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Kagoshima City
The majestic active volcano Sakurajima rises before Kagoshima City. The city flourished as the castle town of Lord Shimadzu and currently has a population of approximately 600,000. It is continuing to prosper as a major urban area of South Kyushu.
Kagoshima city has everything you might expect from a regional city, from museums, shrines and gardens to shops, night life and other entertainment. But the city also boasts a beach and seafront on the edge of Kinko Bay.
Diverse attractions
Kagoshima’s centuries-old role in local defense can still be seen. Stroll around the moat and ruins of the castle or visit one of the many museums to learn more. Gain insight into Japan’s modernization at Shuseikan, the country’s oldest stone factory and a World Heritage Site, or explore the traditional gardens of nearby Sengan-en, a villa built by the area’s former lord in 1658. Other attractions include the aquarium (the largest in Kyushu), the Ferris Wheel and Mount Shiroyama, which offers views of Sakurajima, the volcano on the other side of Kinko Bay.
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Sengan-en
Sengan-en is a Japanese style stately home and landscape garden along the coast north of downtown Kagoshima.
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Kagoshima City Aquarium (Io World)
The Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Kyushu.
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Shiroyama Observatory・Shiroyama Promenade
Shiroyama ("Castle Mountain") is a 107-meter hill located in the center of Kagoshima city.
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Museum of the Meiji Restoration
Learn about the samurai warriors and prominent figures who contributed to the modernization of Japan
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Iso Beach
The closest place for the people of Kagoshima City to do marine sports, it is abuzz with beachgoers in summer.
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Nagashima Museum
Appreciate artistic masterpieces as well as an extraordinary view from this impressively located museum.
Shopping and dining
The city has a wide range of international and Japanese brand shops, as well as two main shopping areas: Amu Plaza and Tenmonkan Arcade. Restaurants serve local delicacies from across the prefecture; the most famous is kurobuta tonkatsu (black pork cutlet). And you can also find treats such as shirokuma (shaved ice, fruit and condensed milk) and jambo mochi (rice cakes covered in a sweet, soy-sauced based dip).
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Kagoshima Chuo Station Area
You'll find many souvenir shops filled with all kinds of Kagoshima specialties and popular souvenirs.
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Tenmonkan Area
It's lined with many souvenir shops and restaurants, and is packed with tourists day and night.
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Mujaki
People line up for a taste of this sweet summer confection made with shaved ice, fresh fruit, and a milky syrup.
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Kumasotei
Traditional Kagoshima dishes including kurobuta pork spare rib stew.
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Zabon Ramen
Popular for its namesake, the “Zabon ramen,” which hasn’t changed since the shop was founded in 1946.
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Restaurants and cafes
Eating and Drinking Your Way Around Kagoshima city
Getting around
The Kagoshima City Transport Bureau’s Cute Pass allows unlimited transportation for one day. The pass may be used for the sightseeing City View buses, which stop at the main tourist spots in downtown Kagoshima.
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Kagoshima City Tram
A single ride on the tram costs ¥170 (children ¥80). Tram lines run through most of the city.
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Kagoshima City View Bus
Tour the key tourist sites in the city on a tour bus from Kagoshima Chuo Station.
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Sakurajima Ferry
This ferry line connects Kagoshima and Sakurajima ports. Each cruise takes about 15 minutes and ferries are available 24 hours a day.
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One-day Pass: CUTE pass
Great for 1-day trip around the city & Sakurajima Island
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Visit some of Kagoshima’s major sites
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Sakurajima Bike Rental
Festivals & Night View Tour
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Ohara Festival
About 20,000 people from approximately 260 dance associations participate from home and abroad. This is the largest autumn festival in South Kyushu where participants dance through the main street.
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Rokugatsudo
The summer festival of Kagoshima, which is held at temples and shrines from July to August. Lanterns are lit and the temples and shrines bustle with many outdoor stands.
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Kagoshima Kinko Bay Night Fireworks Festival
This fireworks festival is held at the end of August and about 14,000 powerful and beautiful fireworks are set off against the backdrop of the majestic Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.
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Night View Tour
This bus tours the city at night. The views of famous sites illuminated have particularly nice atmospher.
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Kagoshima "Spirits" Bar Hopping
Explore the nightlife of Kagoshima City more deeply.
List of Hotels
Kagoshima City's official website
It's for tourist information introduces popular sightseeing destinations such as Sakurajima, Senganen, Tenmonkan and the Museum of the Meiji Restoration, sample routes, leisure and various programs, food, souvenirs, and recommended travel itineraries.
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