Top 27 things to do in Kagoshima according to TripAdvisor

What are the must see sightseeing spots in Kagoshima according to TripAdvisor? That's what this list of 27 spots is here for. Hopefully you’ll find some things that you'd like to do.
The volcanic island, Sakurajima, is probably the most famous spot in Kagoshima. If you're looking for scenic spots, there are the islands of Yakushima (a World Heritage) and Amami Oshima (also called the East Asian Galapagos). They're not easy to get to, but that's how their natural beauty was preserved.

Sakurajima

Go hiking on the volcano that sits in Kinko Bay. It’s a short ferry ride across the bay. It’s a scenic spot where you can feel the dynamic movement of the Earth under your feet.

Sengan-en Garden (Isotei-en)

A garden from which you can enjoy the scenic view of the volcanic island, Sakurajima, in Kinko Bay. You can also see a rich collection of the traditional handicraft known as “Satsuma Kiriko” cut glass.

Io World Kagoshima Aquarium

An unique aquarium where you can see the dolphins training in the outdoor waterway connected to Kinko Bay. The sight of the spectacular whale shark swimming in the huge Kuroshio Tank is incredible.

Amami-Oshima Island

The clear blue ocean and white sands are mesmerizing. And the primeval forest thrives with subtropical plant life including gigantic mangrove trees. This is a southern paradise bathed in the rays of the scarlet sunset under a starry sky.

Yakushima Island

Represented by a 7200 year old “Jomonsugi” cedar tree, 90% of the island is covered in ancient Yakusugi cedar trees and moss. This has earned Yakushima the status of a World Heritage site. You will want to be ready to go trekking in full gear.

Kirishima Jingu Shrine

The ancient Kirishima Jingu Shrine is built upon Kirishima, known as the land where the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu descended upon. The shrine grounds are surrounded by nature that show you a beautiful scene in each of the four seasons. The view of Sakurajima Island and Mount Kaimon is also attractive.

Natural Sand Bath Center Saraku

Relax in bliss as you feel the warmth of the sand and listen to the sound of waves. This is the world’s only natural sand bath where you can work up a comfortable sweat from the geothermal heat.

Seibu Rindo Forest Path

A World Heritage Site that can only be reached by car. Go through the green tunnel of the evergreen forest where you can even encounter wild animals.

Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots

The history of the tragic military battles in which young men in their teens and twenties sacrificed their lives in attacks on enemy territory. This is a memorial hall to relate this tragedy to future generations and pray for a lasting peace.

Yakusugi Museum

Yakusugi Museum is a place where you can learn about the link between the forests of Yakushima starting with the Yakushima cedars (yakusugi) and people through its displays. You can obtain useful knowledge by dropping by here before you enter these forests.

Kozue Kairo Canopy Walk

A theme park where you can get that forest experience at tree level which you cannot get from merely hiking through the area. Everyone from kids to grownups can enjoy the experience.

Isso Beach

So beautiful that sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on this quiet beach in the bay. In the areas of rock and coral, you can see colorful tropical fish.

Shiratani Unsui Gorge

A huge recreational forest with a hiking course where you can appreciate the grand nature of Yakushima very closely. This is a tourist spot filled with the attractions of the island which you will definitely want to visit.

Kirishima

Kirishima is known as the area where Ryoma Sakamoto, a historical figure at the end of the shogunate era, went on his honeymoon. Steamed cuisine using the hot springs and the many bathing areas including a mud bath and an open air bath with a superb view (by reservation only) are some of the things you can enjoy.

Yakusugi Land

The longest course at 150 minutes is able to deepen your understanding the most regarding the Yakusugi cedars on Yakushima Island. It is a hiking route which you can enjoy even if you don’t have any basic climbing experience.

Mt. Miyanoura

Yakushima Island has a range of steep rocky mountains that have been called the Marine Alps. Mt. Miyanoura, which is the tallest peak in Kyushu, has the best view on the island from its top.

Shitoko Gajumaru Banyan Garden

At the Gajumaru Banyan Garden which is at the northern edge of the Banyan trees, you can observe subtropical flora close up. Get that feeling of exploring in a jungle on the nature trails.

Yakushima Fruit Garden

After enjoying a guided tour of rarely-seen tropical plants, have a taste of an assortment of freshly-picked fruits of the season

Yakushima World Heritage Conservation Center

With plenty of information on the World Heritage sites of Yakushima and nature, you can also obtain information on mountain climbing. Even for people who don’t climb, this is a facility where you can get a deep insight on the environment of the island.

Senpiro Falls

A waterfall on Yakushima Island where you can feel the awesome power of nature as the water flows and carves through mighty granite at the foot of Mt. Mocchomu.

Nagata Inaka Beach

A beautiful sandy beach that is rare on Yakushima where sea turtles lay their eggs against the background of a clear ocean. If you are lucky, you might even be able to catch sight of the turtles laying their eggs or seeing them hatch.

Oko Falls

Yakushima Island’s spectacular and premier waterfall which can be closely approached at the basin. Nearby there are a spring and a beach as well as an unusual onsen in the middle of the sea that you will want to visit.

Yakushima Environmental Culture Center

An information center where you will want to visit as soon as you land on Yakushima to get a deeper understanding of the island. The images on the huge screen are spectacular.

Tenmonkan

The street was named after the Tenmonkan Observatory (also known as Meijikan) which helped develop astronomy and almanacs during the Edo Era. Currently now known as Kagoshima’s premier shopping district, visitors can enjoy shopping and dining. There are plenty of restaurants which serve shochu and the famous Kagoshima delicacy of kurobuta (pork) shabu-shabu. In addition, choosing souvenirs isn’t too difficult here.

Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park

The park has a spectacular view of Kinko Bay with Mt. Sakurajima in the background. There is also a foot bath in the park which boasts a total length of 100m so that you can fully enjoy the scenery of Sakurajima while soaking your feet in the natural hot spring waters. On the walking trail that goes for 3km to the Karasujima Observatory, there is a large lava field which is special to Sakurajima, and so the trail has been selected as one of the top 100 walking trails in Japan.

Mt. Shiroyama

Mt. Shiroyama is a small 107m-high hill located in the center of Kagoshima City. Over 600 types of temperate and tropical plants grow wild here so that you can enjoy a stroll. From the observation point, you can view the city and Kinko Bay, and the beautiful night view is also famous. The area is also well known as a battleground during the Satsuma Rebellion at the end of the 19th century.

Ijinkan Foreigners’ Residence (Old Kagoshima Spinning Engineers House)

In 1867, when Japan’s first cotton mill was built in Kagoshima by the Satsuma clan, the Ijinkan was constructed to house the British engineers. As an extremely valuable Western-style building that was erected between the Tokugawa Era and the Meiji Era, it has been recognized as a World Heritage site, a National Important Cultural Property, and a National Historic Site.

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