Kagoshima is a beautiful seaside city and the capital of the same name prefecture worth experiencing when it comes to Japan. Fresh seafood, vibrant nature and warm people are the stand out features of Kagoshima. The thousand-year-old beauty of many thousand-year-old trees and the still erupting volcano give Kagoshima its natural charm in harmony with the shape of the newly-sprung cities.

Kagoshima Prefecture is located in the southern part of Japan which is famous for its serenity, scenic beauty and delicious food. | kagoshima travel blog
Sand bath is a must-try experience in Kagoshima | kagoshima travel blog

So, is Kagoshima worth visiting, what to do in Kagoshima and how to plan a budget trip to Kagoshima for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Kagoshima travel blog (Kagoshima blog) with the fullest Kagoshima travel guide (Kagoshima guide) from how to get Kagoshima, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Kagoshima to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Kagoshima Japan welcome a large number of tourists to visit each year. It has everything you need for a perfect trip. In order for you to not be confused in planning your trip, we will introduce some prominent experiences that you should try when traveling to Kagoshima as below.

Overview of Kagoshima (#kagoshima travel blog)

Kagoshima location on Japan map

Kagoshima Prefecture situated in the southernmost of Japan. You can easily see Kagoshima on a map of Japan when you look at the southernmost point of Japan on the map. In terms of location, Kagoshima is partly bordered to the north, west and south by the sea, to the northeast by Kumamoto Prefecture, and to the east by Miyazaki Prefecture. In addition to the mainland, Kagoshima is also surrounded by 28 small islands off the coast. Actually, it can be said that these 28 islands are close to the Okinawa Prefecture.

Kagoshima prefecture is located at the southernmost tip of Kyushu with several small islands to the southwest. The prefecture has many attractions in terms of nature, history, culture, cuisine and hospitable people. | kagoshima travel blog

In which, Kagoshima City is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture located in the southwestern tip of the island of Kyushu, and is the largest city in the prefecture. The city is often referred to as the ‘Naples of the Eastern world’ due to its bayside location, hot climate and impressive active stratovolcano Sakurajima.

The Kagoshima city is 547.6 km² wide and has a population of over 600,000, most of its land is formed from volcanic ash and sediment. The climate in Kagoshima is quite warm with an average temperature of about 19 degrees, but in winter it can sometimes be so cold that it snows.

Kagoshima downtown | kagoshima travel blog

Warm, palm-fringed Kagoshima is often compared to Naples in Southern Italy because of its similarity in climate, vibrant culture, as well as the fact that both places have a volcano very close to the city. The Sakurajima volcano on the island of Kyushu is considered the Vesuvius version of Naples. The next to island of Yakushima Island with the vast ancient cedar forest, is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, visitors have countless opportunities to explore, hike in national parks, or soak in the numerous hot springs in the countryside of the Satsuma peninsula. It’s rare to find a place like this where you can just soak in the natural hot water while watching the wonderful ocean.

When to visit? (#kagoshima blog)

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Kagoshima rains a lot, spring is warm, summer is hot and humid, autumn is cool and quite humid. Winter rarely snows (if it does, it’s just chalk dust), usually with light rain. So remember to bring an umbrella. In July, Kagoshima hosts Kagoshima cup Kazanmeguri Yacht race which takes place around several volcanic islands. This same month, you can attend a unique local festival called Sogadon no Kasayaki, which involves an extremely unusual custom: boys burn umbrellas by the riverbank, like characters from a folk tale when umbrellas often be burnt as lanterns.

Boat racing | kagoshima travel blog
Sogadon no Kasayaki | kagoshima travel blog

Kagoshima’s climate is characterized by warm, and especially, you should remember that it rains a lot. Annual heavy rainfall usually lasts from May to July, in which the most rainy month is June. Besides, December to January is often covered with snow so then the good time you should come here are the remaining months of the year to facilitate moving and participating in outdoor activities.

