Kagoshima, Japan-6-day-itinerary

Kagoshima 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Kagoshima City

  • Morning: Arrive at Kagoshima Airport or Kagoshima Chuo Station
  • Places to Go:
    • Kagoshima City Museum of Art (free admission)
    • Kagoshima Prefectural Office Building ( observatory deck with city views)
  • Lunch: Try some local tonkatsu (pork cutlet) at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a stroll along the Kotsuki River and visit the Kagoshima Central Park
    • Visit the Kagoshima Aquarium (¥2,000)
  • Dinner: Enjoy some fresh seafood at Kagoshima’s famous Fish Market, Shinmachi Ichiba
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel MyStays Kagoshima or similar

Day 2: Sakurajima Island and Kagoshima Bay

  • Morning: Take a ferry to Sakurajima Island (¥600 round-trip)
  • Places to Go:
    • Yunohira Lookout Point for stunning views of Kagoshima Bay
    • Visit the Sakurajima Visitor Center
  • Lunch: Try some local seafood at one of the island’s many restaurants
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a guided tour of the Sakurajima Lava Park (¥1,500)
    • Return to Kagoshima City and visit the Kagoshima Port
  • Dinner: Enjoy some yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) at Han no Daidokoro Bettei
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel MyStays Kagoshima or similar

Day 3: Ibusuki Onsen and Cape Nagasakibana

  • Morning: Take a train to Ibusuki Station ( approx. 1 hour)
  • Places to Go:
    • Soak in the natural hot springs of Ibusuki Onsen
    • Visit Cape Nagasakibana for breathtaking ocean views
  • Lunch: Try some local seafood at one of the many restaurants in Ibusuki
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a scenic drive along the coastline to Kagoshima City
    • Stop by the Kagoshima Kotsuki River Cherry Blossom Park (free admission)
  • Dinner: Enjoy some local kaiseki cuisine at Kappo Ryokai
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel MyStays Kagoshima or similar

Day 4: Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park

  • Morning: Take a train to Kirishima-Jingū Station (approx. 1 hour)
  • Places to Go:
    • Explore the scenic hiking trails of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
    • Visit the Shinmoedake Volcano Observatory Deck
  • Lunch: Try some local ramen at one of the many restaurants in the park
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a scenic drive to Kagoshima City, stopping by the Maruo Falls (free admission)
    • Visit the Kagoshima City Museum of History (¥500)
  • Dinner: Enjoy some local izakaya cuisine at Bungalow
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel MyStays Kagoshima or similar

Day 5: Sengan-en Garden and Kagoshima’s Local Markets

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Sengan-en Garden (¥500)
  • Places to Go:
    • Explore the lively Kagoshima Ichiba Market
    • Visit the Tenmonkan Shopping Arcade
  • Lunch: Try some local street food at one of the many markets
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a stroll along the Kotsuki River and visit the Kagoshima Central Park
    • Stop by the Kagoshima City Tram Museum (free admission)
  • Dinner: Enjoy some local yatai cuisine at Yatai Gaijin
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel MyStays Kagoshima or similar

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city
  • Departure: Return to Kagoshima Airport or Kagoshima Chuo Station for departure

Things to Know

  • Kagoshima is a relatively small city, and many attractions are within walking distance.
  • The city has a convenient tram system that can be used to get around (¥200 per ride).
  • Many restaurants and shops may not have English menus or signs, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic Japanese phrases.

Transportation

  • Kagoshima Airport is connected to the city center by bus ( approx. 40 minutes) or taxi (approx. 30 minutes).
  • Kagoshima Chuo Station is the main train station in the city and is connected to other parts of Japan by JR trains.
  • The city has a convenient tram system that can be used to get around.

Tips

  • Be prepared for variable weather, as Kagoshima is known for its sunny and rainy days.
  • Try some local specialties like kurobuta (black pork) and imo (sweet potato).
  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases to help you navigate the city.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Kagoshima, Japan!