic ash.
There are a number of factors dotted all through town from the place you’ll be able to see and {photograph} Mount Sakurajima, however the Shiroyama Park Remark Deck is, for my part, the perfect and most accessible. From the statement 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 statement 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 should 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 couple of fundamental questions.
Shiroyama Park Remark Deck
Entry Charge: Freed from cost
Open 24/7
Shiroyama Park Remark Deck is a well-liked vantage level situated at 107 meters above sea degree. It’s situated on the Shiroyama Hill and offers among the best 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 by means of a residential neighbourhood earlier than climbing some steps all the way in which to the highest. We visited on a heat and sunny day, and have been parched by the point we received to the highest. Please make certain to put on sunscreen and take some water with you. There are merchandising machines on the entrance to Shiroyama Park for those who want a top-up.
There are a bunch of small outlets promoting ice cream, souvenirs, and drinks on the entrance to Shiroyama Park. There’s a small bathroom and a few merchandising machines to your comfort too.
Make your method by means of the park in the direction of the statement deck. Some historic data for you, Shiroyama Park is a crucial historic web site recognized for its position within the ultimate battle of the Satsuma Rise up in 1877.
Yunohira Observatory
Entry Charge: Freed from cost
Outlets Opening Instances: 9:00-17:00
In case you are dedicated and need to see the volcano in all its splendour, then you’ll want to head to Yunohira Observatory, a first-rate viewing spot situated on the slope of Sakurajima.
Yunohira Observatory is positioned at about 373 meters above sea degree, the best level on Sakurajima that’s accessible to the general public. From this observatory, you will get an up-close view of the volcanic exercise, together with the Showa Crater, which has been notably lively since 2006.
Attending to Yunohira Observatory is an journey in itself. Make your method 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 entails going up a winding mountain highway.
Entry Charge: Freed from cost
Foot tub Opening Instances: Out there from 9:00 till sundown
“Sakurajima” Yogan Nagisa Park Footbath is a foot onsen situated on the base of mountain Sakurajima, simply 5 minutes from the ferry port. Yogan Nagisa Park itself is located alongside the coast, providing gorgeous views of Kagoshima Bay and town skyline throughout the water. Inside it, there may be the onsen footpath with pure scorching springs that gush out from 1,000 meters underground.
This footbath is among the longest of its variety 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 is no such thing as a admission charge to make use of the tub. Deliver your individual towel or buy an authentic Kagoshima towel from the Sakurajima Customer Middle or Kokumin Shukusha Rainbow Sakurajima. To make use of the tub, take away your footwear and be certain that no garments contact the water. Get pleasure from!
Tenmonkan
Tenmonkan is a big procuring and leisure district in Kagoshima Metropolis. You’ll need to come right here for the huge variety of outlets and eating places, the place you’ll eat native meals.
Begin with a stroll down Tenmonkan Road, which is a conventional shotengai (Japanese coated procuring avenue). It’s a improbable place to seize some native Japanese souvenirs, eat some muffins and native baked gadgets. One factor that stood out to me is how less expensive the costs have 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 identical 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 made out of a mix of pork and hen bones and topped with the same old sliced pork (chashu), bamboo shoots (menma), scallions, and boiled eggs.
Probably the most scrumptious native speciality is Kurobuta which is black pork. I particularly suggest ordering a Kurobuta Tonkatsu.
CenTerrace Tenmonkan
Buying in Japan is at all times a pleasure and Kagoshima isn’t any exception. CenTerrace Tenmonkan is a multi-level procuring centre simply reverse the doorway to Tenmonkan Road. That is your cease for espresso (and extra meals, after all). The good factor about CenTerrace Tenmonkan is the Astronomical Museum Library situated on the fifth flooring. It appears tremendous fashionable and alluring and there may be even a gallery subsequent door.
On the second flooring, you’ll discover the Gachagacha Forest which is a maze-like house 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 hooked up to my journey backpack now.
Sengan-en
Entry Charge: 1600 yen (backyard, shoko shuseikan, palace) or 1000 yen (backyard, shoko shuseikan)
Opening Instances:9:00-17:00
Sengan-en is a wonderful backyard by the Kagoshima bay, initially inbuilt 1658 by the Shimazu clan. The backyard is known for its wonderful views of Sakurajima, however it’s the backyard itself that’s the major 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 wood homes. Probably the most curiosity side is that among the many standard inexperienced vegetation featured in most conventional gardens, you’ll additionally see palm bushes right here.
There’s a historic home throughout the backyard that belonged to the Shimazu household, the place you’ll be able to see how the samurai and their households lived previously.
Iso Seashore
Iso Seashore is a public sanby seaside situated simply 5 minutes stroll from Sengan-en. Iso is the most well-liked native seaside from the place you’ll be able to hearken to the light waves of the water whereas admiring the gorgeous Mount Sakurajima within the distance.
Please word that swimming is just not at all times be advisable because of the volcanic exercise within the bay, the seaside is an ideal spot for leisure and taking within the views. There are bathrooms and a small Japanese candy store to seize a snack.