Kagoshima has a relatively warm climate compared to Tokyo. Sometimes there will be snowfall in the mountains in winter in the Kirishima area. So, you prepare the right winter travel outfit to get the perfect, most complete trip if you visit at that time. Usually, there isn’t a big difference between Kagoshima clothing and what you would wear while visiting Tokyo.

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In addition, there is a possibility that the ash from the Sakurajima volcano will fly out and disperse in the air. Therefore, you should keep electronic devices in a sealed bag and do not bring contact lenses when coming here.

How to get to Kagoshima? (#kagoshima travel guide)

How to get to Kagoshima? | kagoshima travel blog

Kagoshima Airport is located in Kirishima and is only a 2-hour flight from Tokyo’s Haneda and about about 1 hour and 35 minutes from Narita Airport. If you fly from Sapporo (Hokkaido) to Kagoshima, it will take about 3 hours and a half. In addition, from Shizuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Okinawa can also be easily reached by plane!

Kagoshima airport | kagoshima travel blog

Kagoshima Airport connects to the city by bus. If you traveling to Kagoshima by plane, first go to Kagoshima-Chuo or Tenmonkan station to get into the downtown. There are two companies that operate these express buses. Each ride takes about 50 minutes and costs around ¥1,200 to get to Kagoshima-Chuo Station. There are also other lines connecting to many parts of Kyushu. Taxi ride to Kagoshima Chuo station costs ¥10,000 and 40 minutes of traveling.

Train to Kagoshima | kagoshima travel blog
From other regions you can reach Kagoshima by train, air even by sea.

Getting around Kagoshima (#kagoshima guide)

Foreign visitors should purchase a Welcome Cute ticket for unlimited use of transportation services including tram, city sightseeing bus, other buses and Sakurajima ferry. With the Welcome Cute ticket, visitors also get a discount on entrance fees to some tourist attractions. Ticket price is ¥1,000 (one day), ¥1,500 (two days).

Kagoshima City Sightseeing “Machi Meguri Bus” (#kagoshima travel blog)

To travel to tourist attractions in the city, you should take a bus. There are two types of buses: Machi Meguri for 500 yen and Kagoshima City View for 600 yen for a day pass. These 2 routes will go along the sea and the Shiroyama observatory.

Buses will stop at major attractions in the city, including Tenmonkan, Shiroyama observatory, and Sengan-en garden.

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Kagoshima Community Bike Sharing System, “Kagorin”

Kagorin, a community bicycle sharing system, near Kagoshima-Chuo and Tenmonkan Stations. There are 21 drop off points in the city and you can drop off your bike to any point. Registration fee is 200 yen (one day). You can also use the bike multiple times at no extra cost by returning the bike within 30 minutes each time. Rental manuals are available in English, Chinese and Korean.

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Tram

Kagoshima has two tram lines through the city, the fare is ¥170 each trip regardless of the distance. There is also a city sightseeing bus service, departing from Kagoshima Central Station (Kagoshima-Chūō Station) to many popular tourist spots. Fares are ¥180 (one trip) or ¥600 (all day).

Kagoshima tram map | kagoshima travel guide
Kagoshima city tram | kagoshima travel guide

You can use the tram that runs throughout the city, taking you to famous places like Kagoshima-Chuo Station, Tenmonkan, and more at a fixed price of 170 yen.

In addition, for convenient to explore Kagoshima, you can comfortably travel by car. If you have an international driver’s license, you should consider renting a car. This will make it easy to add more places to your travel itinerary.

Where to go and what to do in Kagoshima?

From the center of Kagoshima city, you can see the volcano Sakurajima – a symbol of the prefecture. In addition, Kagoshima has some typical areas to visit such as: Kirishima hot springs and Ibusuki – which is famous for its sand baths.

By ferry or plane from the main island of Kyushu, you can also visit Yakushima and Amami Oshima with a countless of fun activities.

