Kagoshima Airport鹿児島空港
Kagoshima guide
A city facing the smoking volcano Sakurajima across the bay, about 15 minutes away by ferry. Come for the Shimadzu family's garden, the history of the Meiji Restoration, and black pork and shochu.
Things to see 10 classics
"Classics" and "Hidden gems" are this site's editorial picks, not a measured popularity ranking.
By interest
By how you get there
- 1
Sakurajima (port and Yogan Nagisa Park)
A volcano that still sends up smoke. Near the port are a visitor center and a long foot bath looking out over the sea.
- Nature
- Views
- Hot springs
about 2 hrFreePartly step-free
Ferry · About 50 min from Kagoshima-Chuo ・ Tram to Suizokukan-guchi, walk to the ferry terminal, then about 15 minutes by boat ・ 26km from here
- 2
Sengan-en Garden and Shoko Shuseikan
The Shimadzu lords' villa garden, with Sakurajima as its hill and the bay as its pond. The Shuseikan next door is a World Heritage site.
- Nature
- History & buildings
- Views
about 2 hrPaid entryPartly step-free
Bus · About 40 min from Kagoshima-Chuo ・ City View or other buses to Sengan-en-mae ・ 24km from here
- 3
Shiroyama Observatory
A lookout facing the city, the bay and Sakurajima beyond. It was also the site of the last battle of the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion.
- Views
- History & buildings
- Night views
about 30 minFreePartly step-free
Bus · About 30 min from Kagoshima-Chuo ・ City View bus to Shiroyama ・ 28km from here
- 5
Yunohira Observatory (Sakurajima)
An observatory partway up Sakurajima. You look up at the rugged slopes close by, and back across the bay to Kagoshima city.
- Views
- Nature
about 30 minFreeWheelchair & stroller friendly
Bus · About 100 min from Kagoshima-Chuo ・ About 30 minutes by Island View bus from Sakurajima Port ・ 25km from here
- 6
Saigo Takamori Statue and Tsurumaru Castle Ruins
A statue of Saigo Takamori in uniform. The nearby castle ruins have a huge rebuilt gate and the Reimeikan history museum.
- History & buildings
about 30 minFree
Tram · About 20 min from Kagoshima-Chuo ・ Tram to Tenmonkan-dori, then about 7 minutes on foot ・ 28km from here
“Classics” and “Hidden gems” are our editors' picks, not a measured popularity ranking. Travel times are estimates. Please check prices, opening hours and operating days with the official sources before you go.
Photo and data credits
Sakurajima puffing smoke across the blue waters of Kinko Bay TANAKA Juuyoh (talk) (CC BY 3.0) / Sakurajima's rugged peaks seen from Yunohira Observatory Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert (CC BY 4.0) / Pines and lawns of Sengan-en garden below the hills STA3816 (CC BY-SA 3.0) / Kagoshima city and Sakurajima from the Shiroyama Observatory Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Entrance to the Hondori arcade in Tenmonkan そらみみ (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Kinko Bay and Kagoshima city seen from Yunohira Observatory Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert (CC BY 4.0) / The bronze statue of Saigo Takamori above green shrubs Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert (CC BY 4.0). Cropped and resized.
Facilities & features
- Coin lockers and baggage storage
- Easy step-free access
- Typical transfer time: about 5 min
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