It's a must place to visit in Kagoshima. I went there by ferry at 7.30, but the tourist centre and rental bike shops weren't open until 9am. I wasted a lot of time doing nothing on the island. The sight-seeing bus was convenient, but only the western part of the island is covered by it.

Great visit enjoying a ferry ride , some easy walk by the sea side and a usueful bus to climb to an observatory. The tourist center staff are so friendly ! One small comment when you walk from the ferry to catch bus stop 10 : the bus stop is not visible enough from the main road.

nice Island reachable in 15min by ferry from Kagoshima. The area to visit is very large therefore is better to rent a bike o a car. We only visited the nearest area to the port where the main attractions are located and it was very nice. The sunset is spectacular from there

Was rainy season on 12 June, misty cloudy surreal experience cruising around the island. We initially missed Sakurajimi peak at the viewing point but then managed to catch it after an public onsen dip (Sakurajima Magma Hot Spring) near the ferry terminal before heading back to Kagoshima. Will return if ever have the chance.

We took the ferry over and enjoyed the views from the top deck. Once you are at the base of the volcano, there are several viewing platforms and trails. There are also bathrooms, a small museum and a few vendors. It was a great experience seeing the volcano up close!

This place is amazingly pure natural scenery. It's an active volcano with constant / daily eruptions. You can't go too close to the summit mouth but can still get the feeling. You can get there by city ferry runs every 30 min from Kagoshima ferry port. In the island there is a hop-on hop-off tour bus taking you to all the spots. There is also natural hot spring foot bath to enjoy after some walk/hike. There are not much option of excursion on the island, a few convenient store and couple small restaurants. The nature is so relaxing and pure. There is no smell or smoke or sounds expected. Per nice 360 to city / pier views. Could make easily a fine half day trip out of it.

Great to visit on a clear day - ferry departs every 15 minutes between Kagoshima and Sakurajima. The tourist information center has a free museum and a screening about how Sakurajima was formed, with English subtitles (along with other languages). You can also buy a bus pass here if you’ll be hopping on and off the bus (500 yen for unlimited, 230 yen per ride, it’s a good deal). Highly recommend coming early in the morning if you want to hike around. Some sections of the island are accessible only with a car.

Not without reason this place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sen-Gan Garden is a vast, beautiful, elongated complex made up of several smaller sections. It is a large and impressive estate with a perfect view of the Sakurajima volcano. On a sunny day with pleasant, not too hot weather, it is absolutely worth visiting. The garden offers a rich variety of nature, harmoniously combined with water, stone, earth, and living creatures. There are also charming little souvenir shops. Some parts look very new and fresh, while others show how nature has left its mark, with moss covering entire areas. This contrast creates a wonderful interplay between the natural and the cultivated. For anyone who can appreciate nature even a little, this is a truly beautiful and highly recommended place to visit.

Sengan-en is a 50,000-square-meter Japanese garden in Kagoshima, Japan, originally built in 1658 by the Shimadzu family. The garden is famous for its "borrowed scenery" (shakkei) design, which uses the active Sakurajima volcano as a natural "hill" and Kinko Bay as a "pond". The site includes the historic Iso Residence, which visitors can tour, the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, and various scenic areas with seasonal plants and historical elements. It is also a component of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Garden and architecture Borrowed Scenery: Sengan-en is a prime example of the "borrowed scenery" garden technique, where the surrounding landscape is incorporated as part of the garden's design. Main Features: The garden uses Sakurajima volcano as a natural background and Kinko Bay as a large pond, creating a spectacular, expansive view. Iso Residence: The historic villa was the main residence of the Shimadzu family and is open to the public. Inside, visitors can see beautiful decorations and enjoy the same views the family once did. Historical Elements: The garden features historical elements, such as the Tin Gate (Suzumon) and the first gas-powered lanterns in Japan, which were installed in 1857. Museum and cultural experience Shoko Shuseikan Museum: Located on the grounds, the museum showcases the history of the Shimadzu family and their cultural assets, which helped designate the area as a World Heritage Site. Cultural Events: The garden hosts various traditional Japanese culture events and activities, sometimes including opportunities to try on Japanese armor. Unique Shrines: Visitors can find the Nekogami Jinja Cat Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the cats the Shimadzu family brought back from Korea, with a nearby shop selling cat-themed goods. Visiting Sengan-en Location: Sengan-en is located north of downtown Kagoshima, Japan. Getting There: It is accessible by public transport, such as the Kagoshima City View bus. Time to Spend: You can spend a few hours or a full half-day exploring the gardens, mansion, and museum. Note: do not take selfies or wefies photos inside the main house