Sakurajima – The symbol of Kagoshima

Located off the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture, just 15 minutes by ferry from the mainland, Sakurajima is actually an island with a very nice name, Cherry Blossom Island, and the volcano located on this island is considered the most active mountain. here. The beauty of Sakurajima when looking at it from afar and the products that Sakurajima brings is the lush and fertile soil here.

Sakurajima is an active volcano and you can see it anywhere from Kagoshima City. Small eruptions occur almost daily on Sakurajima, with more than 1,000  eruptions a year. Volcanic eruptions occur every day but do not affect sightseeing or travel.

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Volcanic ash is constantly pouring down the town, however the residents of Kagoshima are mostly used to it. So don’t be surprised when the locals say, “Sakurajima is full of energy today” and continue with their daily life.

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However, the direction of volcanic ash will change with the seasons and weather. Therefore, if visiting Sakurajima and the surrounding areas when visiting Kagoshima, you should take precautions such as preparing a hat and not wearing contact lenses.

Sakurajima Island (#kagoshima travel blog)

To get to Sakurajima Island, it takes about 15 minutes by ferry from Kagoshima Port for around 160 yen. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, try Kaku Udon – a popular dish offered at the Udon Yabukin shop located inside the ferry for 450 yen.

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If you want touring around on the island, you can use the bus line called Sakurajima Island View right next to the Sakurajima ferry terminal. It goes around Sakurajima’s main points, including the observatory, in about an hour for about 500 yen.

Shiroyama Observatory

Shiroyama Observatory is a popular tourist attraction in Kagoshima and is loved by many visitors. On clear days, you can come here to observe the mighty volcano. The observatory is about a 3-minute walk from the Shiroyama bus stop.

The scenery from Shiroyama observatory

Alternatively, you can also walk up to the observatory by the mountain road from the city center. The green trees along the way will definitely bring you a feeling of refreshment and comfort.

Terukuni Shrine (#kagoshima travel guide)

Address: 19-35 Terukunicho, Kagoshima, 892-0841, Japan
Hours: 9 AM–4:30 PM

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Legend has it that the origin of the shrine dates back to 1863, when Shimazu Nariakira, the 11th feudal lord of the Satsuma Domain, was given the holy name Terukuni Daimyojin by the Emperor for his virtues during his lifetime. Terukuni-jinja Shrine has been destroyed many times due to wars, but then it was repaired and rebuilt by people from Buddha hall, haiden shrine, shinmon gate, heiden ceremony hall… Since 1993, the temple has looked like as we see today and this is a very famous shrine in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Ibusuki Onsen – Hot Sand Bath

Besides Sakurajima, you must definitely visit Ibusuki to experience hot sand onsen bath! Although it is called a hot spring, here you will be buried in black sand that has been heated by an underground hot spring.

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This experience will be extremely enjoyable and memorable in your travel! You will be wearing a thin yukata and lying on the sand. Then, the staff will put sand on your body, so that your body can relax and sweat.

Sand baths are said to have a detoxifying effect. During a 10-minute soak in the sand bath, you’ll sweat and feel as if excess waste is draining out of your body. Remember to replenish yourself with plenty of water before you start as you will sweat a lot while bathing. Sand bath will raise blood pressure, so please do not join this activity if you have cardiovascular problems.

Sand baths are located in the Ibusuki area, south of Kagoshima. It is best to travel here by train or bus because it is quite far from the city. Alternatively, you can experience sand baths at other places like Saraku and Sayuri.

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Dolphin shows for free near Io World Kagoshima Aquarium (#is kagoshima worth visiting)

Address: 3-1 Honkoshinmachi, Kagoshima, 892-0814, Japan
Hours: 9:30AM–6PM

The Irukasuiro or Dolphin Canal is a part of the natural sea that connects to Kinkowan Bay. This canal covers the northern area (from Shinbato overpass ~ Sakurabashi bridge) the part closest to Io World aquarium of Kagoshima Prefecture (いおワールドかごしま水族館), the central area (from  Sakurabashi bridge ~ Itcho Daiba overpass), the southern area (from the overpass Itcho Daiba to the south), a total of 275m long with an area of 7,000㎡.

