Kagoshima

Kagoshima's temperamental (and active) volcano can be reached by ferry in a matter of minutes 250¥. Start from the Sakurajima Ferry Kagoshima Terminal which is along the waterfront and also features the Kagoshima City Aquarium. Pay for the ferry upon arrival at the Sakurajima port (and pay here for your return trip). Multiple ways to pay including RapiCa card, cash, and credit card. Upon arrival at the Sakurajima port, highly consider getting a map (free, English map available) and a tourist bus day pass 500¥ (April 2026). The tourist bus day pass is good for the Island View loop bus. Island View bus will take RapiCa but 230¥ per ride, so the day pass will pay for itself in just 2 stops. You will likely visit more than 2 stops during your trip. Island View bus runs 09:30- 17:25 (as of April 2026). Consider spending half to a whole day, and may be a worthwhile activity on a mild/moderately rainy day as the ferry is covered and the bus practically provides door to door stops. Most valuable stops include: 1) the Sakurajima Visitor Center (also a 10 minute walk from ferry terminal so the bus isn’t necessary) (free) as it has some educational displays regarding volcanoes, a gift shop, and a free foot bath; 2) Sakurajima International Volcanic Sabo Center (free) which has in-depth educational activities regarding Sakurajima including a short film, VR, recordings of multiple eruptions through the years, and international collaboration with other countries dealing with erosion in volcanic areas with sizeable populations. The Sabo Center offers free wifi and QR codes for English explanations of displays. Beware that only every other Island View bus makes it out to the Sabo Center (Bus B) so setting an alarm in 55 minutes may be wise or else you’ll be waiting another 30 minutes; 3) Yunohira Observatory which is about 15 minutes on the bus up the volcano and provides views of the peak, the bay and Kagoshima City and a small gift and snack shop. The bus will stop here for 10 minutes, and is punctual so consider setting a 9 minute alarm or you will be there until the next bus 30 minutes later. Seeing the three points of interest listed above via Island Bus could last about 2.5 hours. Consider using the onsen at the Rainbow Sakurajima Inn or eating local-food (before 2pm) at the Hinoshima Megumikan Rest Stop. Beware that the tourist map features 3 bus stops with the English word “observatory”. Likely, you want the Yunohira Observatory as the other “observatory” stops may feature only a nice view, a vending machine and a few friendly feral cats. Akamizu Observatory Square has a working public water fountain (September 2025). Some may choose a more active approach to the volcano by renting a bike (few cars) or hiking to the Yunohira Observatory. Have seen locals take their motorcycles on the ferry and then ride the perimeter. Face your fear and get up close and personal - just don't wear too much white, as the ash will leave you looking slightly grey. Yunohira Lookout is a two-hour hike or 15-minute drive from Sakurajima harbor and gives you a good view both to Kagoshima harbor and Sakurajima volcano. There are also a couple of other lookout points, where you can take a closer look at the volcano. Because Sakurajima is essentially an active volcano, remember that tourists are forbidden to go within 2 km of the crater.

Once the castle of the Shimazu clan who governed the Satsuma domain till the Meiji Restoration, it was destroyed during the Satsuma Rebellion. The only parts remaining today are the wall and the moat. Reconstruction of the castle's gate was completed in April 2020. The Reimeikan is located inside the gate on the former castle grounds.

Beautiful museum with nice expositions retracing the origin and evolution of the first habitants of the southern Kyushu area till the Meiji restoration. Generic information is available in English but for more details about the different pieces contained in the exposition, a Japanese reading friend should be brought to fully enjoy all the information available.

A museum about the Meiji restoration and its relationship with the local history. An excellent audio-guide in English is available for free. In the basement, projections (25 min) and robot animations (20 min) relating this period are presented hourly, with English translation though the audio-guide. Allow between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Former residence of the powerful Shimazu clan. Features a Neko (cat) Shrine, industrial heritage buildings of the Meiji restoration and stately gardens. Known for prominently making use of Sakurajima Volcano as borrowed scenery.

1500¥ for adults (September 2025) 5 floors of exhibits. Of note, has 7 dolphins, 2 seals, and a whale shark. Closes 6pm.