In the event you’re a fan of watersports, Iso Seashore is a good 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 position 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 grew to become some of the 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 need to stroll alongside the Inari River within the Lyons Park. That is an particularly fashionable spot in the course of the spring blossoms, whenever you’ll discover meals stalls promoting Japanese meals.Yoshino Park
Yoshino Park
Entry Charge: Freed from cost
Opening Instances: 7 am–5 pm
Yoshino Park is a fashionable cherry blossom viewing spot within the spring, situated 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 gives panoramic views of town and the Sakurajima volcano.
Yoshino Park is ideal for lengthy walks in nature, for whenever you simply need to reconnect along with your environment. It has strolling paths, open lawns, and areas designated for picnics and leisure. It additionally consists of playgrounds for those who’re travelling with children, making it a super place for households to spend time open air.
In the event 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 Charge: 400 yen (plus further for any workshop or particular actions)
Opening Instances:9:00-17:00
Amino-no Sato is a cultural and botanical attraction situated round 25 minute prepare experience away from the principle Kagoshima station. Amino-no Sato celebrates the wealthy heritage and tropical fantastic thing about the Amami Islands. Moreover the attractive landscaped gardens right here, you’ll need to interact in interactive actions comparable to dyeing handkerchiefs with pure plant-based dyes, braiding workshops, weaving, and attempting 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 Move, or prices about 250 yen per particular person.
Kagoshima Chuo Station (Amu Plaza Kagoshima)
Kagoshima Chuo Station is a key prepare 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 will probably be your port of arrival and departure to Kagoshima. Just like many shinkansen prepare 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 middle proper on the station, and locations like Connoisseur-Yokocho and Miyage-Yokocho the place you’ll be able to seize a fast snack or purchase presents close to the doorway. It’s actually useful for folks 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 massive Ferris wheel. It’s 60 meters huge and takes you up 91 meters excessive, so you’ll be able to see over the buildings and get a fantastic view of Sakurajima, the volcano close by. The Ferris wheel stays open till 10:45 pm, so you’ll be able to see town lights at evening, too.
Locations to go to close to Kagoshima
Kagoshima is a gorgeous 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 positively an uncommon expertise, however one which takes care of your achy muscle tissues. You’ll need 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 Move or prices round 1000 yen per particular person.
Yakushima
Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and some of the lovely Japanese islands with historical 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 entails 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’ll be able to hike within the mountains, chill out in scorching springs, and benefit from the peaceable environment. For deeper exploration, I like to recommend renting a automotive.
Kirishima Nationwide Park
Seize your climbing boots and head to the attractive Kirishima Nationwide Park, that’s residence to mountains, a volcanic lake and scorching spring. The park is wealthy in mythology and a part of local Japanse legends, mentioned to be the birthplace of some Japanese gods.
There are quite a few climbing trails that vary from straightforward walks to more difficult treks, main you thru a wide range 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’ll be able to both drive (1 hour) or take the general public transport, a mix of prepare and buses to the doorway to the park (2 hours and half-hour).
Okinawa
A bit additional away however accessible by airplane, Okinawa has shortly develop into one among my favorite locations in Japan. Having spent near per 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 will want to fly to Okinawa, however 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 scorching, and the cherry blossoms bloom in late March making it a wonderful time for sightseeing. Autumn is superb 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 scorching springs and ideal for those who’re trying 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 return all this fashion and never keep in a resort with a public tub. Listed below are the motels 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 scorching spring tub 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 Lodge
Sheraton Kagoshima is a 5-star resort in Kagoshima that provides a wide range of facilities. It has a health middle, backyard, terrace, and its personal restaurant. For enterprise vacationers, there’s a enterprise middle and concierge service. The resort does have a beautiful spa and wellness facility together with a sauna and a scorching tub spring.
Last ideas on Kagoshima
Whereas I needed to go to Kagoshima primarily to see Mount Sakurajima I used to be very excited to see the array of sights out there, starting from the cool onsen on the resort, to gorgeous open air parks.
I beloved our time in Kagoshima, and I’m within the means of planning a visit again for this 12 months. I beloved the climate, the laid-back ambiance and simply how welcoming the locals have been in the direction of us. Possibly it’s as a result of Kagoshima is just not getting the same old inflow of vacationers, however we genuinely felt like this was some of the enjoyable locations we’ve seen in Japan. Please make certain so as to add it to your Japan itinerary when you go to Japan subsequent.
Regularly Requested Questions
Is it value going to Kagoshima
Kagoshima is 100% value it, because it was some of the laid-back cities I’ve visited in Japan. The spotlight right here is the character, with views of Mount Sakurajima and several other different parks dotted throughout town. There’s tradition due to the native museum, there may be distinctive native meals which embrace the Kagoshima fish muffins and the kurobuta pork, in addition to nice procuring choices. I’ve discovered many souvenirs together with particular Kagoshima beers, pretty handcrafted native crafts and delightful hand painted postcards with views of Sakurajima. Kagoshima is value visiting for those who love historical past too, because it performed a major position 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 recent springs, particularly the sand baths in Ibusuki, and to go to close by Yakushima island, recognized for its historical 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 scorching springs to get the complete Kagoshima expertise. In the event you want to take some day journeys to the close by Ibusuki or Kirishima Nationwide Park, then you definitely’ll need to prolong your keep to 3-4 days as a substitute.
Is Kagoshima foreigner pleasant?
I can solely converse 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 realm round it. He advised us he’s actually comfortable 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 folks.
