Fun things to do in Kagoshima: 24 fun attractions and activities

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.

Visited in mid-July 2025 This is no ordinary manicured former feudal gardens mostly due to its unique background history. At the end of Edo period, the leaders of Shimazu clan who ruled the Satsuma Domain and own the plot of land that would be the complex itself decided to embark on some form of proto-industrialization to catch up with the Western world. They chose their own land at the edge of then-city limits of Kagoshima so that they could experiment whatever they wanted right under their noses. Some of the notable experiments they did were construction of blast furnaces, tinted glass production, and small dam and hydropower turbine to supply electricity to the Shimazu mansion nearby (which was one of the first buildings in the Satsuma Domain to use electricity back then). Nowadays the complex is open to the public, with sufficient amenities such as rest area, souvenir shops, restaurant, and cafes selling unique local dango rice cakes. Admission fee (which includes access to Shuseikan Museum next door) was a bit on expensive side - 1600 yen, but it's well worth it.

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.

Wonderful visit. I spent about 2 hours on site simply walking around and enjoying the sights. It's a must do if you're in Kagoshima.

Really beautiful places worth visiting. You will learn a lot about the history of the prefecture in general and on Kagoshima in the history of Japan. The garden is beautiful, and is worth exploring. The royal house in the middle will dive you into a traditional Japanese moment. There are also a lot of gift shops with food/drinks of the region but also very beautiful crafts. If you have the chance to stop at the restaurant and/or the coffee shop you can admire Sakura-Jima with a traditional and local drink/food.

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.

I visited Kagoshima City Aquarium, and it was truly a fantastic place. I saw many kinds of fish and even dolphins. From the 4th floor, there was a beautiful view of the active volcano, Sakurajima. I highly recommend visiting-it’s definitely worth enjoying!

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 ^^

There's a city bus near the gift shops before the viewpoint that takes you up and down the hill toward the castle walls and beyond. It has a great view of Sakurajima and the town below.

Just outside the city, easy to find, good car park. Lovely nature trail. Great observatory to view Sakuryama volcano across the bay

It’s a great view of Sakurajima and of Kagoshima. The walk up is quite the workout but there is a bus that takes you up and down from the mountain. And while I was here, there was fireworks which was very cool!

The park offers a great vantage point for observing Sakurajima. While the walking trails can be challenging, there are buses available for convenient access. The area is well-equipped with nearby hotel, public restrooms, a few shops, and observation decks.

The night sight seeing spot you should visit in Kagoshima. Take the sight seeing bus on 7 or 8 pm at the stop 4 in front of AMU Plasza.

It's wonderful view you can feel the Greatness of Kagoshima

Great view point. The volcano erupted while we were there. Check out my before n after pictures. There were a few souviner shops plus an ice cream place by the parking lot.

Lovely stroll through the residences. You can go into some courtyards but you can’t go inside any houses.

It has been a big deception to visit the Chiran Samurai Residence gardens. Some of them were already closed. The others left in a neglected condition. No signs of irrigation in a region with abundant water supply! The gardens were completely dried out. It’s a pitty that the great patrimonial potential of this place is left in this condition. My advice to travellers: Don‘t waste any time to come here!

Very interesting. Houses that each have their own garden.

Beautiful and peaceful gardens. We loved visiting these gardens and learning more about Japanese culture. A lovely area to go and worth the drive from Kagoshima. We went as a family and everyone from my children to my father enjoyed our time here.

Inside the samurai residence you can visit seven houses, but you can enter to the gardens only. Gardens are so beautiful with flowers. You can take a look from outside to inside of the houses in few places. There are coffee shops and restaurants too. Parking is free of charge.

Absolutely amazing . A piece of japanese history well preserve well maintain .very educational.its like a travel back in time . A must see . Its peaceful , quiet .not your usual overcrowded tourist spot . You can really enjoy yourself walking through the gardens

Fantastic piece of history as everything has stayed in place since they were built, the English signs were full of great information about each house and garden, you can use the QR code to listen to it but no need to waste time, just enjoy being there. Conned into paying to “go inside” when it’s so quiet that nobody would notice but they say staff need to see the ticket at each garden but also it’s just to see the garden and not inside the houses, they’re just for storage now.

