Location: Kagoshima
Top Things to do in Kagoshima
What to do and see in Kagoshima, Japan: The Best Places and Tips
Take a quick ferry ride to Mount Sakurajima, a smoldering volcano, Or, if you prefer to view active volcanoes from a more comfortable distance, stop at one of the many lookout points around the city. (Siroyama Observatory is a good choice.) Finally, if there’s anything better than a foot bath after a long day of sightseeing, it’s a free foot bath after a long day of sightseeing… and you can enjoy one at Sakurajima Nagisa Foot Bath Park.
Restaurants in Kagoshima
1. Sengan-en Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 897 reviews
Sengan-en is a traditional Japanese garden and stately home that has been passed down in the Shimadzu family for over 350 years. The garden boasts spectacular views of active volcano Sakurajima, and the house provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of a powerful feudal lord. Sengan-en and the surrounding area was fundamentally important in the modernization of Japan. It was here that Western industrial technology was introduced to Japan, studied and used in the creation of modern factories. Shoko Shuseikan is a museum set in a 150 year old stone building originally used as a machine factory. Learn about the 700 year history and culture of the Shimadzu family, and the first steps towards the industrialization of Japan. In July, 2015 Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan were recognized as World Cultural Heritage Sites related to Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution.
Reviewed By Mon55 - Brisbane, Australia
The Gardens are well worth taking your time and exploring all the walkways. There is a Terrace with a great view of Sakurajima. There are lots of gift shops and cafes when you first enter but leave them till later and explore the well set out Gardens. If a ship is in port then it can be quite crowded.
2. Sakurajima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Henry F - River Forest, Illoinois
Sakurajima is an active volcano that actually erupted during our visit. The eruption was, as it usually is, mild but an impressive sight. Beyond that rate experience, the park around the Observatory is very beautiful with many great angles for viewing the impressive mountain. And there are other lovely sights as well.
3. Mt. Sakurajima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
A 15-minute ferry ride takes you to this smoking volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan.
4. Sakura Jima Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 702 reviews
Reviewed By ETflyer - Fukuoka, Japan
This is the very convenient transportation between the city and Sakurajima Island. Ferry departs every 15 minutes during daytime. Operation is 24 hours a day (departure is less frequent during the night).
Unlike other regular ferry, Sakurajima Ferry has no ticket system since it departs so frequently. At the city port, just ride the ferry when it's prepared. Pay when you leave the ferry at Sakurajima Port. On your way back, pay when you ride and leave at the city port.
If you drive, the staff advises you to enter lower or upper deck by waving their hands. Similarly, you'll pay the fare at the manned gate at Sakurajima Port.
While you're on board, you can have quick bite of udon noodle at the snack corner on the passenger deck.
5. Yunohira Lookout
Overall Ratings
4 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Rowan H - Cairns, Queensland, Australia
At the top of the Sakurajima Mountains is the Yunohira lookout which provides beautiful panoramic views of Kagoshima and the base of the Sakurajima Mountains. This is one of the must stops for any bus or car tour of Kagoshima. Provides stunning opportunities for photos and will be the highlight of your day on Sakurajima.
6. Mt. Shiroyama
Overall Ratings
4 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By ryanteo - Guangzhou, China
On a day with clear sky, you will be able to get stunning views of Mt. Sakurajima and Kagoshima. Great spot for photography. As the distance from Mt. Sakurajima, an active volcano, is quite near, you amy want to consider bring some face masks to protect against ashes emitted from it. If you have time, do visit Terukuni Shrine also.
7. Shiroyama Observatory
Overall Ratings
4 based on 437 reviews
Reviewed By AB00706 - Prospect Heights, IL
Shiroyama Observatory is an amazing vista point, with a proverbial 'million dollar view' on the city and the Kagoshima Bay. You can see downtown Kagoshima below and the volcano across the bay. It's breath-taking!
It's a 'must see' while in Kagoshima. I was there twice. First time when I had just arrived and I've taken amazing mid-day photos there. Then I've returned in the evening, before the sunset. The platform is facing east, but that's even better. Soft, evening light slowly fades away and it's really pretty. I set up my camera on a tripod, in a time-lapse mode. It was fantastic!
To get there you can take a city bus "Shiroyama and Iso course". Look at the attached map. The bus I took is marked in orange. It's a one-way loop, from the train station, across the city. It has several stops. I took the one at Xavier Park. From there the bus climbs up to the Shiroyama parking lot. Exit there and take a quick walk to the vista point. On a typical day this bus line starts at 9am and the last buses make a loop around 5:30pm. Look at the schedules at the stops.
Cool thing about this line is that when you're done at Shiroyama vista point you can go back to same bus stop and continue to Senganen Gardens. I'll write a review on that one soon. I've decided to got here again, in the evening. I've stayed way past 5:30pm. I've done my homework before I've visited Kagoshima. There is shortcut leading downhill from the Shiroyama parking lot! Look at the attached photo/map. I marked it in green. If you want to stay late, at Shiroyama, go to a small parking lot, behind a bus stop, first. You'll find a staircase leading downhill. That's your shortcut.
If you take it you will end up right in the middle of Tenmonkan shopping district.
Otherwise you may have to walk a long winding road, next to a hotel, all the way around this area. Keep in mind - you WILL NEED a flashlight because this shortcut is pitch-black. The stairs are surrounded by fences and no animals should bother you.
There is another exit to the west, and it's also a walk in the forest, but you will exit near Kagoshima castle and a cemetery. Perhaps not a good idea for a night walk in a park..
Shiroyama Park is an amazing place to visit, whether you want to see it once, or more than that. Highly recommended!
8. Museum of the Meiji Restoration
Overall Ratings
4 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By BSBtraveller - Melbourne, Australia
I find most Japanese museums have great English descriptions but few of the displays did so here. The subject matter is interesting, but I'm not exactly sure what was being displayed.
The sound show had English headphones which was good.
It's an easy walk from the station, less than ten minutes. If you're in Kagoshima, you might as well go as it's only ¥300
9. Sakurajima Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By Kimitaka S
Sakurajima Visitor Center is an information center about Sakurajia. There are interesting displays about the eruptions of volcano in the past. There is also a projection of video. It is free. So, you can visit it before your tour to Sakurajima.
10. Kagoshima City Tram
Overall Ratings
4 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By Anne A - Manchester, United Kingdom
We got a pass at the tourist information for both the trams and the tourist bus. The hotel we were staying at had a stop just outside it and with the pass we did not have to worry about change although there is a change machine on the tram.
Without the pass it's 170 yen no matter the length of the journey.
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