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The dolphins at the aquarium go to the canal and spend time in the canal, freely swimming, exercising, having fun… Besides dolphins, depending on the season, there are also shiira fish, manbou fish…

The Dolphin Canal is a FREE area, so if you’re walking around this area, make sure to stop here to watch the dolphins! This time called Aozora Iruka Wotchingu (青空イルカウォッチング) which lasts about 10 minutes.

Note: In case the show is canceled immediately before the scheduled time due to equipment failure or dolphins physical condition.

Senganen – Famous garden of Kagoshima (#kagoshima guide)

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Sengan-en Garden is a private garden owned by his family in the Satsuma region of Shimazu in Yoshino town, Kagoshima city. With an area of 5 hectares, the Sengan-en Garden is large in size, using natural landscape techniques such as mountains, trees, and forest trees to create the landscape of the garden, in which Sakurajima as a small mountain and Kagoshima bay as a lake. In 1958, Sengan-en was chosen as the national’s best landscape.

Senganen is a Japanese garden you must visit during your trip to Kagoshima. Built by Mitsuhisa Shimazu – the ruler of Satsuma in 1658 during the Edo period, Senganen was once used as a residence for the Shimazu family. Currently, the gardens and a part of the buildings from that period are preserved and open to visitors under the name Sengan-en.

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Senganen also became a filming location for the film “Segodon”. Especially, Suzumon is the winged portmanteau that Ken Watanabe went through in the film. Watanabe plays Nariakira Shimazu, the 28th leader of the Shimazu clan.

Yoronjima – Island of happiness

Located only 23km from Okinawa towards the North East, Yoronjima Island is famous for its magnificent scenery, characterized by the white sand beach stretching along the blue sea in the blue, which is also known as the “Oriental Pearl”. Among them, Yurigahama, also known as “the illusion beach”, appears only in the period from April to October, when the tide is low. If people joke with each other, if they pick up these star-shaped sand grains with quantity equivalent to the age, they can become happy and the island of Yoronjima is called by the name of the island of happiness.

Amami Oshima

If you have more time, visit Amami Oshima! The island has an unspoiled natural setting with beautiful cobalt blue beaches, coral reefs and mangroves which are great to experience.

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It is the largest of the 8 islands that make up the Amami Islands, including Yoronjima. Beside the beautiful blue sea spread all over the horizon, the mountains ranges in the middle of the island also invited many people to meet the rare animals and plants living in the natural jungle near the tropical, which looks like in ancient times. The famous local specialty is Keihan, which is rice placed on top with chicken meat, Shiitake mushrooms, pouring broth and then enjoy.

Kirishima Onsen

Kagoshima is the top hot spring (onsen) place in the country with many hot springs found in the Kirishima area.

Kirishima hotel (Agoda, Booking)

Kirishima Hotel owns huge hot springs, similar to an amusement park. Even if you are not a guest of the hotel, you can still come and experience the Large Garden pool. This pool is 25 meters deep, spews out a dozen cubic meters of hot water every minute, and is an extremely impressive pool.

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Since the hot water pool does not differentiate between genders, this area is reserved for children or couples. When using a bath tub, you should wrap bath towel carefully. However, if there is a large number of guests staying at the hotel, guests should note that the bathrooms are reserved for ladies only from 7:30pm to 10pm.

Sakura Sakura Onsen (Agoda, Booking)

Sakura Sakura Hot Springs is where you can experience “mud bathing” in the most unique way. The mud here is taken from the sedimentary layers that contain many minerals, collected from the bottom of the water sources. Your skin will become smooth and shiny due to these minerals. Only apply it on your hand and body, and you’ll immediately see the usefulness of this layer of mud!

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If you come to the Kirishima Onsen area, you can combine a visit to Kirishima Shrine – one of the most famous spiritual sites in Kagoshima. The shrine was established in the 6th century to worship Ninigi-no-Mikoto – Japanese deity, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu.