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.

「為了國家/自己理想，你可以去到幾盡？」 ： my beloved quote from one HK movie, unexpectedly to refresh this wording during my visit and check out the close relationship between Hong Kong when the first student delegation travelling to UK from 薩摩 province and passed by Hong Kong. This visit is the most valuable part in my trip! Learning the path leading to Meiji revolution is to learn the precious Japanese samurai and global citizens’ sprit (when you got defeated , u need to learn the winner’s strength, not only complain and blame yourselves!) It is not to enhance the hate and conflict after the war. Highly recommend to see its animations about the hero and how they sent the young samurai to UK when Japan was under the risk. There are English/ Mandarin audio provided,please ask the staffs as necessary.

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.

Worth the visit. Small but interactive museum. Lots of information on the end of the Shogunate. Nice animatronic show with English headset. Learned a lot. Not too busy on a random Wednesday morning.

Visited in mid-July 2025 The largest museum of Kagoshima, built on the former ground of the Tsurumaru Castle. Compared to thematic museums in the city such as the Ishin Furusato (Meiji Restoration) and Shuseikan (Sengan-en), it is more all-encompassing. Although of course there is more emphasis on the period just prior and during the Meiji Restoration, other eras are also well-represented - this includes the geological history and the advent of neolithic civilization in the Kinko Bay area. Another notable point is that the exposition on the Meiji Restoration is presented more carefully, objectively (although to some may feel a bit dry), and more or less free of jingoism compared to that in the Ishin Furusato museum. The second floor section, although smaller, is no less interesting. This section is dedicated to folklores and the very traditional way of life of people inhabiting the Satsuma and Kinko Bay areas. One of the most interesting exhibition is the replica of mock mythical creature that is operated by multiple persons like lion dance, but in this case it is a mix of cow, tiger, and deer.

For overseas visitor, who come by your own car, please be reminded to get the free parking voucher from the staff stationed at the parking space next to the library. Remember to get the chop to verify your entry to the museum in order to activate the voucher. The exhibition is for hard core fans of Japanese modern history, not as many shows as another Muji revolution museum. However, you would get a holistic view of Japanese modern development. The memorial place of 西鄉隆盛 nearby is more compelling to me.

Went to the Ukiyoe exhibition today, it was great but overpriced for a handful of rooms. I didn’t go around the rest of the museum but I plan to go and will update afterwards. Saw a review from a few years back talking about “rebuilding the old castle” and “fake like the rest of them” which I don’t understand as it was his country that destroyed a large number of castles and historic items. Obviously it didn’t happen but the gate was rebuilt a few years ago and looks amazing. A rebuild of the original castle would be great too. No matter how “fake” Americans think it is

This museum was built on the site of Kagoshima Castle, and has held an exhibition by miniature photographer Tatsuya Tanaka since July 25, 2012. The fun of "looking" is irresistible, and is sure to bring a smile to your face after viewing.

This is a great museum. Very informative, signage in English, Korean, Chinese (繁體，简体). Gives a detailed history of the Kyushu Peninsula and Kagoshima including events around the Meiji Restoration. Give the Meiji Restoration museum a miss and come to this one instead.

One of the best history museums I have been to that is dedicated to the story of Kagoshima for the past 5000 years. They have English translations of key signs and artifacts and are on the grounds of an old castle for which the gate and walls still stand. We spent over 2 hours and felt we had to jump over some parts. Full of artifacts and knowledge.

You can spent more than 1.5 hrs here if you’re interested in Satsuma’s history. You are also allowed to take pictures for quite a lot of stuff. They also have free WiFi. But some parts don’t have any English explanation, and the souvenir shop doesn’t have much variety of goods.

You can see famous paintings of Impressionism and Japanese oil paintings at 300 yen. Sometimes they hold a special exhibition.

