These are some of the best things to do in Kagoshima City and nearby that I recommend after spending 3 days in the area.
As you explore this dynamic city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the iconic Sakurajima volcano, which looms majestically across Kagoshima Bay.
Things To Do In Kagoshima
Kagoshima is a gateway city for getting the ferries for Japan’s southern islands and exploring the rest of Kyushu, but there are good things to do in Kagoshima itself and the surrounding area that are worth your time when there.
Tip: If you are booking a hotel/guesthouse/whatever before going then take a look here for places to stay in Kagoshima on Agoda. It’s my favourite booking site for Japan as I often find better deals than other booking sites.
Mount Sakurajima
Without a doubt, out of all the things to do in Kagoshima visiting Mount Sakurajima is the number one choice. It is still an active volcano and is the most active in all of Japan.
It’s easy to reach it by ferry from Kagoshima and this is the official website of the ferry company to check the schedule and prices.
Heading across the sea to Sakurajima on the ferry from Kagoshima.
First a quick “technical” overview of the volcano:
Mount Sakurajima is an active stratovolcano located in Kagoshima Bay and is an iconic symbol of both the natural beauty of the area and the region’s dynamic geological history. The volcano, once an island before a massive eruption in 1914, now connects to the Osumi Peninsula through lava deposits.
The Sakurajima Visitor Center provides insights into the volcano’s history, monitoring systems, and the impact of volcanic activity on the local community.
The inland part of Sakurajima is stunning and there are a few hikes to do that are highly recommended.
Entering the interior and getting closer to the volcano is the best place to get photos. You can do short hikes to observation points to get the best views.
You can get around Sakurajima by local buses but they are somewhat irregular. The best option is to rent a car for the day in Kagoshima and take it across on the ferry, but if you can’t do that, you can still see a decent amount of the area.
By the sea, there are some quiet local onsens that you can find to relax in after hiking around.
You may even end up having one of the best onsen experiences in Japan if you end up in a small onsen by the sea all to yourself.
Quiet onsen by the sea on Sakurajima.
Senganen Garden
Back in Kagoshima, there is a Japanese garden that’s good to visit, especially if you have an interest in, well, Japanese Gardens.
Senganen Garden is part of the larger Shoko Shuseikan cultural complex, which includes the historic residence of the Shinazu Clan, the former ruling clan of the Satsuma domain.
After Sakurajima, this complex area is easily the next best place to visit for things to do in Kagoshima.
The garden is known for its exquisite landscaping, featuring ponds, walking paths, and traditional tea Japanese houses.
The garden offers stunning views of Sakurajima and you can explore the meticulously maintained grounds, enjoy seasonal flora, and experience the tranquillity of a traditional Japanese garden.
This is a good video showing the history of the Shimazu Clan to give you a deeper insight into the cultural history of the area:
Reimeikan Museum
The Reimeikan Museum is also part of the Shoko Shuseikan cultural complex and is also known as the Kagoshima Prefectural Center for Historical Material, showcasing the history and culture of Kagoshima Prefecture.
The museum displays a wide range of exhibits, including artefacts related to the Satsuma domain, historical documents, and items representing the cultural heritage of the region.
Shiroyama Park
There is a good park located 100m up on a hill in Kagoshima with a great view across the city called Shiroyama Park (the cover photo was taken from there).
I went up there for sunset time and it was worth it although you do have to pay to go in (weird for a park) which is around 2500 yen. Still, it’s the best view in the city and Sakurajima looms over everything in the distance.
View from Shiroyama Park at sunset.
In addition to its beautiful views, Shiroyama Park has walking trails, gardens, and green spaces for you to explore.
The park is also known for its historical significance, as it was the site of the final battle of the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877, led by Saigo Takamori.
Top tip: Get a Japan Rail Pass (get one with that link) before going if you plan on using the trains a lot in Japan to get around. It will save you money on train travel, especially on the fast Shinkansen.
Kagoshima City Aquarium
I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t visit the aquarium as I was more interested in Sakurajima and the more traditional places. However, if you enjoy this kind of place or are with children then this could be worth going to.
I’m just adding this here as it’s known as one of the other main attractions in Kagoshima. The aquarium is known for showcasing marine life from the Kagoshima region and beyond.
Popular attractions at the Kagoshima City Aquarium include various exhibits featuring fish, marine mammals, and other sea creatures. The facility often hosts shows and presentations to educate you about marine life conservation and biology.
Food In Kagoshima
One of the other best things to do in Kagoshima is to eat! Some of the best food in the region can be found in the city and there are some good traditional restaurants to go to as well as the usual street snacking.
Some Japanese sweet potatoes to try on the street.
I ended up in a big mall (where you can find some of the best food) and had some excellent sushi/sashimi.
If you like that sort of thing, try the sushi/sashimi in Kagoshima.
Tip: If you are a bit short of time and want to see the best of Kagoshima in one day then this tour comes highly recommended:
Kagoshima
That’s a rundown of things to do in Kagoshima that can be done in roughly two days which seems the average time for most visitors visiting from what I gathered from others.
Apart from Sakurajima, Shiroyama Park, and the Shoko Shuseikan cultural complex, Kagoshima city itself is, as mentioned at the beginning of the article more of a gateway city to Kyushu and the islands south by ferry.
From historical sites that narrate tales of samurai legends to modern attractions reflecting the city’s innovative spirit, Kagoshima offers a diverse array of activities for every traveller.
Whether you’re drawn to the tranquil gardens and shrines or eager to savour the local cuisine, Kagoshima City promises an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Tip: If you are booking a hotel/guesthouse/whatever before going then take a look here for places to stay in Kagoshima on Agoda. It’s my favourite booking site for Japan as I often find better deals than other booking sites.
Top tip: Get a Japan Rail Pass (get one with that link) before going if you plan on using the trains a lot in Japan to get around. It will save you money on train travel, especially on the fast Shinkansen.
Looking for more places to go to in this part of Japan?
Read about the last stand of the samurai in Kyushu.
Then take a ferry from Kagoshima to Yakushima Island to go hiking in the forests where you can see some of the oldest trees on the planet, some dating back 7000 years.
Nagasaki is another good city to visit in Kyushu and these are the best things to do in Nagasaki when there.
Some of the best Onsen’s in Japan can be found on Kyushu.
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