Yakushima – World Natural Heritage Site of Natural Beauty

If you want to immerse yourself in nature, why not come to Yakushima?

Yakushima is known to be a place rich in nature with Japanse cedars that are more than 1000 years old and a natural landscape with 90% of the area forested. But this is not the oldest cedar trees area in Yakushima, the most famous one is Jomon Sugi, discovered in 1966 and believed to be about 2,000 to 7,200 years old. About 20% of the land area covered by the island’s surface is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Majestic nature | is kagoshima worth visiting

Yakushima is a small island that has been recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage. The main island is the most ideal tourist destination for those who love nature.

This is an ideal tourist destination for those who love nature and love to explore the beauty of primeval forests. Yakushima Island is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions, with a beautiful landscape of primeval forests and fresh air that you can’t miss if you want to explore the forest scene here. In addition, the primeval forest also makes the air on the island extremely fresh and fresh. Perhaps this is also one of the reasons why this area is one of the areas with the largest number of elderly people in Japan.

You can reach Yakushima by plane or ferry. It takes about 35 minutes from Kagoshima Airport by plane and the fastest speed by ferry from Sakurajima Ferry Terminal Kagoshima Port (Main Port) is 1 hour 45 minutes.

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To admire the thousand-year-old cedar tree, you will have to get up at 4 am and walk for 8 hours. However, this is not the most perfect path. Instead, you can go to Shiratani Unsui gorge with a relatively easy route. Shiratani Unsui Gorge is the symbol of “Princess Mononoke” – Studio Ghibli’s animated film with a beautiful fairy tale setting.

Thousands of years cedar tree Jomon Sugi | is kagoshima worth visiting

Amami No Sato Village

Amami-no-Sato Village with an area of more than 5 hectares, here you will be able to experience the nature and culture of Amami Island. The colorful garden of the many flowers and plants that grow in the southern lands, along with the thatched-roof houses make you really feel the island atmosphere. Going inside the garden will find a museum documenting life on Amami Island. The museum recreates the image of the island known as the home of Oshima-tsumugi fabric as well as the tools used by the ancients, and also organizes experience classes such as silk braiding, weaving, and dyeing food. objects so visitors can learn more about this Oshima-tsumugi fabric.

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To get to Amami Oshima, it will take you about 1 hour by plane from Kagoshima. Flights also depart from other areas such as Tokyo. If going by ferry from Kagoshima, it will take about 11 hours. The ferry will depart at night and arrive early the next day to reach the island.

Kakashi Yokocho – Satsuma Jokiya

Kakashi Yokocho – Satsuma Jokiya is in the 4th place, on the left in Kagoshima’s famous shopping street Tenmonkan.

Kakashi Yokocho is a small street about 50 meters long, which is a combination of a 70 year old wooden house and a newly built wooden part. At the entrance, there are traditional Japanese and Western sweets and a waterfall in the center with the meaning of healing.

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From Donatsu buns with just the right amount of sweetness, just finished baking so you can enjoy it right away to the traditional Karukan that is perfect for buying as a gift. In addition, the egg tart Kasutadon is a very popular choice among young people!

Kurozu no Sato – Kakuida

In this field there are about 23,000 jars of vinegar.

Here you will be introduced by the staff of the complex about the effects as well as the ingredients and the process of making black vinegar.

You know, according to the staff here, by drinking black vinegar regularly, the NK cells in the body are activated, increasing immunity to diseases and maintaining a healthy body.

Black Vinegar Field | kagoshima guide

At the 60th Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Science (2006), research results were published that, in people who drink black vinegar, immunity is less impaired than those who do not drink. So great, right?

Area for placing certificates of merit, certificates, and awards that the restaurant has achieved. | kagoshima guide
You can also see fruit-laden orange trees here! | kagoshima guide

Oranges in Sakurajima, Kagoshima Prefecture are said to be the smallest oranges in the world.

