Japan Itinerary
Kyushu
Kagoshima Guide

Kagoshima Guide: How to Plan Your Trip + Itinerary

Kagoshima is about 281 kilometers south of Fukuoka, in southern Kyushu, and is best known for the constantly active Sakurajima volcano. city by Marek Piwnicki

 

Getting to Kagoshima from Fukuoka or Kumamoto

From Fukuoka:
Take the Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Kagoshima-Chuo Station. The journey takes around 1 hour 16 minutes and costs ¥11,420. Alternatively, you can take a highway bus (about 4.5 hours, ¥7,000).

From Kumamoto:
Take the Shinkansen from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshima-Chuo Station. The ride takes about 42 minutes and costs ¥7,440. Or take a bus (around 3.5 hours, ¥4,100).

Tips:
The Shinkansen has both reserved and non-reserved seats. This route is usually not busy, so you can just take a non-reserved seat without booking in advance. For more details on the JR Pass, Check here map

 

Recommended Hotels in Kagoshima

Here are two hotels just a 1-minute walk from Kagoshima-Chuo Station — both in a convenient location:
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima
JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima hotel

 

Kagoshima Sample Itinerary

Day 1:
Depart from Fukuoka, stop in Kumamoto for sightseeing during the day, and arrive in Kagoshima in the evening.

Day 2:

  • Take the City View Bus from Kagoshima-Chuo Station to Shiroyama (about 24 min, ¥230).

  • Enjoy the view of Sakurajima from Shiroyama Park Observation Deck (recommended visit time: 15–20 minutes).

  • Continue on the City View Bus to Senganen (Isoteien) (about 25 min, ¥230).

  • Visit Sengan-en and have lunch there.

  • Take the City View Bus to Kagoshima City Aquarium (about 15 min, ¥230).

  • Transfer to the ferry to Sakurajima (15 min, ¥250).

  • Explore Sakurajima for 2–3 hours (island bus fare: approx. ¥460).

  • Take the ferry back to Kagoshima (15 min, ¥250).

  • Return to Kagoshima-Chuo Station by City View Bus or other local buses (about 16 min, ¥230).

  • Take the Shinkansen back to Fukuoka.

map

Transportation Notes

  • It’s recommended to buy the CUTE 1-Day Pass (¥1,300 for adults / ¥650 for children) at the tourist information center inside Kagoshima-Chuo Station. This pass includes unlimited rides on the City View Bus, the Sakurajima ferry, and Island View Buses — plus discounts at some attractions.

  • The City View Bus runs in a one-way loop, which is convenient for tourists but only comes every 30 minutes. Note: Because of the one-way route, it’s best to follow the sightseeing order listed in the itinerary above. Timetable available here.

  • If you have more time, you might also consider visiting Ibusuki, Kirishima, or Miyazaki — but public transportation to those areas is limited, so they’re not included in this guide.

 

Attractions in Kagoshima

1. Shiroyama Park Observation Deck

Located 107 meters above sea level, the Shiroyama Park Observation Deck offers one of the best views of Sakurajima Volcano.

Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time: 15 minutes
Getting There: Take the Kagoshima City View Bus and get off at the Shiroyama stop. The observatory is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop. Shiroyama Park by Geoff Oliver

 

2. Sengan-en Garden

Sengan-en is Kagoshima’s most famous Japanese garden, originally built in 1658. This must-visit spot offers beautiful views — stroll past ponds and stone bridges while enjoying a distant view of Sakurajima Volcano.

Hours: 9am - 5pm
Admission: ¥1600 (adults), ¥800 (students)
Recommended Visit Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Getting There: Take the Kagoshima City View Bus to “Senganen (Isoteien)” stop
Tips for Visiting: View garden map here. The on-site restaurant “Oukatei” offers great views and is a popular spot for lunch. Menu available here. Reservations are not accepted.
Official Site: senganen.jp
Watch: ドローン動画／仙巌園 Sengan-en Garden

Watch: 鹿児島観光スポット 仙巌園 Sengan-en Garden Sengan-en Garden  

Oukatei Sengan-en Garden

 

3. Sakurajima

Located just 4 km from central Kagoshima, Sakurajima refers to both the island and its active volcano. The volcano erupts hundreds of times a year, with ash plumes sometimes reaching up to 5,000 meters. While eruptions can’t be predicted with 100% accuracy, major ones are usually preceded by noticeable signs such as earthquakes or ground swelling — so there’s no need for visitors to worry too much.

Note: Technically, Sakurajima is no longer an island — the 1914 eruption filled in the strait between it and the eastern mainland. However, since Kagoshima City is located west of Sakurajima, the ferry remains the most convenient way to reach it. Sakurajima

Getting There:

  • Take the Kagoshima City View Bus to “Kagoshima City Aquarium” stop
  • Board the ferry to Sakurajima (15 min, ¥250 one-way). Ferries operate 24/7, with 3–4 departures per hour. Timetable available here

Sakurajima boat by Geoff Oliver

Getting Around the Island：

island view bus

Recommended Visit Time: 2-3 hours
Itinerary Suggestions: map

  • After disembarking, walk about 10 minutes to the “Sakurajima Volcanic Shore Park and Footbath” (free) - enjoy the volcanic scenery while soaking your feet.
    Watch: Hot springs gushed forth after digging the coast Footbath Footbath

  • Nearby facilities include the Tourist Information Center and “Sakurajima Magma Onsen Hot Spring” (¥390 for adults, ¥150 for children, towel rental ¥200).
    Watch: 桜島マグマ温泉 Onsen

  • Take the bus to “Yunohira Observation Deck” (35min ride). At 373 meters above sea level, it’s the highest viewpoint on Sakurajima. If you’re lucky, you may hear rumbling sounds or see volcanic ash during an eruption. The bus stops at Yunohira Observatory for 10 minutes before continuing its loop.
    Watch: 冠雪した桜島と近景からの噴火の様子 Yunohira Observation Deck Watch: Yunohira Observatory Yunohira Observation Deck Yunohira Observation Deck

  • Finally, take the bus back to the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal (15 min ride) for the return ferry to Kagoshima.

 

4. Kagoshima City Aquarium

Though relatively small, this aquarium features dolphin shows and a large tank with a whale shark. It’s a popular alternative on rainy days when trips to Sakurajima may be less enjoyable.

Hours: 9:30am - 6pm
Admission: ¥1500 (adults), ¥750 (students)
Recommended Visit Time: 1 hour
Tips for Visiting: Click here for dolphin show and whale shark feeding times
Getting There: Take the Kagoshima City View Bus to “Kagoshima City Aquarium” stop
Official Site: ioworld.jp
Watch: Kagoshima Aquarium Kagoshima City Aquarium Kagoshima City Aquarium

 

Hope you enjoy your Kagoshima adventure!
ヽ(´▽`)/

Kumamoto Guide