Kagoshima, Japan-7-day-itinerary

Kagoshima 7-Day Itinerary

Welcome to Kagoshima, a hidden gem on the southern island of Kyushu, Japan. This itinerary will guide you through the best places to visit, eat, stay, and experience in this beautiful city.

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Kagoshima Airport and take a bus or taxi to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kagoshima City Museum of Art (free admission) to learn about the city’s history and culture.
  • Evening: Walk around Tenmonkan, a lively street lined with restaurants, shops, and bars. Try some local street food, such as tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet).
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Kagoshima or similar in the city center.

Day 2: Sakurajima Island

  • Morning: Take a ferry from Kagoshima Port to Sakurajima Island (¥150, approximately 15 minutes).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Sakurajima Volcanic Observatory for stunning views of the island and Kagoshima City.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at a local restaurant, such as Kiritappu.
  • Accommodation: Stay on Sakurajima Island at a hotel like Sakurajima Hotel or similar.

Day 3: Ibusuki

  • Morning: Take a train from Kagoshima Chuo Station to Ibusuki Station (approximately 1 hour).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ibusuki Onsen, a hot spring resort with stunning ocean views.
  • Evening: Try some local seafood at a restaurant like Katsuura, known for its fresh sushi and sashimi.
  • Accommodation: Stay in Ibusuki at a hotel like Ibusuki Onsen Hotel or similar.

Day 4: Kirishima

  • Morning: Take a bus from Kagoshima City to Kirishima (approximately 1.5 hours).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, featuring scenic hiking trails and stunning views.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Maruo Onsen hot spring resort.
  • Accommodation: Stay in Kirishima at a hotel like Hotel Kirishima or similar.

Day 5: Kagoshima Bay

  • Morning: Take a ferry from Kagoshima Port to Matsushima Island (¥150, approximately 15 minutes).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kagoshima Aquarium, featuring a variety of marine life.
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise around Kagoshima Bay (approximately ¥2,000).
  • Accommodation: Stay in Kagoshima City at a hotel like Hotel Kagoshima or similar.

Day 6: Satsuma Peninsula

  • Morning: Take a train from Kagoshima Chuo Station to Ichiki Station (approximately 1.5 hours).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Sata Cape, the southernmost point of Kyushu.
  • Evening: Try some local shochu, a traditional Japanese spirit, at a restaurant like Tofuya Ukai.
  • Accommodation: Stay in Satsuma Peninsula at a hotel like Hotel Satsuma or similar.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Return to Kagoshima Airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Kagoshima is known for its active volcanoes, so be prepared for occasional volcanic ash fall.
  • The city has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Pack accordingly.
  • Many restaurants in Kagoshima serve kurobuta (black pork), a local specialty.

Transportation

  • Kagoshima Airport is accessible by bus or taxi from the city center.
  • Trains connect Kagoshima City to surrounding areas, such as Ibusuki and Kirishima.
  • Buses and ferries are available for shorter distances.

Tips

  • Try to avoid traveling during peak seasons (e.g., cherry blossom season) for smaller crowds.
  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases, such as “konnichiwa” (hello) and “arigatou” (thank you).
  • Don’t forget to try some local specialties, such as imo (Japanese sweet potato) and shochu.

Other Interests

  • Kagoshima is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as the Iso Beach.
  • The city has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums and historical sites to explore.
  • For outdoor enthusiasts, Kagoshima offers plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.