In addition, you may not know that it is the Sakurajima radish that has been recognized by Guinness as the heaviest radish in the world. For this reason, the street lights in Sakurajima are designed in the shape of a radish. If you go to Sakurajima, try to find these turnip-shaped bulbs!

Ashiyu foot bath – in front of Kirishima Jingu Station

Kirishima Jingu Station is a station on the JR Nippo Honsen line. The next station towards Kagoshima is Kokubu station and the next station towards Miyazaki/Miyakonojo is Kita Naganoda station. During the day there is 1 station staff, but at night Kirishima Jingu is an unstaffed station.

You can also experience a foot bath in a hot spring (ashiyu/足湯) right in front of the station. And it’s free! | kagoshima guide

You just need to take off your socks and roll up your pants and put your feet in the water. It only takes 15 minutes, but the warm water will help you feel much more relaxed and calm!

There is no towel shop near the station, so please bring your own towel to wipe your feet after soaking.

Watching handmade glass cutting

One of Kagoshima’s famous crafts is the Satsuma Kiriko cut glass. Stained glass pieces are mounted in complex shapes and designs to create sophisticated, glittering and unique items. You can see firsthand the entire production process in the factory that is open daily for visitors to visit. The nearby souvenir and display shop welcomes you in and picks up beautiful gifts.

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Watching the volcano eruptsb

Sakurajima volcano | kagoshima blog

From Kagoshima across the bay is Sakurajima – a volcano that regularly spews smoke and dust. If you want to walk on the three peaks, you can catch a ferry to the island. You are not allowed to set foot on the Sakurajima crater, but there are many points to enjoy this unique panorama. In addition, on the island there is a monumental dinosaur park that children love very much.

Admire the pinnacle of kingship

Kirishima mountain range | kagoshima blog

If you want to combine hiking and learning about history, the Kirishima mountain range is the optimal choice, although the distance is a bit far. According to legend, here once upon a time the god Ninigi no Mikoto descended and created the list of Japanese emperors. On the terrain with majestic, bright scenery is a long chain of volcanoes, where you can walk and enjoy the panoramic view from above. After a long day of walking, go to the hot springs to soak, dispel fatigue.

Drinking alcohol mixed with hot water

Oyu wari shochu | kagoshima blog

Kyushu is famous for its sweet-smelling shochu. The alcohol here is called imo-shochu, made from sweet potatoes, and is available in almost every Japanese restaurant. If you want to drink like a real player, call oyu-wari a drink mixed with hot water. You can also visit many distilleries. In particular, Satsuma Shuzo is a favorite destination for English-speaking tourists.

What to eat in Kagoshima? (#is kagoshima worth visiting)

Local cuisine is something you should definitely try in Kagoshima. Blessed with nature, this land is the capital of Kyushu specialties!

Kurobuta Pork

Kurobuta, also known as black pork, is a famous dish throughout Japan that was introduced to Kagoshima 400 years ago. Kurobuta Pork is the culinary pride of Kagoshima as it has the largest pork production in Japan. There are many ways to enjoy Kurobuta, the most famous of which are shabu-shabu hot pot and katsu-don pork cutlets or stewed pork both are savory.

The Kurobuta pig raised in Kagoshima, has a rich, juicy taste. Because the fat of this meat will melt completely at high heat, the meat tastes delicious and not greasy. | kagoshima blog

The famous restaurant Ichinisan is one of the places serving this dish. After dipping the pork in boiling water, it will served with a special dipping sauce. Shabu-shabu is usually eaten with ponzu or sesame sauce. Another option is a special sauce made from soy sauce produced by Kagoshima and shredded tuna from Ichinisan.

Soft black pork combined with the mild flavor of the special dipping sauce will make this dish more delectable. When you’ve finished most of your meal, add some soba (buckwheat noodles) to the dipping sauce. Soba served with black pork flavored sauce is absolutely delicious!