A truly lovely location. The gardens are very large and represent an excellent example of sub-tropical Japanese gardening. The house has excellent signage in English and Japanese, telling the history of this former samurai estate and the home of the current Emperor's great-grandmother.

A lovely place which explores the history of the island and the role it played during the wars. It overlooks Sakurajima which was spectacular, and the tour of the main house was informative. We spent about 90 minutes walking the grounds and taking in the sights of the area – quiet, but also not isolated vibes.

This place is not far from the Kagoshima's city center. It's a garden, once lived by a Prince. Frankly, for admission of 1600y, I don't really think it's worth it. There weren't much to see or experience. Even Sakurajima wasn't clear due to the bad weather even tho it was no fault of the garden. But you'd expect to experience more even if they're wasn't a good Volvano to see. If time is a concern, I think we can safely say skip this garden.

We came here mostly to have a nice view of the vulcano and that did not disappoint. You can also visit the old japanese house and the cute cat shrine. I would say the ticket is a bit expensive.

Very pretty gardens with scenic views of the volcano. There were walking trails with plenty of restrooms. The restaurant we ate at was very good. Numerous stores for shopping.

A simple yet efficient ferry port connecting Kagoshima to Sakurajima. The system is well organized, with ferries running every 20 minutes, making it a convenient and hassle free way to reach the volcanic island. No ticket is needed when boarding in Kagoshima; you pay 250 yen for one way trip upon arrival at Sakurajima port (as of March 2025). The short ride offers nice views of the bay and the imposing Sakurajima volcano. The facilities are basic but functional, with clear signage and a smooth boarding process. A practical and affordable way to visit one of Japan’s most famous active volcanoes.

First, you must know the 11:15 “long ride” ferry has ceased operating over a year ago. I’m not sure when or if that’s going to resume. The regular ferry to Sakurajima, however, runs every twenty minutes or so 24/7. It’s a short 20 minute ride, but you get nice views of the volcano. You just walk or drive on the ferry terminal on the Kagoshima side, and pay when you disembark on the Sakurajima side. The other thing worth mentioning is the udon noodle soup served on the ferry. It’s a vegetable based broth and it’s delicious. I’ve read reviews saying it depends on who makes it, and I’m sure that’s true, but the man who assembled our soup was a perfectionist. Every ingredient had to be placed just so, and the soup was delicious. Noodles cooked perfectly. Egg cooked perfectly. Broth was hot, but not too hot (remember, you only get 15 minutes tops to eat the thing as the ride is short and the ceramic bowl stays on the boat). These udon chefs really work hard. They offload all of the empty used bowls back at the Kagoshima ferry terminal, then get more noodles and broth and cart that back onto the ferry for the next voyage. They do this every trip, as there’s no storage space on the boat galley. Kudos to them, these udon chefs of the sea. ⚓️⛴️

It allows boarding with cars. The signs to the boarding place is fairly clear with the help from GPS. The journey is only around 20 minutes long so you need to hurry if you want try a bowl of udon onboard. You pay after your arrive Sakurajima which you can pay by cash or credit card at the drive through.

Fantastic 20 minute ride on the ferry to Sakurajima. Ferry ride is included in a valid JR rail pass. The blast of icy wind in your face during winter when the boat is moving is simply refreshing.

Visited in July 2025 A bit of context - there are multiple ferry terminals in Kagoshima, this one is dedicated for the crossing between Sakurajima and the mainland. It is treated as an integral part of local public transportation system, which results on unusually high frequency for ferry standard - 3-4 one-way trips per hour all day. Due to the relative car-centric nature of the area, it also accommodates a lot of vehicle as well. Since the ferry route has only two terminuses at both ends, the fare payment is done at the Sakurajima ferry terminal instead of in the mainland side or on board the ferry. Perhaps this is the only transportation mode in Kagoshima proper (bar the shinkansen) that accepts credit card, non-local IC cards, and cash.

