Discover The journey of Kagoshima | A Japan you havent seen yet

  • SAKURAJIMA

    SAKURAJIMA

    Sakurajima is loved by many as it is the symbol of Kagoshima Prefecture. The locals manage to coexhist with the volcano and live off its blessings. From the observatory of Shiroyama Park you can have a view on the city and the strong presence of Sakurajima in the Kinko Bay in an typical Kagoshima landscape.

  • IBUSHUKI ONSEN

    IBUSUKI ONSEN

    In Ibusuki you can experience a unique type on onsen, where the Kagoshima's volcanic feature warms up your whole body when you are being covered in hot sand given by the heat of the ground. The hot sand stimulates sweating and has effects on skin beauty and general wellbeing thanks to detoxing, properties that are especially appreciated by female visitors.

  • SATSUMA KIRIKO

    SATSUMA KIRIKO

    The Kagoshima's typical product Satsuma Kiriko is a type of gorgeous transparent colored glass with delicate geometric patterns. Starting from Satsuma Kiriko, there are many brand specialties and crafts from this area of Japan, such as Satsuma sweet potatoes and Satsuma shochu liquor.

  • KAGOSHIMA PORK

    KAGOSHIMA PORK

    Speaking of gourmet, Kagoshima produces the highest amount of black pork Japan: the so-called Satsuma Kurobuta is famous worldwide for being soft, juicy and delicious. There are many Kagoshima gourmet foods that make use of black pork such as shabu-shabu, black pork tonkatsu and black pork steak.

  • YAKUSHIMA

    YAKUSHIMA

    Yakushima, an island of untouched nature, is a World Natural Heritage site that you want to visit once in a lifetime! When stepping into the virgin forest laying on this island, you will be able to feel the breath of ancestral times.

  • ISLAND HOPPING

    ISLAND HOPPING

    Remote islands float on the 600 Km long sea of Kagoshima, from Tanegashima in the north to Yoron in the south. Each island has its own local culture, nature and customs. Visiting remote, exotic islands is one of the themes of a special trip unique to Kagoshima.

  • HISATSU ORANGE RAILWAY

    HISATSU ORANGE RAILWAY

    A train trip to see the 100 views of Kagoshima is one of the real pleasures of traveling in this region: with its 100 year-long history, the Hisatsu Orange Railway is popular that seats require a reservation. Enjoy a journey through your train window and feel the refreshing breeze while running along the coastline where the azure sea opens on the landscape!

A Japan you haven't seen yet

Theme of Kagoshima

"Kagoshima is a sub-tropical region located at the southernmost tip of Japan's mainland.
The history of modern Japan began with the innovation that started here.
Kagoshima is a place where you can discover Japan which has not been found yet: the more you know about it, the deeper it gets!
We bring you the charm of Kagoshima, colored by beautiful nature and inhabited by various cultures!"

Area map of Kagoshima

In Kagoshima there's a Japan that I haven't found yet.
Unique experiences and landscapes you have never seen: from sightseeing to adventure, take a moving trip to Kagoshima!

Kagoshima Central Area

The central area that serves as the gateway to Kagoshima: every trip to Kagoshima begins here. Sightseeing, gourmet, shopping: an area where the charm of Kagoshima is condensed.

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  • Sengan-en

    Sengan-en is the residence of the Shimazu family, which ruled the land of Satsuma since 350 years ago. The highlight is the garden that shows the beauty of the four seasons.
    In addition, the area around the rocky shore area where Sengan-en is located is registered as a World Cultural Heritage as Meiji Japan's Industrial Revolutionary Heritage.

    Sengan-en

  • Tenmonkan

    Tenmonkan is Kagoshima's downtown area. Thanks to its roofed shopping streets, you can enjoy sightseeing and shopping even on rainy days.
    The north side of the train street is plenty with department stores, select shops and cafes, while the south side is a restaurant area that is lively until late at night.

    Tenmonkan

  • Io World Aquarium

    A new popular tourist spot in Kagoshima is the Io World Aquarium, boasting a location that look up Kagoshima's symbol Sakurajima.
    In the outdoor water area is connected to the sea, and you can enjoy performances such as jumping dolphins in the aquarium from up close!

    Io World Aquarium

Kirishima and Osumi Area

The Kirishima area is where the mythical legend of Japan's origin.
After visiting the Kirishima Shrine,you can relax at Kirishima Onsen Town.

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  • Kirishima Shrine

    A great shrine dedicated to the main character Ninigi no Mikoto, featuring in the myth of Tenson Korin.
    The magnificent vermilion shrine that stands in the deep green is a must see spot.
    This spiritual location creates a sacred atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

    Kirishima Shrine

  • Kirishima Onsen

    This is a remarkable hot spring village, also visited by the historical figure Ryoma Sakamoto at the end of the Edo period.
    You can enjoy a hot spring trip with springs rising from the magnificent mountains of the Kirishima mountain range where mythical tales are still alive.
    You can easily enjoy the hot springs not only for accommodation but also an a day trip.

    Kirishima Onsen

  • Ebino Plateau

    This plateau of abundant nature is located in the Kirishima mountain range where mythical stories are still being stold.
    It is the first Geopark in Japan to be designated as a national park.
    Go on an eco-tour where you can meet the beautiful flowers of the four seasons, the flora and fauna that live in the plateau, and natural monuments.

    Ebino Plateau

Ibusuki and Chiran Area

Head to an open tropical drive with the Kaimondake volcano in the background, aslo known as the Satsuma Fuji! Ibusuki's sand hot springs and Chiran's traditional samurai residences are the top destinations of the area!

