Discover Kagoshima: 5 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations and Model Itinerary

Top 5 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Kagoshima

Takamori Saigo Statue

Pay homage to Takamori Saigo , a revered hero born in Kagoshima who made significant contributions during the Meiji Restoration. Standing at 8 meters tall, this bronze statue depicts General Saigo in his military uniform and was erected in 1937 at Jōyama, the site where he fought his final battle during the Satsuma Rebellion. A designated spot across the road allows you to take photos with the statue and his loyal dog.

• Address: 4-36 Jōyamachō, Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Access: 8-minute walk from "Asahidōri" tram stop or "Kanumachi" bus stop. Get off at "Nishi-gō Dōzō Kōen-mae" on Kagoshima City View bus.
• Open: Year-round

Shiroyama Observatory

Enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape, Kinkō Bay, and the iconic Sakurajima volcano from the "Shiroyama Observatory." This popular sightseeing spot offers stunning night views as well. It can be accessed by a sightseeing bus that traverses Kagoshima City, or you can take a leisurely stroll along the approximately 2 km nature trail to appreciate the natural beauty of Shiroyama. Experience the ever-changing allure of Sakurajima, with its occasional volcanic activity and cloud-covered summit, depending on the time and weather.

• Address: Shiroyamachō, Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Access: [By Car] 4-minute drive from the Takamori Saigo Statue or approximately 15 minutes via National Route from the "Kagoshima Kita IC" exit on the Kyushu Expressway. [By Bus] Take the Kagoshima City View or Machi-meguri bus from Kagoshima Central Station and get off at the "Shiroyama" bus stop.
• Open: Year-round

Sengan-en Garden

Step into the Sengan-en Garden , a former villa of the Shimazu clan built in 1658 by the 19th Lord of the clan, Mitsuhisa. This exquisite garden offers picturesque views of Sakurajima's majestic scenery. It served as a reception hall for distinguished guests, including Princess Atsuhime, Katsu Kaishū, and even the Russian Emperor Nicholas II. The garden gained further recognition as a filming location for the 2018 historical drama "Segodon." With facilities like the Satsuma Kiriko Glass Factory and the Shōkokushūseikan Museum, which showcase the culture and history of Kyushu, this spot is a must-visit for history enthusiasts as well.

• Address: 9700-1 Yoshinochō, Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Access: [By Car] 10-minute drive from the Shiroyama Observatory, approximately 20 minutes from Kagoshima Central Station, or about 10 minutes from the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal. [By Bus] Take the Kagoshima City View or Machi-meguri bus from Kagoshima Central Station and get off at the "Sengan-en-mae" bus stop.
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Open daily; closed on the 1st Sunday of March for the Kagoshima Marathon)

Sakurajima

When it comes to Kagoshima's symbol, it's none other than Sakurajima! This volcanic island, offering scenic views even from the city, is just a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Kagoshima. Inside Sakurajima, you can visit attractions such as the "Yogan Nagisa Park," where you can enjoy a natural hot spring approximately 100 meters long, and the "Yunohira Observatory," the highest point that allows you to get closer to Sakurajima. The island's ongoing volcanic activity provides a thrilling experience, allowing you to feel the pulse of the Earth. Sakurajima is a must-visit tourist spot when you come to Kagoshima.

• Address: Sakurajima, Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Access: [By Car] Approximately 15 minutes from Kagoshima Central Station. [By Ferry] From Sengan-en, take the Kagoshima City View (16 minutes) or a taxi (8 minutes) to Kagoshima Port, then board the Sakurajima Ferry for about 15 minutes.
• Open: Year-round

Tenmonkan

The "Tenmonkan" area is known as Kagoshima's largest downtown district , with a variety of shops lining the arcade, including local cuisine restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as trendy cafes and general goods stores. It is conveniently accessible from Kagoshima Central Station, the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal, and the high-speed boat terminal for destinations such as Yakushima, making it a recommended base for exploring Kagoshima. Enjoy shopping for souvenirs and savoring Kagoshima's gourmet delights in the beloved Tenmonkan area.