The frequency of ferry service was very high. The fare was acceptable. Visitors were excited when the ferry was approaching the volcano island. The top level was semi-opened, which was suitable for photo-taking. Snacks and udon were offered, though the trip was short. In my opinion, the experience was excellent and recommended for tourists.

Ferry operated like clockwork. Best to time the sunsets :) Had an awesome time! Also don't forget to check out the observatory deck at Sakurajima after you pay your boat fare. It's on the top floor of the same building.

There are statues of famous greats. But his dog is not there. Why is that?

Meiji ishin hero. No blood transition from samurai government to democratic government. There are Saigo sam's statue in Tokyo too. Photo area is a plus! (With a dog!) Get bus pass to visit. Shimazu clans (Kagoshima castle) spots are all walking distance from here. You can take tour from visitor's center next to Saigo San statue.

This is the photo spot for Saigo Don, but the statue stands far from here.

It's good to learn some history of Mr. Takamori and his journey in Kyushu and Kagoshima. Sad ending for him though.

Rest room across the street in Chuo Park. The cruise ship had a Shuttle bus to Dolphin Port which was only a short walk to the statue. Stopped here for a photo op before waking to: 1) Terukuni Shrine, 2) Shiroyama Park Observation Deck to see active Sakurajima volcano. 3) Thirteen Stone Buddhas

Very cool area with stream of water and fish around the statue!

Nice

A well-presented museum with varied displays. Almost all in Japanese but several photos etc do have an English caption or summary. The two films very the best to me, cleverly done and multi-lingual earphones allowed us to listen in English. Interesting!

Very well done museum for those interested. Great to learn about this in former Satsuma. The museum is well kept, and the exhibits are informative. There is enough English guidance, and the show even has English audio. Very accessible and foreigner friendly.

Visited in mid-July 2025 Came during a short period where the admission was free of charge. It's not only informative but also interactive experience, showcasing a lot of artifacts (or re-creation thereof) and detailed information as backdrops or contexts of the time in which the Meiji Restoration happened. It amazed me that at one time of the history, Satsuma region had leaders and elites who were the most forward-thinking throughout Japan, particularly Shimazu Nariakira and his peers. At certain times of the day, the museum screens short movies on the Satsuma domain's pivotal role on the Meiji Restoration. During my visit, they screened the one with the first wave of young Satsuma scholars in the 1860s who were sent to the UK to study all matters related to the industrialization and modern, more forward thinking society. The movie was a bit too tacky, jingoistic, and nationalistic, but it was pretty mind-opening once one can get past through such delivery. For history buffs who are visiting or planning to be in Kagoshima, the experience is best paired with other visits to Sengan-en (former proto-industrial zone established by the Satsuma Domain) and Reimeikan (broader, more all-encompassing history and culture of Satsuma).

Ishin Furusato-kan Tucked along the scenic Kotsukigawa riverside, the Ishin Furusato-kan is a fascinating stop for anyone curious about Kagoshima’s history and surprisingly fun for families, too! The museum offers a great balance of immersive exhibits and interactive displays, with some areas especially designed for children to explore and enjoy. Whether it’s hands-on learning or playful zones, younger visitors won’t feel left out. The riverside location adds a lot to the experience. After exploring the museum indoors, you can take a relaxing stroll outside along the beautifully maintained riverside path—perfect for stretching your legs, enjoying the view of Sakurajima, or just soaking up some fresh air. Admission: • Adults: ¥300 • Children: ¥150 • Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on certain holidays) Getting there: It’s just a 10-minute walk from Kagoshima-Chūō Station, or a short ride on the city tram (get off at Asahidori stop). The museum is very accessible and located right by the river, making it easy to combine with a visit to the nearby historical walking paths. Whether you’re into samurai tales or simply want a peaceful riverside stop with both indoor and outdoor appeal, this spot is definitely worth a visit.

The shows are must-watch! Good to begin with them as it shares details of meiji restoration and industrialisation in English, Korean and Mandarin. Definitely worth the visit and a place to start to understand the history and city better.

