Location: Kagoshima Prefecture
Top Things to do in Kagoshima Prefecture
Top Hotels in Kagoshima Prefecture
What to do and see in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu-Okinawa: The Best Things to do
Kagoshima Prefecture (鹿児島県, Kagoshima-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu. The capital is the city of Kagoshima.
Restaurants in Kagoshima Prefecture
1. Mount Sakurajima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,855 reviews
A 15-minute ferry ride takes you to this smoking volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan.
Reviewed By 111gedk - London, United Kingdom
This is an active volcano. It's perpetually smoking and people live on the lower slopes. There's an observation platform in Kagoshima that you can get to by bus for a fantastic view of this natural wonder. It's a live volcano, of course you want to make the effort to see it!
2. Sengan-en
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,276 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 800 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 1760022 - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Driving down from Kumamoto, I chose Sengan-en to view Sakurajima, rather than go to the observatory or the prefectural building and I am glad I did. The gardens were constructed in the 1650's by the Shimazu family, which ruled the area for a considerable time. They couldn't have picked a better spot with its stunning views of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay. The residence, which was rebuilt in the late 1800's and the rooms show life at it was in those days. There are two restaurants and a matcha cafe, gift shops with local crafts of wood and satsuma kiriko (cut-glass crystal), and snacks, sweets and delicacies. Entrance is 1300 yen for the garden, museum and house (recommended) or just 1000 yen for the garden and museum. My wife and I spent about 3 hours there. This is one place that shouldn't be missed.
3. Mt. Kaimondake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 413 reviews
Reviewed By xlne - Singapore, Singapore
I wanted to take my time climbing Mt. Kaimondake because I’m almost recovered from my knee injury, so I took the 9.10am bus from Ibusuki to Kaimon Station. While walking to the trail head on my way in from the main road, I was greeted warmly by a lady sweeping in the Shinto shrine at the bottom of the mountain. At about 11am, I started my slow ascent and reached the top of the mountain around 1.20pm. There were not many people on the trek but I adopted a snail pace anyway. Sadly, this is one of those trails that doesn’t have many nice viewpoints enroute, even though the view from the top is indeed marvellous. At the summit, you’ll actually be standing higher than Tokyo Skytree itself! The curious sight of small groups of trekkers sitting around eating their bentos at the summit was accompanied by the fragrance of cooking noodles, making me regret not bringing some food of my own as well. I only had crackers and water, so I made the most of them while waiting in vain for the clouds to clear. At 3.30pm, I started down at a brisk pace because I don’t want to get caught trekking after sundown. I reached the base of the mountain around 6pm. Most of the nearby restaurants seem to be closed so I had to walk out further to find food. End up taking the 9pm train back to Ibusuki after eating a hearty local teppenyaki dinner some way down the main road.
4. Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 726 reviews
Reviewed By troykramer428 - Sydney, Australia
Truly, green, magical place, where I was able to see small macaques and native yakushika deer in a verdant green moss forest.
5. Tomori Beach
6. Chiran Peace Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 698 reviews
Reviewed By Hsakamotojapanvisit
My sons and I went to Japan to visit my home country and home town Kagoshima. While there we decided to take a trip to Chiran to visit the Samurai town and the Peace museum at the same time. I was especially interested in visiting the Peace museum since my uncle told me of my Grandmother’s picture was among the phots displayed. This place had certain aura about it since so many young men were sent from there to their certain death. One item that reminded me how terrible war is was the reconstructed Zero place that crashed into sea while attacking one of the US ships. How it was covered in hundreds of holes which surely came from anti aircraft guns on US ships. I was looking for the photos of my grandmother in hundreds of photos that were there. Lo and behold, I found few with her in the background and she looked to be in her 40s. I just remember her in her 70s bedridden and in poor health. It was quite a moving experience. Needless to say, the museum is quite a special place to visit and it was wonderful.
7. Kanoya Air Base Museum
8. Kareigawa Station
9. Ogawano Taki Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By kimotsukifan - Kimotsuki-cho, Japan
Lovely spot. We accidentally went to the wrong parking lot first- there's one that leads to an area at the top of the falls, but we wanted to walk along the river and see the bottom of the falls. Search 雄川の滝 遊歩道入口 駐車場 on google maps to find the free parking lot at the head of the path that takes you close to the falls!
10. Kirishima-jingu Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 951 reviews
Reviewed By Relax807295 - Miyazaki, Japan
The first historical reference to Kirishima shrine is in the year 540. It had a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. There are many nice hot spring inns nearby, and it is a recommended sightseeing spot. 鹿児島と宮崎の県境にあります。高速の降り口から車で30分ほどです。歴史のある神社で、荘厳な雰囲気でした。