Boring for those not interested in art • Admission is ¥450. • There are few English explanations. • There are many works, such as paintings.

Wasn’t sure how to rate to be honest. It’s not bad that’s for sure. It’s small, provincial and OK. The gallery itself on the second floor is small but well presented. When we visited there was an exhibition of local <16 year olds which was probably the highlight of the visit. It’s easy to get to, cheap to get in and no reason not to go.

Love the impressionist paintings collection from Europe and Japan in Sep. 2025. Junior paintings shows downstairs. Thanks for holding such wonderful beautiful venue.

Wow, what a treat. A low key and quiet art gallery with an exquisite collection. Wonderful for a few hours. A small very high quality art gallery. Very easy to get to.

Nice place A bit small but it's okay the atmosphere is great, a lot of paintings, a lot of history. The exhibition itself is just in the 2nd floor.

2 exhibitions on. 1 was permanent collection of western and local art. Small cafe with nice coffee and chiffon cake.

The museum is dedicated to the kamikaze. Most information is only in Japanese. There are a few videos / slideshows. You can’t take pictures in the main section of the museum but you can take pictures of one airplane and the airplanes outside. The grounds and park nearby were beautiful during cherry blossom season.

A really informative museum, well maintained and with many items on display - from many personal items of the pilots, personal journals and uniforms, to three Japanese WW2 airplanes (2 well maintained, 1 wreck) History and aviation/WW2 enthusiasts will find it very pleasing to visit. The tablet containing the interactive museum map is quite cumbersome and the map interface a bit tricky, but the English audio-guide itself is great and very informative. Many of the exhibits, however, have only Japanese explanations written next to them, so I would recommend having your google translate/lens app at the ready. To me personally, the museum's content was quite moving.

A humanising perspective of the kamikaze pilots of WWII. While they were willing to take drastic measures to die for their country, they were at the very core just soldiers and patriots who wanted to be loyal to their nation. And to their family and friends, they were ordinary men who had lives outside of the army before the war. A sobering reminder that in war there are no winners, and that while Japan (as a political and military force) was the aggressor, ordinary people ended up paying the price they need not have.

The Chiran Peace Museum is a real tearjerker. The place really hits home on the tragedies of war, especially with the stories of young kamikaze pilots, some just 17, who never came back. The main exhibits showcase their last letters—it's so moving. If you're an English speaker, grab the audio tour guide for just 200 yen; it really helps explain the letters and the backstories. Heads up, photos are only allowed in two marked spots inside. Getting there is a bit of a trek since it's pretty remote. There's a bus from Kagoshima station, but it takes around 90 minutes and doesn't run too often.

Visiting the Chiran Peace Museum was a deeply moving experience—one that left a lasting impression on our family. Nestled near the historic town of Chiran in Kagoshima, this museum commemorates the lives of young kamikaze pilots who departed from this very region during World War II. 🏛️ Powerful Exhibits & Personal Stories The museum is a quiet, respectful space filled with photographs, letters, personal belongings, and thoughtfully curated exhibits. One display that touched us deeply featured farewell letters written by pilots—often filled with heartfelt words to their loved ones and reflections on duty. It’s hard not to feel moved reading their personal messages, imagining their hopes and fears. ⚓ Historical Context & Reflection Beyond individual stories, the museum provides rich context on the military strategy behind the kamikaze missions and Chiran’s role as a departure base. The black-and-white photographs gave us a vivid sense of the local landscape back then—complemented by historical footage that brought the era to life. 🌿 Serene Garden & Memorial Area Stepping outside to the memorial garden brought another layer of reflection. The peaceful garden, lined with stone monuments engraved with pilots’ names, offered a tranquil place for reflection. We lingered here, contemplating the human cost of war—finding solace in the gentle ambiance and distant ocean breeze. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Moving Family Experience Although some parts of the museum are solemn—especially the personal stories—our kids, aged 10 and 13, absorbed the atmosphere with thoughtful questions and quiet respect. It sparked meaningful conversations about history, sacrifice, and the importance of peace. ✨ Overall Impressions The Chiran Peace Museum isn’t just a historical site—it’s a moving tribute that feels deeply personal and respectful. We spent a heartfelt 90 minutes inside, and another half-hour walking the garden and savouring the quiet. It’s not easy to visit, but it’s profoundly worth it for anyone seeking understanding, reflection, and a reminder of the past’s human impact. Highly recommended for those visiting Kagoshima who want a meaningful, reflective pause on their journey.