Not much English but had a audio tour in English for free which made up for it. Some fun interactive exhibits as well

An interesting museum. 100% recommend watching the live show. There are headphones provided which translate the spoken words into English or Chinese and provides a great overview of what’s going on in the other rooms if you have a surface level understanding of Meiji like I did. I loved the use of animatronics and light/screen effects throughout. There are many mini diorama like displays with incredible stagecraft and illusions, creatively making use of projection, moving displays, peppers ghost illusions, meticulously placed screens/glass etc. A lot of the exhibition is in Japanese, and I didn’t quite have time to request an English audio guide from the staff, as I had a Shinkansen scheduled quite soon after. Incredible museum. Of note, they really really like Saigo Takamori who, based on some rapid fire googling afterwards, seems to be a bit more of a contentious figure than the museum would like to present him as. Still super cool museum with nice staff I wish I spent longer at, just be aware of some optimistic narratives being presented that might not reflect the full picture.

it was fun to shop here and tour around. Especially there is a ferries wheel on the top of the buildings Teresa, many delicious restaurant and café to take a rest

The mall is a great place to shop and also ride the ferris wheel. The ferris wheel has a amazing view and also there are 2 clear carts and 2 Pokemon carts. Highly recommend a quick visit if you are close by.

This is a huge city center shopping mall with lots of local and high brands. Great variety of food court in B1 level and fiber restaurants in 5th floor. Close to Chu Station for trains / buses and trams to all over the places like airport! Worth visiting and exploring the area specially with the large Ferris Wheel in 6th floor to top view the entire city. It's ¥500 for adult, ¥300 for kid and ¥1200 for group of 4. Waited extra for all clear cabin and worth it.

It was very clean and organized plaza! People queuing in an orderly manner. Have a good view of the Ferrys wheel and the statue landmark. It was easy to navigate in this area.

The location is good..that it is located at Kagoshima-chuo...there are two building and there are many kinds of shops e.g. Urban Research, Niko and...on 1/F, Muji,Uniqlo and a supermarket Shiroyama on B1, Restaurants are on 5/F, Tokyu hands on the 4,5,6/F , it is very big and all,kjnds of goods available...Kiddyland and Pokemon Shop are on the 4/F. Bags and shoes e.g Diana and Sac's bar on the ground floor..Godiva is also on the ground floor...there is big sale in Jul...and up to 80%discount for goods...many shops are tax free...the mall is open at 10 am and closed at 9pm....the night view of ferris wheel is beautiful...

Beautiful building, with a nice ferris wheel. It has a variety of stores, including a huge Uniqlo store and a huge Muji store at the basement. It also has a Pokemon Centre at the top floor. The lights placed up during winter gives off a calm and relaxing atmosphere

I went to this plaza to play, eat and travel. You can basically do everything here. There Is a train station there so you can travel. There is a arcade to play and lots of food restaurants there so you can eat. If you go here you should go and travel, play and eat

After visiting Sakurajima island I visited the aquarium and enjoyed seeing so many interesting marine species. It was a very family friendly environment especially the dolphin show. Though the seals looked thoroughly bored 🦭🦭

The Kagoshima Aquarium has a charming retro feel and is generally well maintained. One of the highlights is the view that greets you when the escalator leads straight into the center of the main tank. It’s a spectacular sight, though it might have been even more impactful if revealed later in the visit, as in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. The main tank itself is beautiful, featuring a smaller whale shark, several rays, and a variety of other fish. Beyond that, there are plenty of other exhibits showcasing fish, crustaceans, and jellyfish. The layout can feel a bit like a maze, with elevators connecting the different floors, which adds a sense of exploration. There’s even a dolphin show to enjoy. Overall, it’s a great aquarium and a worthwhile stop when visiting Kagoshima. The location is stunning, right by the sea with a view of the volcano in the background. Compared to the Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa, Kagoshima’s feels a bit expensive since the ticket prices are similar but Okinawa offers much more, especially its enormous main tank (about five times larger). Still, Kagoshima’s aquarium has its own unique atmosphere and likely fewer visitors, which makes for a more relaxed experience.

