Travel : Kagoshima - Highlights of the historic city in South Japan

 

Kagoshima is a historic city located in the southern part of Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island. Often referred to as the "Naples of the East" due to its mild climate, picturesque bay, and iconic active volcano, Sakurajima, Kagoshima is renowned for its natural beauty, history, and warm hospitality. The city has a rich samurai heritage and played a key role during the Meiji Restoration, a time when Japan transitioned from feudal rule to modernization. Kagoshima is also a gateway to the subtropical islands of Amami and Yakushima, making it a prime destination for both history buffs and nature lovers.

Best Spots to Visit in Kagoshima

1. Sakurajima Volcano

Description: One of Japan’s most active volcanoes, Sakurajima stands majestically in Kagoshima Bay. Despite its frequent eruptions, Sakurajima can be safely visited, and there are many observation points around the city to view the volcano’s activity. Visitors can take a short ferry ride to the island for closer exploration.

Highlight: The Yunohira Observatory provides a panoramic view of the volcano and the city. The Nagisa Lava Trail lets you hike through cooled lava fields, offering a unique natural experience.

2. Sengan-en Garden

Description: A beautiful Japanese-style landscape garden originally built in 1658 by the Shimadzu clan, who ruled over Kagoshima. The garden offers stunning views of Sakurajima and the surrounding bay, along with traditional teahouses, koi ponds, and historic buildings.

Highlight: The garden houses the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, which details the Shimadzu family history and Kagoshima’s role in Japan’s modernization.

3. Shiroyama Observatory

Description: Perched atop Mount Shiroyama, this observatory offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire city of Kagoshima, with Sakurajima volcano as a breathtaking backdrop. The site is also historically significant, as it was the final battlefield during the Satsuma Rebellion led by the samurai Saigo Takamori.

Highlight: The sunset views of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay are particularly stunning, making it a popular spot for photographers.

4. Kagoshima Aquarium

Description: This modern aquarium focuses on marine life from the nearby Kuroshio Current, one of the world’s strongest ocean currents. Visitors can see a variety of marine species, including whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins.

Highlight: The dolphin show and the large central tank that replicates the Kuroshio Current are major attractions.

5. Chiran Samurai Residences

Description: Located about an hour from Kagoshima city, Chiran is a preserved samurai district featuring traditional residences and gardens from the Edo period. The area provides a glimpse into the lives of the samurai who lived there, with beautifully maintained gardens and cobblestone streets.

Highlight: The samurai gardens are meticulously kept and reflect traditional Japanese landscaping principles.

6. Ibusuki Onsen

Description: Known for its unique sand baths, Ibusuki is a popular hot spring town located south of Kagoshima. Visitors can lie in naturally heated sand, which is said to have therapeutic benefits, particularly for circulation and muscle relaxation.

Highlight: The sand baths at Saraku Sand Bath Hall are a must-try experience.

7. Yakushima Island (Accessible from Kagoshima)

Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima Island is famed for its ancient cedar forests, some of which are over 1,000 years old. The island’s mystical atmosphere is said to have inspired the Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke.

Highlight: The Jomon Sugi, an ancient cedar tree that’s estimated to be over 2,000 years old, is a popular hiking destination.

Best Seasons to Visit Kagoshima

1. Spring (March to May):

Weather: Mild and pleasant, with temperatures around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

Highlights: Cherry blossoms bloom across Kagoshima, particularly at Sengan-en Garden and around the city’s parks. It’s an ideal time for outdoor exploration of the volcano, gardens, and historical sites.

2. Summer (June to August):

Weather: Hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F).

Highlights: Summer offers various festivals and events, such as the Kagoshima Kinko Bay Summer Night Fireworks. The lush greenery of Yakushima and the coastal beauty of the Amami Islands are also at their best during summer.

3. Autumn (September to November):

Weather: Cooler and more comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Highlights: The fall foliage transforms Kagoshima’s parks and surrounding countryside into a vibrant landscape of reds, yellows, and oranges. Hiking and visiting the samurai gardens in Chiran are particularly beautiful during this season.

4. Winter (December to February):

Weather: Mild winters compared to northern Japan, with temperatures averaging 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).

Highlights: Winter is a quiet season, perfect for relaxing in the hot springs at Ibusuki or taking a scenic ferry ride to Sakurajima. The city is less crowded, offering peaceful visits to its many historic sites.

Best Cuisines in Kagoshima

1. Kurobuta Pork (Black Pork)

Description: Kagoshima is famous for its Kurobuta (black pork), a variety known for its tender texture and rich flavor. It’s often served in dishes like tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork cutlet) or in shabu-shabu (hot pot).

Where to Try: Many restaurants around Kagoshima serve Kurobuta pork, with Kagomma Furusato Yataimura offering a great local dining experience.

2. Kibinago (Silver-striped Herring)

Description: This small fish is a specialty of Kagoshima and is typically served raw, with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar. It can also be grilled or deep-fried.

Where to Try: Local seafood restaurants, particularly around the Kagoshima Bay area, serve fresh kibinago.

3. Satsuma-age (Fried Fish Cake)

Description: A traditional Kagoshima snack made from ground fish and vegetables, which is then deep-fried. Satsuma-age can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal.

Where to Try: Many street vendors and casual eateries around the city offer fresh Satsuma-age.

4. Shōchū

Description: Kagoshima is known for its production of Shōchū, a distilled spirit typically made from sweet potatoes. Kagoshima’s Shōchū has a distinct, slightly sweet flavor, and is often enjoyed on the rocks or with water.

Where to Try: Many izakayas (Japanese pubs) and specialty bars offer local varieties of Shōchū.

Airlines and Connectivity to Kagoshima

1. Airlines and Airports:

Kagoshima Airport (KOJ): Kagoshima’s main airport offers domestic flights to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as international flights to destinations like Seoul, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. It is served by airlines such as Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and budget carriers like Peach Aviation.

Access to Yakushima and Amami Islands: Regular flights operate from Kagoshima to Yakushima and Amami Oshima, making it easy to explore these subtropical islands.

2. Train Connectivity:

Kyushu Shinkansen: Kagoshima is well-connected by the Kyushu Shinkansen, which links the city to Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and other major cities in Kyushu. The bullet train offers a fast and comfortable way to travel around the region, taking about 90 minutes to reach Fukuoka.

Local Trains: The JR Kagoshima Line and other regional trains provide easy access to nearby attractions like Chiran and Ibusuki.

3. Bus Connectivity:

Kagoshima’s bus system connects the city to outlying areas, including Sakurajima, Ibusuki, and the Kirishima mountains. Long-distance buses also link Kagoshima to other cities in Kyushu, such as Miyazaki and Kumamoto.

4. Ferries:

Sakurajima Ferry: A frequent ferry service operates between Kagoshima City and Sakurajima, taking about 15 minutes. Ferries also run to nearby islands, including Yakushima and the Amami Islands, providing scenic routes for travelers.

Conclusion

Kagoshima is a captivating destination that offers a mix of stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and unique local cuisine. Whether you're hiking on Yakushima Island, relaxing in an Ibusuki sand bath, or admiring the ever-present Sakurajima volcano, Kagoshima provides a diverse array of experiences with easy accessibility by air.