Great peaceful place with lots of information about the individuals that sacrificed themselves. You can see a recreation of the bunkers they lodged in. Lots of information about everything. There is some kind of sadness in the air

A moving experience! If you don’t understand the Japanese language I strongly suggest you use the interpretive device available. An important part of Japanese and world history has been enshrined in this museum. Highly recommended.

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!

The last samurai from Satsuma clan

Interesting shrine with a challenging task for praying surrounded by water and not so crowded. you can see the beautiful ocean. Pray and walk the "pot cover" over ur head balancing it to the pray box, then your pray shall be heard. I did it with one try while i was in a rush. Contributed for the charms and fortune. Don't forget to walk to the back for the rest of the scenery, it's definitely worth it I managed to finished visiting the Shrine within the hour since I didn't want to get stuck at the area for hours as there is only a few train that runs through the area throughout the day. My hotel was in Ibusuki and i would need to wait for hours until another train to take me back.

Just randomly turned when I saw a sign and ended up here with three bus loads of foreign tourists...I put my helmet down, snapped a picture and ran away. But the place is beautiful even if your shrine prayers aren't answered (and they won't be, ever).

Pretty shrine along reasonably narrow roads. Was quiet when visited.

Really nice Shrine and very beautiful location.

A temple which I cannot imagine before, the God they serve is a rice cooker lid.

Nice shrine but the views around is very good

Walk with a pot-cover without it falling off!

It’s close (walking distance) to the middle of Tenmonkan. It’s old, small and almost all the customers are local people. Onsen water is good and reasonable price. No free towels, shampoo and soap. Bring your own.

Very quaint and local sento on the smaller side of things. It's old and past it's prime, but that's precisely what makes it's charm. Lovely staff and plenty of signs in English. Small sauna for 4 people max. Entrance 480¥.

Old school charm of a Onsen. Public bath like this is a gem in any Japanese neighbour. Friendly 老婦人 hemming the counter. And most likely you will have old grandpas next you to whilst you enjoy the very hot Onsen pool. Please bring your own towel and you can buy small shampoo from counter at 40円。after you are done, try sitting down at the small changing room (benches available) and you might realised time ebbs away slower than usual...

Old-school bath house, suitable for tourists if you’ve been to a sento or onsen before. This isn’t the best place for your first time, but as long as you know the basics of bathing etiquette in Japan you’ll be fine. Pay at the ticket machine outside then go in, give your ticket to the wonderful woman who runs the place, and she’ll kindly point you to the bath. Towel and shampoo available for purchase but it’s better to bring your own. Water is hot! Felt great. Inside has the old school tile art you’d expect at an old-time bathhouse. If you’re into sento, highly recommend.

Nice local public bath/onsen. Not for the first timer though. Cheap but totally no amenities. (No towel, no body soap, shampoo, even hair dryer have to slot coin). Skin felt smooth after soaking for some time. Recommended.

What a perfect delight to all senses and sensibilities. This traditional spa/onsen also has caretakers who will help you to get going. And then just follow your natural needs politely and with plenty of time… It’s by no means fancy but I hope you can slow down and start to understand what’s really valuable. This is a Place.

A nostalgic, old-fashioned hot spring in the heart of the town.

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.

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.

Worth a little stop if you have the time. Buried Torii from 1914 eruption

What you see on the pictures is exactly what it is. Just a Tori gate opposite a small car park across the street. It was raining when we visited at dawn on a weekday so we had the Tori to ourselves. I can imagine that it is not as pleasant if you have hordes of tourists around. It would have been great they also preserve some buried houses like they did in Shimabara but who am I to ask for this.