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Satsuma-age

Satsuma-age is minced fish deep-fried in oil, soft and mildly sweet when eaten. Currently on the market there are many variations of this delicacy, including fish cakes made from mixed vegetables or marinated spices.

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Satsuma was the name of Kagoshima Prefecture in the past. Because of that, many popular dishes throughout Japan come from here with names associated with the word Satsuma, such as the delicious sweet potato Satsuma-imo or the deep-fried fish cake Satsuma-age.

Although, Satsuma-age is also sold in supermarkets in other areas of Japan, but Satsuma-age – Kagoshima specialty has a characteristic sweet taste. This dish is extremely suitable when drinking with shochu – spirit distilled from wheat and potatoes, a specialty of Kagoshima.

Shirokuma

Shirokuma is a type of sweet that originated in Kagoshima. It is a type of shaved ice garnished with various fruits and topped with condensed milk.

This dish is named Shirokuma because it looks quite like a polar bear, “shirokuma” in Japanese for this bear. Currently, this Kagoshima specialty is loved and easily found anywhere in Japan. However, if you have come to Kagoshima, you definitely cannot ignore Tenmonkan Mujaki – the shopping district in the city center – where this unique dish was born!

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Shochu

Shochu is a typical Japanese spirit, made from barley, sweet potatoes or white rice. With a mild taste and no headache effect, Shochu is very popular with Japanese people. Kagoshima is the home of this wine and is the leading Shochu-producing prefecture in Japan with the famous Satsuma-shochu made from the prefecture’s specialty sweet potato. This wine has been registered for trademark protection and is characterized by an outstanding aroma.

Kagoshima Shochu

What and where to buy in Kagoshima?

Tenmonkan is the main shopping district in Kagoshima, located in the heart of the city. It has many restaurants serving local dishes and souvenir shops. Tenmonkan is the ideal shopping destination for you.

Tenmonkan shopping street | kagoshima blog

If you’re looking for a shopping mall, you can check out Maruya Gardens (Address: 6-5 Gofukumachi, Kagoshima, 892-0826, Japan/Hours: 10 AM–8 PM) and Yamagataya (Address: 3-1 Kinseicho, Kagoshima, 892-8601, Japan). Maruya Gardens is a shopping mall surrounded by trees outside, with LOFT stores and many other famous brands.

Meanwhile, Yamagataya is an old department store loved by locals with its traditional and nostalgic look.

Maruya Gardens | kagoshima blog

In addition, near Tenmonkan there are several other interesting places to visit. Retroft Chitose is a trendy mixed-use building with a second-hand bookstore, chic cafe and hotdog shop located right inside.

Alternatively, you can spend time exploring Meizan Bori – an area of small izakaya  Japanese pubs and bars near Meizan Cho. If this area is quite quiet in the afternoon, when night falls, it becomes extremely lively and bustling.

Traditional Japanese pub (Source: Shutterstock) | kagoshima travel blog

Suggested Kagoshima itinerary 3 days

If you are planning to visit Kagoshima for 3 days and 2 nights doesn’t seem to be enough to experience it all. Honestly, 1 week is the right time to leisurely travel around and explore Kagoshima.

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However, if you do not have much time, please refer to the plan below that we has made up to experience the best places to visit in Kagoshima!

Day 1: Visit Kagoshima Center

  • Morning: Sakurajima
  • Afternoon: Stroll around Kagoshima City, shopping at Tenmonkan

Day 2: Ibusuki

  • Morning: Ibusuki sand bath experience
  • Afternoon: Visit Chiran and other places in the southern region

Day 3: Kirishima

  • Stroll around Kirishima Onsen, then head to Kagoshima Airport in Kirishima.

Where to stay?

In addition the two hotels we suggested above, below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima

Check out more top and best hotels in Kagoshima on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Kagoshima you can refer to

| kagoshima travel blog

It can be said that Kagoshima is a sacred land with many unique experiences and breathtaking scenery. Please visit this beautiful land someday! Read more Japan guide here.