Kagoshima Prefecture, located in the southwestern part of Japan, is an area where beautiful nature and rich culture coexist. This prefecture is blessed with active volcanoes, stunning coastlines, historical landmarks, and warm local people.
One of Kagoshima Prefecture’s most famous features is Sakurajima, an active volcano known for its powerful eruptions and lava flows that captivate many tourists. The entire island offers opportunities for trekking and enjoying hot springs, making it a popular destination for foreign visitors as well.
Yakushima is another hidden gem within the prefecture. The Yakusugi Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring massive cedar trees that create a beautiful natural landscape. Foreign travelers can enjoy outdoor activities like trekking and camping here.
In Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Castle stands as an excellent place to learn about Japanese history and culture. The castle grounds include museums and beautiful gardens, providing foreign visitors with a chance to experience the legacy of Japanese samurai.
Kagoshima Prefecture is also known for its hot spring resorts, such as Ibusuki Onsen and Hirakawa Onsen. Visitors can soak in hot springs while enjoying the picturesque coastal scenery and experiencing Japan’s traditional onsen culture.
The prefecture is rich in history and culture dating back to the Warring States period. Places like the Chiran Peace Museum and the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant Museum offer insights into Japan’s history and scientific achievements for foreign tourists. Shrines like Kirishima Jingu and the magnificent Mount Kaimon combine shrine culture with natural beauty, making them appealing to foreign visitors.
Finally, Kagoshima Prefecture is renowned for its fresh seafood and local cuisine. Exploring local delicacies offers foreign travelers a wonderful opportunity to experience Japanese food culture.
Kagoshima Prefecture is known for its diverse tourist spots and friendly locals, providing a warm welcome to all visitors and creating heartwarming memories.
１．Sakurajima
Sakurajima is an enchanting active volcano located in Kagoshima Prefecture, known for its beautiful landscapes and dynamic volcanic activity. Rising at the heart of the island, Sakurajima is one of Japan’s most renowned active volcanoes, offering picturesque natural scenery throughout the seasons.
At Sakurajima, visitors can observe the crater and witness the impressive volcanic activity up close from observation points. Moreover, the island boasts well-maintained trekking trails, allowing you to fully appreciate the volcano’s allure as you explore on foot.
Additionally, the waters around Sakurajima offer various activities such as fishing and cruises, providing opportunities to savor fresh seafood. Sakurajima is an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and those interested in volcanology, offering a captivating experience.
Yakushima is a natural treasure located in Kagoshima Prefecture, renowned for being a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. This island boasts lush forests, beautiful coastlines, and Japan’s oldest cedar forest known as ‘Shiratani Unsuikyo.’ The giant cedar trees, known as Yakusugi, command a powerful presence, making it an enticing spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
The island offers numerous trekking trails, with famous routes like the ‘Shiratani Unsuikyo Trail’ and the ‘Jomon Sugi Trail,’ providing excellent opportunities to immerse in beautiful natural landscapes. Yakushima’s coastal areas are equally captivating, allowing for snorkeling and diving adventures.
This island evokes a sense of nature’s essence and harbors a highly valuable ecosystem. Visiting Yakushima promises to be an awe-inspiring experience filled with surprises for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
３．Kagoshima Castle
Kagoshima Castle, located in Kagoshima City, is a historical castle with a rich heritage. Constructed during the early Edo period, it is characterized by its elegant curved roofs and white plastered walls. It is known as one of Kagoshima’s symbols, with its famous backdrop of Sakurajima, the active volcano.
Kagoshima Castle served as a historical stronghold for the Shimazu clan, the founders of the Satsuma domain, and is closely tied to many samurai and significant historical events. Inside the castle, you can explore historical materials and exhibits that provide insights into the history and culture of the Satsuma domain.
The castle grounds also feature beautiful gardens that showcase various seasonal flowers. During cherry blossom season, in particular, visitors can enjoy the splendid cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Sakurajima.
Kagoshima Castle is a fantastic tourist destination that combines history and the beauty of nature, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Kagoshima.
４．Ibusuki Onsen
Ibusuki Onsen, located in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a renowned hot spring resort nestled along a beautiful coastline. This onsen area is celebrated for its abundant hot spring resources and stunning natural landscapes, attracting tourists from both within Japan and abroad.
One of the primary attractions of Ibusuki Onsen is the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the ocean, thanks to the many accommodations that dot the coastline. The moment when the sun sets is especially spectacular, allowing visitors to soak in the hot springs while relishing a breathtaking sunset.
The variety of hot springs available is also a significant draw, ranging from foot baths located right along the seashore, where hot spring water bubbles up, to inns that offer pure, natural spring water flowing directly from the source. The mineral composition of the springs in Ibusuki is believed to have skin-beautifying properties, making it particularly popular among female visitors.