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.

We went there for the Koalas and White Tiger. The rides are cheap, 1 ride is only for 100 yen. I highly recommend this for little kiddos, they'll surely love it!

Nice place of recreation, either for young couples or for families with kids. You have to walk a few kilometers through the zoological garden, which makes you a good exercise. It's educational, as you may learn about many rare animals such as Koalas, Urautan, Penguins etc. It's relaxing as you quit from daily mundane human world and meet the nature of animal world.

It was cool when we got there, and clean also. Time well spent. Got some funny moments with the animals that you can see in the pics

The weather was very nice. It was rainy in July but just we just have one nice weather day, and we decided to go to the zoo. The zoo is huge, at the hill side, so you should expect walking up and down slopes. Old people and children may be a bit tired visiting there. But it worths a lot. The zoo contains various kinds of animals with spacious living environment, and kept in very good condition. I expect everyone could enjoy very good time there. I forgot the entrance fee but it is very cheap. Souvenirs are cute and we bought a bit. Sadly it also means the zoo may not be earning money, and some parts of it are not in good condition, etc. the polar bear's pool is dry out. I hope I could donate some money to make animals living in a even better place. Please visit and make them earn :)

This is a fantastic zoo for the price point, it is well maintained and got a good selection of animals. I hope there would be more visitors!

📄 Description of the area: ———————— 🗺 - Address: * 鹿児島県鹿児島市平川町5669-1. 🚌 - Access: - Kagoshima Airport → approx. 75mins. - Taniyama I.C → approx. 15mins. - Kagoshima Chuo Station → approx. 35mins. - Tenmonkan → approx. 40mins. - Kagoshima Aquarium → approx. 40mins. 💴 - Entrance Fee: * Adult - (500 yen). * Students - (100 yen). 🕒 - Hours: [9:00 ~ 17:00]. * Last entry at 16:30. * Some animals may not be viewable after 16:00. 🐅 - Hirakawa Zoological Park: There are approximately 1,000 animals of more than 100 species in the park. Visitors can touch some animals and soak their feet in the footbath which commands a view of animal fields and Sakurajima. Animal-shaped buses which are wheelchairs and pushchairs friendly run in the park. The park is also open at night on Saturdays and Sundays in August so visitors can see animal life that is different from daytime and participate in special events. ———————— 🌳 🦒 🌳 Thanks For Watching 🙂!

A bit further away and secluded but still very reachable on foot within 20 min. It’s a nice Zoo which is bigger than expected. When you want to take your time and see everything you definitely need at least 3 hours. There is a cafe/restaurant which serve very affordable and delicious food and the lady that was serving it was very kind! Overall it’s a nice zoo with lots of different animals. What made me somewhat sad was seeing the Crane enclosures which were too small overall and left no room for the birds to fly and had basically nothing but a little water pool. The enclosure for the lion seemed also very small and not well suited for lions overall. This is not the case for all the animals but something to point out.

Small but pretty beach a short walk away from Sengan-en garden. When we came in March 2025, we had great views of Sakurajima and saw many huge starfish.

Don’t know how the beach is for swimming but it’s easily reached by train and has probably one of the best views of Sakurajima over water <3 sat there for sunrise and it was magical!

Beautiful beach. Nice to chill and have a swim. Minus 1 star for having lifeguards on duty is as good as none. Lifeguard is busy talking on the phone and browsing his phone and playing games

Nice and well located beach. If you are in 鹿児島市you must have to be here❤️

Very nice view of Sakuramaji with the beach😍 very few people too! Enjoyed a relaxing dusk!

Ok, the beach, location, view gets 5 stars. The public gets 1 star. There's a bit of a littering problem here - that includes glass and other unacceptable trash that you do NOT want to step on while enjoying a beach. That said, just be a little careful and this is a * beautiful location. There is even quite a bit of water sports to be enjoyed here. Have a lovely time, take pictures then go upstairs for tea and jumbo-mochi dango. Heaven!