Entrance more expensive compared to regular museums. We caught the shark feeding time. The fish and ocean creatures are beautiful to watch. When you enter , check the time of each performance on the flyer so that you can attend.

Loved this aquarium. Great displays and habitats. The whale shark was the main draw for me. They waste no time in showing you that as it is the first thing you see. Awesome. Dolphins outside breaching the water and mesmerizing jelly fish tanks. Put this on yoir to do list in Kagoshima.

Aquarium was great, however only one small and relatively slow lift provides access to all floors for strollers and anyone with accessibility requirements.

So happy we came just in time to watch the dolphin show! I absolutely loved it!! Maybe the aquarium is not that big but it has a nice vibe, and it is immaculately clean so that the glass looks invisible. It was a very pleasant experience. I'd go there again just for dolphins ^^

The best dolphin show aquarium so far! The dolphins here have access to swim back into the bay area to enjoy wild life. I guess this makes them happier and smarter. The resting area has a significant window view of Sakura Island volcano. Good place to visit for a family trip.

A very good observation deck offering beautiful views of the volcano and its surrounding landscape. This spot provides a close look at Mount Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, which has had frequent eruptions throughout history. Today, the volcano remains active, with small eruptions regularly visible from the deck. The site is well maintained, with clear viewpoints and information about the volcano’s history. A must visit for those interested in nature, geology, or simply enjoying a stunning panoramic view. Enjoy 😎

Good views of Sakurajima and of the bay and Kagoshima. But the place smelled of sulfur, everyone was coughing. Wear a mask to protect yourself from the sulfur smell.

Another great viewpoint to see Sakurajima - believe this is the closest you can get to it at the moment. If you climb to the second floor of the building, there is a huge photo of the crater on the floor. There is a small carpark at the top if you cannot climb stairs, but most would park at the carpark located below the stairs.

I just wished it was a bit closer to the action. Who hasn’t dreamed of walking through those dramatic clouds of smoke and steam? Still, it’s a beautiful and unforgettable spot, and here’s a sweet surprise: there’s a local cat who actually lives at the observation deck! Visitors are even welcome to feed him, and he’s become a bit of a star among those who stop by.

The view from the Yunohira observation point (bus stop 11 on the loop bus) is great! The tower has information in English and Japanese about the volcano’s history. There are toilets, and a gift shop. I recommend the local craft chuhai. On busy days, you may want to line up early for the next bus, though it’s only a 15-minute ride from there back to the Port.

Closest observatory point you can get to observe Sakurajima active volcano. Take a walk through the barren beauty of the lava areas to experience and imagine the intensity and power of past volcanic eruptions. Despite all these past, more than 5000 people are living at the foot of Sakurajima Mount as the volcanic areas are extremely rich soil which grows the best white radish (turnips) & fruits in Japan. Wonder why is it named as Sakurajimi? From its appearance like a cherry tree in bloom, when from a volcanic eruption, hot rock rains down onto the slopes, lighting up the island volcano. Location is about 4 km from central Kagoshima City and a 15-minute ferry ride from the downtown area.

We got the bus day ride, and at this stop you can have a beautiful view of the volcano. Good for pictures and is just half an hour stop if you go back to the bus. Totally worth it.

💕Love the Shiroyama Park !💕 Absolutely stunning views of Sakurajima volcano—this spot is a must if you’re in Kagoshima! The observation point offers one of the most iconic panoramas in the region, especially beautiful during sunset. I highly recommend taking the forest trail up from the shrine shortcut instead of the main stairs. It’s a more peaceful route, shaded by lush green tunnels, and honestly way easier on the legs. Along the way, you’ll pass through some truly serene patches of nature. There’s a parking lot near the top, but it does get busy with tour buses. That said, most groups don’t stay long—so if you wait just a bit, you can grab a perfect viewing spot once the crowd moves on. Timing and positioning make all the difference here. Whether you’re hiking, driving, or just here to breathe in the view—this is a five-star stop, hands down.

Nice view A lot of mosquitos The black sesame ice cream was good

Very good to visit more and more place to get a good view over the city and the volcano

One of my favorite places in Kagoshima.

Lovely views over the city... Walk to the top was pretty quick.

