Explore Kagoshima
A Land of Volcanoes, Samurai Heritage, and Natural Wonders

Kagoshima Prefecture, located at the southern tip of Kyushu, is a destination rich in history, dramatic landscapes, and rejuvenating hot springs. Home to the active Sakurajima volcano, samurai heritage, and stunning island escapes, Kagoshima offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation for travelers.

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Best Food in Kagoshima: Must-Try Local Dishes

Kagoshima’s cuisine features fresh seafood, high-quality meats, and rich regional flavors.

  • Kurobuta (Black Pork): Premium Kagoshima pork, enjoyed as shabu-shabu, tonkatsu, or grilled.
  • Kibinago (Silver-Stripe Round Herring): A local delicacy, often served as sashimi with vinegared miso.
  • Satsuma-age: Deep-fried fish cakes, a popular street food and souvenir.
  • Keihan (Chicken Rice): A specialty of Amami Oshima, featuring rice with chicken, broth, and toppings.
  • Shirokuma (Shaved Ice Dessert): A Kagoshima-style kakigori topped with condensed milk and fruit.

Kagoshima Festivals & Events: Seasonal Highlights

Kagoshima hosts unique festivals that celebrate its volcanic landscapes, samurai history, and vibrant traditions.

  • Ohara Matsuri (November): Kagoshima’s largest festival, featuring thousands of dancers performing traditional folk routines.
  • Rokugatsudo Festival (June-July): A lantern festival at Kirishima Shrine celebrating spiritual purification.
  • Sakurajima Fire Island Festival (July): A spectacular event with fireworks and live performances set against the volcanic landscape.
  • Kaseda Ryujin Matsuri (August): A mythical dragon-themed festival with parades and fire rituals.
  • Amami Oshima Tsumugi Festival (February): Showcasing the art of handmade silk kimono production.

Outdoor Activities in Kagoshima: Things to Do Year-Round

Kagoshima’s dramatic landscapes provide countless outdoor experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

  • Hiking Sakurajima Volcano: Get up close to Japan’s most active volcano and enjoy scenic trails with stunning views.
  • Exploring Yakushima Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for ancient cedar forests and lush hiking trails.
  • Diving in Amami Oshima: Crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life make this a top diving destination.
  • Relaxing in Ibusuki’s Natural Sand Baths: Experience a one-of-a-kind detoxifying sand bath along the coastline.
  • Driving the Satsuma Peninsula Scenic Route: A breathtaking coastal drive with views of Cape Nagasakibana and Kaimondake Volcano.

Must-Visit Places in Kagoshima: Top Attractions

Kagoshima is home to historic sites, natural wonders, and unique cultural landmarks.

  • Sakurajima: A continuously active volcano that defines the city’s landscape.
  • Sengan-en Garden: A beautifully preserved samurai garden with views of Sakurajima.
  • Chiran Samurai Residences: A well-preserved samurai district with traditional gardens and historical homes.
  • Yakushima Island: Famous for its ancient cedar trees, including the 7,200-year-old Jomon Sugi.
  • Cape Sata: The southernmost point of mainland Japan, offering panoramic ocean views.

Getting Around Kagoshima: Public Transportation Guide

Kagoshima’s transportation network makes it easy to explore both urban and remote areas.

  • Kagoshima Airport: Offers domestic and international flights, connecting Kyushu to major destinations.
  • Kyushu Shinkansen (Kagoshima-Chuo Station): Provides high-speed rail connections to Fukuoka, Osaka, and beyond.
  • Sakurajima Ferry: A 15-minute ferry ride connecting Kagoshima City to Sakurajima Volcano.
  • Kagoshima City Trams: A convenient way to navigate Kagoshima’s city center and main attractions.
  • Rental Cars & Ferries: Essential for exploring remote islands and rural areas such as Yakushima and Amami Oshima.

Best Hotels in Kagoshima: Where to Stay

Kagoshima offers a wide range of accommodations, from hot spring resorts to traditional ryokan.

  • Luxury Hotels: Stay at Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima, offering stunning views of Sakurajima and a premium onsen experience.
  • Traditional Ryokan: Experience authentic Japanese hospitality at Hakusuikan, a luxurious ryokan in Ibusuki.
  • Seaside Resorts: Enjoy a relaxing beach stay at Amami Resort Bashayama Village on Amami Oshima.
  • Budget-Friendly Hotels: Comfortable options like Dormy Inn Kagoshima, featuring city views and hot spring baths.
  • Countryside Stays: Stay in a traditional farmhouse in Yakushima’s eco-lodges for a serene nature retreat.

Kagoshima’s Cultural Heritage: Experience Unique Traditions

Kagoshima’s history is deeply tied to samurai culture, traditional crafts, and volcanic landscapes.

  • Learning About Saigo Takamori: Visit the Saigo Takamori Statue & Museum, dedicated to one of Japan’s most influential samurai.
  • Satsuma Kiriko Glass Workshops: Experience the craft of intricate cut glass, a Kagoshima specialty.
  • Shinto Rituals at Kirishima Shrine: A sacred site linked to Japan’s mythological origins.
  • Chiran Peace Museum: A moving tribute to WWII kamikaze pilots and their history.
  • Amami Oshima’s Tsumugi Silk Weaving: Witness the traditional kimono-making process unique to this island region.

Best Souvenirs from Kagoshima: What to Buy

Take home a piece of Kagoshima with these unique local products.

  • Satsuma Kiriko Glassware: Beautiful, handcrafted glassware with intricate designs.
  • Shirokuma Ice Cream & Sweets: Inspired by Kagoshima’s famous shaved ice dessert.
  • Satsuma Shochu: Kagoshima’s signature distilled spirit, made from sweet potatoes.
  • Chiran Green Tea: Premium green tea grown in the fertile volcanic soil of Kagoshima.
  • Handmade Tsumugi Silk: A luxurious textile unique to Amami Oshima.

Plan Your Kagoshima Adventure Today!

From samurai heritage and active volcanoes to tropical islands and onsen retreats, Kagoshima offers an unforgettable journey. Whether you're soaking in Ibusuki’s hot sand baths, exploring the forests of Yakushima, or enjoying local delicacies like kurobuta pork, Kagoshima is a must-visit destination in Japan.

For more travel inspiration, check out our Japan travel guides and start planning your trip to Kagoshima today!