It was not so crowded place. I love being alone at this beach. There are many people do wind surfing here.

The illumination is amazing. Best visit around December - January. It's in front of Kagoshima City Hall.

Good relaxing and chatting place. Nice landscape, colourful flowers or you may able to see volcano smoke when it is ACTIVE if you are lucky enough.

A very clean quiet place to relax in the middle of the city of Kagoshima! Bench are available but I suggest to just seat on the grass its more relaxing!

A lovely little park. Nice place to come for a walk or a sit down.

Calm and good atmosphere park in front of the City Hall.

So beautiful street, feeling like walking in Barcelona seashore in Spain

Nice place to visit. Specially during new year Eve after the sunset. All the trees are decorated with millions of lights.

A potentially really nice park but the Buddhist carvings are closed. They say to go to the lookout but that is also under repairs

A great place to visit.

Amazing art!

Nothing

(Translated by Google) Located in Iwaya Park. It is a very scenic park with a lot of nature. There are eight Buddha statues, two in separate locations and six in clusters. Like the Buddha statues at Tatsukoku Bishamon-do Hall in Hiraizumi-cho, Iwate Prefecture, some of them have been so weathered that they are no longer recognizable. However, there are few places where you can see this many magaibutsu statues, so it's worth it. (Original) 岩屋公園にあります。かなり自然豊かな公園で風光明媚です。磨崖仏は8つあり2つは離れた所にあり6つはまとまってあります。岩手県平泉町にある達谷窟毘沙門堂の磨崖仏同様大分風化されておりわからないものもある。だがこれだけの磨崖仏見れる所は少ないので価値ありますね。

(Translated by Google) "Kamakura Period Rock-Carved Buddha" It's near Iwaya Park (ΦωΦ) I got 10 mosquito bites in October! Insect bites are common in the summer. (Original) 「鎌倉時代の磨崖仏」 岩屋公園の近くです(ΦωΦ) １０月に蚊に刺されましたw10箇所！ 夏は虫に刺されます。

(Translated by Google) If you search for Shimizu Magaibutsu Group (Google), the entrance will take you to a place where there is no parking lot. I think it's a hit at the real entrance! It was Iwaya Park. If you search for it, it will guide you to the parking lot. It's free. The park is large, with lots of greenery and rivers of water, making it a pleasant stroll. It was my first time seeing the Magaibutsu, and it was quite a sight to behold! ️ Along the way, there were some spots that were impassable due to precautions against landslides. (Original) 清水磨崖仏群で　検索すると　　(Google)　入口が　駐車場の　ないところに　案内してくれます。 本当の入口で　当たりと思いますが！ 岩屋公園でした　検索すると　駐車場に　案内してくれます。無料です。 公園も広く　緑もたくさんあって　かわも流れて　気持ち良く散策できました。 磨崖仏も　はじめて　見たのですが　なかなか　見ごたえありました‼️ 途中　崖崩れ　注意のため　通れなくなっている箇所もありました。

A very nice view on the city and nearby volcano. It depends on the weather, so pick a sunny day rather. Approachable by bus, there is a possibility to return to the city by walk at the opposite side of the hill, using a 15-minute stairs path downhill.

Visited in mid-July 2025 Kagoshima has one of the most unusual and stunning sceneries among major Japanese cities, and there's no better way to enjoy the view atop the Shiroyama hill. The location is accessible by a tourist bus running loop in and around the downtown. However, I chose the slightly harder way by taking the stairs and hiking course from the base of the cliff next to Terukuni Shrine. Since it was during a weekday, the location was pretty deserted. This includes the small shopping area nearby (next to the car park and bus stop). It's a joy to enjoy the quaintness of the place and the crisp air a bit way from hustle and bustle below.

If you enjoy sightseeing, this is pretty much the way to go in Kagoshima. I love the history behind Saigo Takamori all around, the gentle breeze and sound of wildlife. There's a couple ways up Shiroyama, but I like the trek up the stairs through the back. The walk has a lot of shade, solid handrails, relatively safe. The actual top is a bit deserted but theres a few souvenir shops, ice cream shops, a park.

