Kagoshima, the most southern prefecture of Kyushu Island, is just far from Fukuoka for 1 hr 33 mins by Shinkansen. You can also get access directly from Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei, and Hongkong via Kagoshima International Airport.
A lot of people still do not know about the charm of Kagoshima. Now we would like to show you some ideas to travel in Kagoshima
Let’s start from Ibusuki city
1. Sightseeing train “Ibutama”
“Ibutama” or Ibusuki no Tamatebako makes 3 round-trips daily between Kagoshima-Chuo Station and Ibusuki Station. This richly-appointed vintage 3-car diesel train features a beautifully ornate, wooden interior with wooden floors and seats. The seats face large windows, so one can directly peer out Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima, enjoy unobstructed views.
2. Ride to the southernmost train station of Japan
It is JR Nishi-Oyama station. This train station is unmanned and the tiny platform of the station facing Mt.Kaimon-dake. In spring when the flower is full-bloomed, it is quite a stunning view especially the sunset. Many tourists are waiting to take a photo when a train is running pass.
3. Natural sand stream bath
Enjoy the steamed sand spa of Ibusuki Onsen, by covering your entire body in the sand which is warmed by the hot springs flowing underground. At the steamed sand spa, you will lie on your back on the sand while wearing a yukata and have sand cover your body from above. If you have any stiff spots on your body, let the staffs know so they will place more sand on the spot. After around 10 minutes, sweats are over the whole body and your blocked blood flow will be cured! It’s a highly effective detox that is extremely popular with females.
Get back to Kagoshima city
4. Get a drink at Yatai Mura
There are 25 lively and unique stalls and each stall has a capacity for about 8 guests in this Yatai Muravillage. In this tiny space, guests become friends and enjoy conversation with each other.
Come and enjoy the local production and locally-grown fresh ingredients from a rich sea and fertile soil of Kagoshima prefecture!
5. Do not miss “Shirokuma”(White polar bear) & “Kurobuta”(Black pork)
Shirokuma is a milk-flavored shaved ice topping with seasonal fruit. It is a signature dessert originated from Kagoshima. While Kurobuta is a Berkshire pork introduced to Kagoshima. Thereafter, pig farming gradually became widespread and become Kagoshima a leading livestock producing prefecture in Japan. The Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork is highly regarded by consumers for its superior quality.
6. Symbol of Kagoshima city is Sakurajima
You can literally see the view of Sakurajima from anywhere in the city. This Sakurajima volcano spews ash about 1000 times per year, nearly 3 times a day, and usually issues just minor cloudbursts but local Kagoshima residents take Sakurajima’s frequent volcanic eruptions in stride. The most highlight spot to see the spectacular view is from Shiroyama Observatory.
7. See more up close
Take a ferry just for 15 mins and transfer to a short ride up a windy road to the highest car-accessible observation point, Yunohira Observatory. The alive mountain surface is just in front of you! After that, you can also swing by Nagisa Park by the seaside. It was perfect to catch a relaxing footbath at the edge of the water on the wooden deck, while the sun was setting over Kagoshima to the west. To the east was a clear view of Sakurajima.
8. Japanese park by the sea with in the background
Sengan-en park at first glance is a nice Japanese park by the sea with beautiful greenery; lovely Japanese, Chinese and Western buildings; and traditional Japanese and English gardens with a great view of Sakurajima. But Sengan-en’s story is far more than just a park. The first military cannon in Japan is exhibited here and was built by Japanese craftsmen following instructions from a book that was written in Dutch. Sengan-en has been passed down in the Shimadzu family for over 350 years. In July 2015, Sengan-en and the Shoko Shuseikan building were recognized as World Cultural Heritage Sites related to Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.
9. Can’t skip the Shopping place
Tenmonkan shopping arcade is the most active and prosperous area in Kagoshima City. Tenmonkan is covered by roof designed to prevent falling ash from Mt. Sakurajima. There are stores, boutiques, cafe, restaurants, and cinemas.
Another area where you could find cafe and restaurants is AMU Department Store located next to the main station, Kagoshima Chuo Station.
10. Free pass “Cute”
The Kagoshima City Transport Bureau “Welcome Cute Pass” allows unlimited travel. The pass is valid on all Kagoshima City Transport Bureau city bus routes, tram lines, and ferry lines. (The Pass does not cover travel on private buses.)
11. Natural World Heritage Site, Yakushima
Most visitors travel to Yakushima by ferry through Kagoshima city or by taking a direct flight from Osaka or Fukuoka. The island covered by an extensive cedar forest including Japan’s oldest living tree, Jomon-sugi, which scientists estimate to be 2000 to 7200 years old. Another main attraction of Yakushima is Shiratani Unsuikyo. The forest that served as the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke)
Train your body and give it a try!! The round trip to the Jomon-sugi takes approximately 12 hours.
Feel interested in Kagoshima yet? Comment below!
Photo by: “Kagoshima Convention & Visitors Bureau“ and “Kagoshima City”
