The best things to do in Kagoshima
Kagoshima is a city located on the southernmost tip of Japan‘s Kyushu Island, known for its beautiful nature, rich history, and delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re interested in hiking, hot springs, history, or food, Kagoshima has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the top things to do and see in Kagoshima.
Visit the Satsuma Peninsula
The Satsuma Peninsula is a beautiful area located just a short drive from Kagoshima City, known for its stunning beaches, hot springs, and historic sites. Some of the top attractions on the peninsula include Ibusuki no Tamatebako Onsen, a hot spring resort located on a sandy beach, and Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, a museum dedicated to the history of Japan’s kamikaze pilots during World War II.
Explore Kagoshima Castle
Kagoshima Castle, also known as Tsurumaru Castle, is a reconstructed castle located in the heart of Kagoshima City. The castle was originally built in the 16th century and was destroyed in the early 20th century. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s grounds and learn about its history through interactive exhibits and audio guides.
See the volcano of Sakurajima
One of the most iconic sights in Kagoshima is the volcano of Sakurajima, which looms large over the city. Visitors can take a ferry to the island to get a closer look at the volcano and learn about its history and geology at the Sakurajima Visitor Center.
Visit the Kagoshima City Aquarium
If you’re a fan of marine life, be sure to visit the Kagoshima City Aquarium, which is home to a wide variety of sea creatures from the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding waters. The aquarium features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, as well as a large tank where visitors can see sharks and rays up close.
Take a dip in the hot springs
Kagoshima is home to a number of natural hot springs, or onsen, that are perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating after a long day of sightseeing. Some of the top hot springs in the area include Ibusuki Onsen, which is known for its sand baths, and Kirishima Onsen, which is located in the beautiful Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park.
Try the local cuisine
Kagoshima is famous for its delicious local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the area’s seafood and agricultural products. Some of the must-try dishes include Kagoshima-style tonkatsu (pork cutlet), satsuma-age (deep-fried fish cake), and kurobuta (black pork).
Take a walk in the Sengan-en Garden
The Sengan-en Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden located on the grounds of a former feudal lord’s residence. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and admire its many features, including a teahouse, a pond, and a variety of plants and flowers.
Visit the Shoko Shuseikan Museum
The Shoko Shuseikan Museum is a fascinating museum that tells the story of the industrial revolution in Japan through the lens of Kagoshima’s history. The museum is located on the grounds of aformer industrial complex and features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and historical artifacts. The museum also offers guided tours, which provide a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the site.
Experience the culture of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park is a beautiful area located in the mountains of southern Kagoshima. The park is known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and scenic views. Visitors can also experience the local culture by visiting traditional villages, such as Takachiho-no-Miya, which is known for its thatched-roof houses and preservation of traditional customs.
Overall, Kagoshima is a city with a lot to offer, from beautiful nature and hot springs, to rich history and delicious food. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, there’s always something new to discover in Kagoshima. So, plan your trip and explore this wonderful city and its surroundings, you’ll be glad you did!
Take a stroll down Terukuni Shrine
Terukuni Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kagoshima city, dedicated to the Satsuma clan’s first lord, Shimazu Tadatsune. The shrine is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture and features a large torii gate, stone lanterns, and a serene pond. Visitors can also learn about the history of the Satsuma clan and their role in Kagoshima’s past by visiting the on-site museum.
See the Kagoshima City Museum of Art
The Kagoshima City Museum of Art is a must-see for art lovers visiting Kagoshima. The museum features a permanent collection of works by local and regional artists, as well as traveling exhibitions. The museum also has a beautiful garden and a café where visitors can enjoy a break while admiring the artwork.
Visit the Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Culture
The Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Culture is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of Kagoshima and its surrounding area. The museum features exhibits on the region’s geology, archaeology, history, and folklore, and includes artifacts from the Jomon period to the present day. Visitors can also view traditional crafts such as pottery, textiles, and lacquerware.
Take a trip to the Ibusuki Sand Baths
The Ibusuki Sand Baths, located on the Satsuma Peninsula, is a unique and relaxing way to experience the hot springs of Kagoshima. The baths are located on a sandy beach where you can be buried in hot sand, which is said to have therapeutic benefits for the body. After your bath, you can enjoy a stroll along the beach and take in the beautiful ocean views.
Visit the Kagoshima City Museum of Art
The Kagoshima City Museum of Art is a must-see for art lovers visiting Kagoshima. The museum features a permanent collection of works by local and regional artists, as well as traveling exhibitions. The museum also has a beautiful garden and a café where visitors can enjoy a break while admiring the artwork.
Take a trip to the Kagoshima Space and Astronomy Museum
The Kagoshima Space and Astronomy Museum is a unique and educational destination for visitors of all ages. The museum offers interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and planetarium shows, which will take you on a journey to the stars and beyond. The museum also features a large telescope for stargazing and telescope observation classes.
Shop at the Kagoshima Tenmonkan Shopping District
The Kagoshima Tenmonkan Shopping District is one of the city’s most popular shopping areas. This area is home to a wide variety of shops, from department stores and electronics retailers, to traditional Japanese souvenir shops and local specialty stores. Visitors can find a variety of local products such as ceramics, sweets, and traditional clothing.
Experience the Kagoshima Festival
If you happen to visit Kagoshima during a festival, you’re in for a treat. The city is home to many colorful festivals throughout the year, such as the Kagoshima Festival, which is held in August. The festival is a lively celebration of Kagoshima’s history and culture, featuring traditional dances, music, and food.
In conclusion, Kagoshima is a city with a lot to offer, whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or food enthusiast. There are so many things to see and do in Kagoshima that you’ll never be bored. From the natural beauty of the Satsuma Peninsula, to the rich history of Kagoshima Castle, to the delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone. So, plan your trip to Kagoshima and discover its many wonders for yourself!
Visit the Kagoshima International Lounge
The Kagoshima International Lounge is a great place to relax and get to know other travelers or locals. The lounge offers free Wi-Fi and a comfortable space to rest and recharge. They also offer information and support for international visitors, including brochures, maps, and a lending library. Additionally, the lounge provides a variety of activities and events such as cultural exchange and language practice opportunities.
Take a Boat ride to the Tanegashima Island
If you’re looking for a day trip, consider taking a ferry to Tanegashima Island. The island is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and historic sites. Visitors can also see the Tanegashima Space Center, which is Japan’s largest space development facility.
Visit the Kagoshima Prefectural Art Museum
The Kagoshima Prefectural Art Museum is a great place to see works of art by both Japanese and international artists. The museum features a collection of modern and contemporary art, and also regularly holds special exhibitions and events.
Take a trip to the Kagoshima City Science Center
The Kagoshima City Science Center is a great place for visitors of all ages to learn about science and technology. The center features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that make learning fun. The center also has a planetarium and an observatory where visitors can stargaze.
Visit the Kagoshima Prefectural Library
The Kagoshima Prefectural Library is a great place to learn more about Kagoshima’s history and culture. The library has a collection of books, newspapers, and magazines, as well as a reading room, and a reference library. Visitors can also access the library’s digital resources such as e-books and databases to research about Kagoshima and its surroundings.
Visit the Kagoshima Botanical Garden
The Kagoshima Botanical Garden is a great place to see a variety of plants and flowers from around the world. The garden features a collection of subtropical and tropical plants, including palm trees, bonsai, and orchids. The garden also has a greenhouse and a garden café where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of the garden.
Kagoshima is a city that has a lot to offer. From the natural beauty of the Satsuma Peninsula, to the rich history of Kagoshima Castle, to the delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone. So, plan your trip to Kagoshima and discover its many wonders for yourself.