Amazing

Very good to visit - more and more place to get a good view over the city and the volcano - free to visit

A very nice visitors center that offers a gift shop and explanation of the volcano. Overall, very educational and interesting.

It is slightly dated, though it has a toilet and a souvenir shop. There is also a food kiosk outside that sells hot food, while you can have a soft serve inside. The exhibits detail how Sakurajima was formed and evolved over the years, and there is an interesting setup showing the constant ongoing eruptions, big or small. They have a video show, but only at certain hours, and recommend using a QR code to view the same video on youtube. There is a large park outside, with quite a large running footbath, which was quite fun to use. You can also view the city of Kagoshima across the harbor as well as the many ferries.

Visited in mid-July 2025 Only in Sakurajima, the visitor center is located not right at the gateway. It is something like 10-15 minutes away on foot. There's also a tourist bus loop (every 30 minutes) that goes in anti-clockwise direction from the ferry port. The building looks a bit dated, which makes sense given it bears the brunt of abrasive fine ash all year around. The most interesting for me is the real-time monitoring information of the volcanic and seismic activity fed from the system throughout the island. The visitor center is manned by a bunch of volunteers who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate on what they are doing. Aside from the extensive exhibits, it also boasts a souvenir collection and some supplies for the visitors, including some unique ones like small statues made of the volcanic ash.

The Sakurajima Visitor Center is definitely worth a visit. It provides very detailed history and explanations about Sakurajima, including its major eruptions, geology, and how people live with the volcano. There are also actual volcanic ash samples you can look at, and a 13-minute documentary film that gives a clear and engaging overview of the island’s past and present. I also learned that you can now drive to Sakurajima without taking a ferry because the island became connected to the mainland after the massive eruption about 90 years ago. A great place to understand the island before exploring it!

Very informative visitor center. There is a natural foot bath across the street and some cats to hang out with. Get some of the local mikan (oranges) if they’re available in the gift shop. So delicious!

Cute little place that also acts as a sort of museum for the Sakurajima volcano. There are interesting infos and also a short but cool video being displayed every once in a while. Has a little store with nice and cute souvenirs.

The volunteer staff here are very nice. There's lots of great information here aboit past eruptions. The short movie in the theater is subtitled in English and worth a watch to understand how the surrounding area lives with an active volcano.

Got here by bus. Got stuck for an hour and took a hitchhike with a nice lady. Don't go here without a car. It's a 5 minute monument, you watch, you take pictures and there is nothing else to do. Monument 5/5 Transportation 0/5 Don't come here especially for the monument by public transport. You can take kind of goshin and put 300 yen in the box.

Came to the almost completely buried Tori Gate near the base of Sakurajima. We just parked our car across the street and walked across to see the Tori Gate. If you haven’t seen a large Tori Gate you can’t truly comprehend just how much of the gate has been buried by the volcanic eruption. It is truly a wonder to see, and you are able to get close to Sakurajima without getting too close to it.

Took 30+mins bus ride which comes infrequently. Got off and walked a couple mins to the entrance of the shrine gate where you see its buried. Small area where you learn the school kids play an active role in remembering this area. You could walk further behind the shrine gate and it takes you to a dense and dark forested area where there is another small shrine set up. It was quiet and felt eerie. We spent 5-7 minutes there before catching the bus on the opposite side of the road, if we missed that bus we would have to wait over an hr to get back to the ferry.

A great place to visit while on Sakurajima. There is a Parking lot on the opposite side of the road. Please stay respectful and don't climb on the gate (this goes out to my fellow Western tourists not controlling their offspring).

Very special and peaceful place, recommend to check the shrine as well, you can take gosuin for 300 yen near the tori

Without the context, it’s just a bit of stone in the ground. But when you learn how it happened, that’s a whole lot of a different story. It’s a quick stop that gives you a peek into the life on a peninsula with an active volcano. Quite scary to be honest. Recommend as a rest between vista points. There are clean and free toilets too.

Very sobering stop on the Sakurajima round trip drive. The power of the volcano is easily demonstrated here at this memorial. Parking available across the street.