Moreover, the area boasts beautiful beaches like Ibusuki Sunamushi Beach, enhancing its appeal as a resort destination. Ibusuki Onsen is highly recommended for travelers seeking relaxation and a chance to savor the sea, offering a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
５．The Tanegashima Space Center
The Tanegashima Space Center is a rocket launch facility operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It is used to launch various rockets, including the H-IIA and H-IIB rockets, carrying Japanese satellites and payloads, as well as supplies for the International Space Station (ISS). The center is open to the general public and features space-related exhibits and information. Inside the center, you can find exhibits, models, and even full-scale rocket replicas, providing an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of space. Additionally, on launch days, visitors may have the chance to witness rocket launches from viewing areas near the launch pads.
６．The Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots
The Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots is a profoundly moving place located in Chiran Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. This museum commemorates the brave young men of the Kamikaze Special Attack Corps (also known as the Divine Wind Special Attack Corps) who took off from here during World War II.
The museum extensively exhibits the life stories of Kamikaze squadron members and the history of Kamikaze missions, conveying their sacrifices and prayers for peace to visitors. In particular, the letters, personal belongings, and videos of Kamikaze squadron members offer a deeply emotional experience.
The Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots serves as a place to reflect on the tragedy of war and the desire for peace, prompting visitors to contemplate the harsh realities of war and the preciousness of peace. It is a place of great historical and educational value, serving as an important site for sharing a message of peace.
７．The Sendai Nuclear Power Museum
The Sendai Nuclear Power Museum is located in Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, and serves as a valuable facility for providing information about nuclear power. Here, you can find clear and informative exhibitions on the mechanisms of nuclear power generation, its safety, and its environmental impacts.
Sendai Nuclear Power Plant is one of Japan’s earliest civilian nuclear power plants, and visitors can learn about its history and technology. Through exhibits, models, and interactive displays, you can gain a deep understanding of nuclear power operation and the importance of energy.
This facility serves as a valuable resource for the general public, students, and researchers interested in nuclear power. It helps enhance knowledge about the safety of nuclear power and contributes to discussions on future energy policies. Visiting here provides an excellent opportunity to contemplate important themes related to nuclear power.
８．Kirishima Shrine
Kirishima Shrine is a historic and beautiful shrine located in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the most prestigious shrines in Kagoshima Prefecture and is known as a center of faith in Kagoshima.
Situated in the Kirishima mountain range in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kirishima Shrine is surrounded by a stunning natural environment. Within its grounds, many subsidiary shrines can be found, with attractions like Shinsho-in and Ito Shrine captivating visitors. The area around the shrine is also blessed with beautiful forests and hot springs, providing a place for relaxation and rejuvenation.
With a rich history and strong connections to the imperial family, Kirishima Shrine is held in high regard. Its architectural structures and ceremonial rituals are steeped in tradition and offer a glimpse into Japanese shrine culture.
This shrine is a fusion of Japan’s history, nature, and a mystical atmosphere, making it a worthwhile tourist destination. For those with faith, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs, Kirishima Shrine holds a special place of significance.
９．Kaimon-dake
Kaimon-dake, an imposing active volcano, is located in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Alongside Sakurajima, it stands as one of Kagoshima’s symbols, representing the stunning natural landscapes of southern Kyushu.
This mountain is renowned for its beautiful silhouette and magnificent vistas, making it an attractive destination for hikers and mountaineering enthusiasts. With an elevation of 1,094 meters, its summit offers panoramic views of Sakurajima, Tanegashima, Yakushima, and even Kagoshima City.
Kaimon-dake features several hiking trails catering to a range of skill levels, from beginners to experienced hikers. The summit boasts an observation platform with breathtaking views, particularly during sunrise and sunset.
Furthermore, the vicinity of Kaimon-dake hosts various hot spring resorts, allowing visitors to relax in the soothing waters after a challenging hike. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Kagoshima’s natural beauty and outdoor adventures, Kaimon-dake is a destination worth exploring.
１０．Amami Oshima
Amami Oshima is a large island located in the southwestern part of Japan, known for its abundant natural beauty. It offers a diverse range of landscapes, including lush mountains, beautiful beaches, rich seas, and pristine rivers. The coastline, in particular, is adorned with stunning coral reefs, making it a renowned spot for snorkeling and diving. The island has a unique culture deeply rooted in traditions like the Amami dance (Amumin odori) and Amami folk songs (Amumin minyo).
Amami Oshima also boasts historical sites and shrines scattered throughout the island, providing opportunities to learn about its rich history and culture. The island’s culinary culture is another highlight, featuring fresh seafood, marine products, and locally grown vegetables that contribute to delicious and healthy island cuisine. Notably, ‘black sugar shochu’ is a local specialty produced on the island.