• Address: Higashisengokucho, Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Access: [Tram] 6 minutes by tram from JR Kagoshima Central Station, get off at the Tenmonkan-dori stop. [Bus] Get off at the Tenmonkan-Izuro stop.
• Open: Year-round

Black Pork Dishes, Shirokuma Ice, Satsuma Sweet Potatoes... Enjoy Kagoshima's Gourmet Delights!

Black Pork Dishes like Tonkatsu and Shabu-Shabu

When visiting Kagoshima, be sure to try the renowned "Kagoshima Kurobuta" (Kagoshima Black Pork). Kurobuta pork, produced by members of the Kagoshima Kurobuta Producers Association, is known for its "tender, juicy, and flavorful" meat, and it is popular not only in Japan but also overseas. It is said to have been introduced to Kagoshima by the Shimazu clan from the Ryukyu Islands about 400 years ago and has since become a representative specialty of Kagoshima.

From black pork tonkatsu to shabu-shabu, braised pork belly to steak, there are various ways to enjoy this delicacy! When in Kagoshima, be sure to savor the exquisite flavors of black pork dishes.

Local Sweets: Shirokuma Ice, Satsuma Sweet Potato Treats, Janbo Mochi, and More

The famous "Shirokuma Ice" is now popular nationwide. This dessert features shaved ice topped with sweetened condensed milk and an abundance of colorful fruits, representing the adorable side of Kagoshima. The appearance and taste of Shirokuma can vary at different cafes, offering a wide range of variations. When you visit Kagoshima, be sure to enjoy the authentic Shirokuma.

In addition, indulge in unique sweets that Kagoshima is proud of, such as sweet potato treats, as Kagoshima is the top producer of sweet potatoes in Japan, and "Janbo Mochi," which features soft mochi rice cakes and a delicious sauce, making it a perfect snack. Delight in these distinctive Kagoshima sweets.

How to Fully Enjoy Kagoshima's Attractions and Gourmet Delights in One Day

Convenient Bus Tours with Included Transportation, Meals, and Admission Fees

If you want to explore Kagoshima's top tourist spots and enjoy its gourmet delights in one day, we recommend joining a bus tour . Not only can you visit all five featured attractions, but the tour also includes lunch featuring black pork tonkatsu and coupons for baby white bear ice cream and grilled Dōnatsu sweets. It's a great way to fully experience the charm of Kagoshima in a day.

For Those Who Prefer Independent Sightseeing: Kagoshima City View Loop Bus

If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the Kagoshima City View Loop Bus is recommended. This bus circulates around major tourist spots in Kagoshima City, allowing you to visit the five featured attractions as well. The bus operates approximately every 30 minutes from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. With the 1-day pass for the Kagoshima City View Bus and unlimited rides on the tram and city buses, or the "CUTE" pass, which also allows you to board the Sakurajima Island Loop Bus and ferry, you can enjoy sightseeing in Kagoshima at a great value.

• Kagoshima City View Bus 1-Day Pass: Adults 600 yen, Children (elementary school age and below) 300 yen
• CUTE Pass: 1-Day Pass (Adults 1,200 yen, Children 600 yen), 2-Day Pass (Adults 1,800 yen, Children 900 yen)

Why Not Visit Kagoshima, Where You Can Enjoy Charming Tourist Spots and Delicious Cuisine?

Kagoshima Prefecture, located in the southernmost part of Kyushu, offers not only islands like Yakushima and Amami Oshima but also stunning natural landscapes and unique gourmet experiences on the mainland. There are plenty of attractive highlights to explore in Kagoshima, from scenic spots with abundant natural beauty to delicious local cuisine that is unique to the region.

Why not consider visiting Kagoshima Prefecture on your next trip?

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Sources & References

• Kagoshima Prefecture Tourism Website
• Kagoshima City Tourism Navigation