Some useful information for tourists: currently, the tram only accept their local ic card called rapica, so your suica, passmo etc. can't be used on the tram. Getting one is not easy. You can use your credit card by holding it to the card reader at the start and end of your journey. Interestingly, the readers are only active if the doors are open. If you missed that chance, just wait until the next station. Adults pay a flat price fare of 170¥. Of course, you can also pay by cash. But for me this is a much more comfortable paying method.

2019/03/31 06:15am

Most convenient station

(Translated by Google) This is a streetcar platform located in front of JR Kagoshima Chuo Station. The streetcar is cheap and convenient for getting around Kagoshima city. In addition to cash, you can also use credit card touch payments, so you can easily get on and off without having to bring change. (Original) JR鹿児島中央駅の駅前に位置する市電乗り場です。鹿児島市内の移動は、市電が安くて便利です。 現金以外にもクレジットのタッチ決済も使えるので、小銭がなくても楽に乗り降りできます。

(Translated by Google) You can transfer to the streetcar after a short walk from the station. The current average price is 170 yen. (Original) 車站出來稍微走一下就可以轉乘路面電車，目前均一價170日幣

(Translated by Google) In the morning, I tried to walk from the tram station to the other side, passing through the east-west direction, but I was overwhelmed by the extremely complicated and confusing structure. I've visited every prefecture, but this is the first time I've encountered such a confusing major station. It may rival Shinjuku or Yokohama in terms of complexity. It's best to be careful when using the station during the opening hours of the attached department store. (Original) 朝、市電の駅から反対側まで東西を通り抜けようと思ったのですが、非常に複雑で難解な構造なので参りました。全ての都道府県を訪問した事がある私ですが、これほどわかりにくい主要駅は初めてです。複雑さでは新宿や横浜に匹敵するかも。併設してるデパートの営業時間内の利用は注意した方が良いです。

Kagoshima-Chūō Station Front is the lively and convenient hub right outside the main station. It’s a busy area with easy access to taxis, buses, and trams, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the city or heading to nearby attractions. The plaza and streets around the station are well-maintained and feature plenty of cafés, shops, and restaurants, giving visitors plenty of options to eat, shop, or relax. It’s also a great place for people-watching and taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. A practical, bustling, and central spot — ideal for both first-time visitors and regular commuters. 🚶‍♂️✨

Small museum right next to Sengan-en garden. Entrance is free if you’ve bought a ticket for Sengan-en garden (1600 yen). Nice exhibits and also nice there’s English text to add on several pieces.

Visited in mid-July 2025 Interesting and surprisingly mind-opening little museum, focusing on the history of the Shimazu clan and more specifically their experimentation of industrialization at the tail end of Edo period (mid-1800s). The exposition starts with the background and origin of the clan, which was a breakaway group from Kamakura period that ventured all the way to the southern end of the mainland Japan. Satsuma's location, combined with prior trade and exchange of idea with outside world well prior to the Sakoku (isolation period of Japan), as well as limited interaction with some Western powers like the Dutch, planted a seed for modernization. Only at the time that would be the end of Edo period, the clan, spearheaded by Shimazu Nariakira, spurred the initiative for the industrialization by constructing the proto-industrial complex of Sengan-en, experimenting and producing tinted glass (kiriko, 切子) and various metal products. Some of the re-creation of the products are in display. It never ceases to amaze me that in spite of the information limitation, the ingenuity of engineers and tradesmen of Sengan-en resulted on relatively advanced technologies like mid-1800s artillery pieces. The industrial complex was destroyed multiple times, namely during Anglo-Satsuma war and multiple conflicts between the feudal Satsuma and the Japanese central government. Sadly, after the Seinan War in 1870s, it was curtailed as a form of punishment towards the feudal leaders and its skilled workers dispersed throughout various industrial sites nationwide. One can even say Japan industrialized at the expense of Satsuma domain. The museum is accessible with Sengan-en complex ticket. Unfortunately due to photosensitivity of many of the artifacts, photography is discouraged inside the museum.

Great museum+exhibition ti combin with sengan-en. Good explanation in English covering the family's lineage throughout Japan's history

Amazing history

Interesting museum, worth a visit

Lovely museum that you can access with the garden ticket combo. Information in English which is good.

Good small museum.