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  • Ibusuki Onsen

    The specialty of Ibusuki Onsen are the sand hot springs.
    A hot spring method unique to the volcanic region of Kagoshima that promotes the sweating action of the whole body and brings about a detox effect by being buried in warm sand using volcanic heat and warming from the core of the body.
    The sea extends out in front of you: you can relax with the sound of the quiet tide.

    Ibusuki Onsen

  • Chiran Samurai Residence

    Chiran is known as Satsuma's Little Kyoto and is lined with beautiful Japanese houses.
    The samurai residence formed by the Shimazu clan, who ruled Satsuma during the Edo period, are still preserved.
    The sturdy appearance of the samurai residence, which is typical of Satsuma and lifestyle of the Satsuma samurais in the past.

    Chiran Samurai Residence

  • Karafunekyo Somen Nagashi

    These are the rotating somen noodles made from the clear spring water of the Tosen Valley, which was selected as one of the top 100 best waters of Japan.
    It is a popular gourmet in Ibusuki and feeds 300,000 customers from all over Japan every year.
    Somen noodles that go around the running water of glass work are beautiful in appearance and excellent in taste.

    Karafunekyo Somen Nagashi

Kagoshima North Area

To see the scenic scenery of Kagoshima's west coast, take the scenic train Hisatsu Orange Railway that runs along the coastline and go on a journey from Kawauchi to Izumi.

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  • Orange Shokudo

    The Orange Shokudo is a cafeteria located on a higher-grade luxury train provided by Hisatsu Orange Railway.
    The sophisticated interior design, which is inspired by the hotel lobby and luxury cafes and the comfortable and relaxing seats welcome important guests.

    Orange Shokudo

  • Izumi-Fumoto samurai residences

    The Izumi-Fumoto Samurai Residences retains the remnants of the samurai society of 400 years ago.
    You can also experience wearing a kimono, walking around the samurai residences and feeling like you have traveled back in time.
    For sightseeing, we recommend the Izumi Sightseeing Ox Cart, with rides talking about 25 minutes.

    Izumi-Fumoto samurai residences

  • Koshiki Ohashi

    Kami-koshiki, Naka-Koshiki and Shimo-koshiki Islands are connected by bridges.
    Among them, the dream bridge Koshiki Ohashi that connects Nakakoshi and Shimokoshiki is a popular scenic spot.
    Diving in these pristine waters is also popular, being a less known spot where you can enjoy the mysterious water scenery unique to the East China Sea.

    Koshiki Ohashi

Yakushima / Tanegashima

Yakushima is a World Natural Heritage site where nature and diverse ecosystems have been existing since ancient times.
Tanegashima is where the first firearms were introduced in Japan and it is now the cutting-edge technology of space science.

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  • Yakushima

    Yakushima was the first location in Japan to be registered as a World Natural Heritage Site.
    Its is mostly made of mountain over 1500m above sea level which are therefore called the Ocean Alps.
    You can visit it on a day trip but, if possible, stay overnight and take a closer look at the changing expressions of Yakushima throughout the day and night.

    Yakushima

  • Yakushima Eco Tour

    You can enjoy trekking along the promenade of Yakushima.
    Take a deep breath in the dignified air of the mossy virgin forest, listen to the heartbeat of yakusugi trees, thousands of years old, and bathe in plenty of negative ions in front of a spectacular waterfall.
    A divine world far beyond our imagination is spreading.

    Yakushima Eco Tour

  • Tanegashima

    Tanegashima, where firearms were introduced from Portugal 450years ago, is now home to the most scenic rocket launch base in the world.
    On the beautiful shallow beaches, you can enjoy marine sports all year round in the mild Tanegashima climate.

    Tanegashima

Amami Islands

The Amami Islands, which belong to the subtropical zone, south of the mainland of Kagoshima. have a unique local culture and climate that is highly mysterious and exotic.

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  • Amami Oshima

    Amami Oshima, the second largest remote island in Japan, is located between Kagoshima and Okinawa.
    Most of the island is covered with subtropical virgin forest, and the pristine nature that lives there is rich in diversity and rarity.
    It is called Oriental Galapagos because of its abundant nature. You can also experience activities canoeing and snorkeling in the mangrove virgin forest.

    Amami Oshima

  • Amami culture

    A unique Amami culture was nurtured in a history that prospered through marine trade with China and Ryukyu, and a climate that emphasized coexistence with abundant nature.
    It features the simple taste of local cuisine that has received the abundance of Amami, the comfort of Oshima Tsumugi that is carefully woven one by one, and the melody of Amami shamisen and island songs.

    Amami culture

  • Yoron Island

    Yoron Island is located at the southernmost tip of Kagoshima Prefecture, further south from Amami Oshima.
    On Yoron, chalky sandbars called Yurigahama appear from the clear blue sea from spring to summer.
    The fantastic beauty of the emerald green sea is like a paradise on earth.

    Yoron Island
photo spot of kagoshima

From traditional crafts to cute ice cream sweets and a treasure trove of untouched nature:
Introducing a special Kagoshima photo spot that you will surely want to show off to someone!

Kaimondake and rapeseed flowers

Kaimondake & Rape flowers
Black pig shabu-shabu

Black pig shabu-shabu
Shirokuma Polar Bears
Shirokuma Polar Bears

Shirokuma Polar Bears
Satsuma Kiriko
Satsuma Kiriko

Satsuma Kiriko
Oshima Tsumugi
Oshima Tsumugi

Oshima Tsumugi
Kamegaoka
Kamegaoka

Kamegaoka
Kakeroma-jima

Kakeroma-jima
Shiratani Unsui-kyo
Shiratani Unsui-kyo

Shiratani Unsui-kyo

Kagoshima Travel basic information

Basic information