I visited Shiroyama Park Observatory with my family, and it was absolutely amazing! The view from the top is breathtaking — you can see the entire city and surrounding nature all in one beautiful panorama. It’s a peaceful, refreshing spot that makes you appreciate how stunning Japan’s landscapes can be. The air feels clean, and the atmosphere is calm, making it a perfect place for families, couples, or anyone who just wants to relax and enjoy a scenic moment. We took lots of photos and spent quite a while just soaking in the view. Definitely one of the best spots for sightseeing and family travel. Highly recommended!

amazing view of Sakuramaji together with Kagoshima city😍 even met a cat there! Has seat, bathroom, rubbish bin, store, nice relaxing place. City viewing bus stop is nearby too, short walk only.

beautiful view down to the coast of sakurajima and kagoshima and of course up to the crater peak of the volcano. sunset view is also spectacular, all tho the last bus down is around 5pm, just before the sunset. however i walked up and down by myself, so it didn’t matter. one way takes about 1.5h. the observatory deck provides a small shop with beverages and souvenirs. an indoor area is available in case it’s windy. toilet and smoking area are also available.

The Shiroyama Park Observation Deck, located in Kagoshima, Japan, is a popular scenic spot offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Kagoshima Bay, and the imposing Sakurajima volcano. Perched on Mount Shiroyama, the deck is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a peaceful ambiance. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunrises, sunsets, or simply admire the ever-changing face of Sakurajima, often shrouded in mist or emitting volcanic smoke. The observation deck is equipped with railings and seating, making it a great spot to relax while taking in the sights. On clear days, you can see as far as Kinko Bay and the surrounding islands. The park itself is steeped in history, as it was a key site during the Satsuma Rebellion. Visitors often enjoy strolling through the trails leading to the deck, which are lined with seasonal flowers and shaded by trees.

Nice ferry ride from Kagoshima. Scenic bus ride from ferry. Volcano showing some activity. Nice views towards Kagoshima

It's an active volcano

It was beautiful sightseeing 😌

(Translated by Google) This time I decided to go by land instead of taking the ferry. No matter how many times I go, I'm still impressed by how impressive it is. (Original) 今回はフェリーに乗らず、陸を通って行ってみました。 何回行っても迫力あるな―って感動。

(Translated by Google) Sakurajima can be seen from anywhere in Kinko Bay, and its shape changes depending on where you look! For locals, the shape of Sakurajima that can be seen from their place is the best! I guess that's why I feel attached to it. (Original) 錦江湾のどこからでも見える桜島、見る場所によって形が様々！ 地元の方は自分のところから見える桜島の形が1番！って思って愛着があるんだろうな。

(Translated by Google) Nearest station: 10 minutes walk from Kagoshima Station, about 10 minutes by ferry The ferry costs 200 yen and runs 24 hours. The Sakurajima volcano has repeatedly occurred since recorded history. There are many records of eruptions, and the area is still active. The mountain that stands out in the middle of the sea is particularly distinctive and is one of the symbols of Kagoshima. That's what I mean. I don't know because I went there without doing much research, but I think it's better to go by car. If you go on foot, there don't seem to be many buses, so it takes time to get around on foot, but I was surprised to find that ferries run 24 hours a day, which is convenient for tourists, and there are quite a few. (There was one every 20 minutes) It was cloudy on the day I visited, but was it volcanic smoke? I couldn't really see the mountain itself. (Original) 最寄り駅　鹿児島駅より徒歩10分のフェリーで10分ほど フェリーは200円で24時間運行 桜島火山は有史以来頻繁に繰り返してきた。噴火の記録も多く、現在もなお活発な活動を続けている。海の中にそびえるその山容は特に異彩を放っており、鹿児島のシンボルの一つ。との事です。 余り調べずに行ったので分かりませんが、車で行った方が良いと思います。 徒歩だとバスも余り無さそうですし歩いて回るには時間が必要ですがフェリーが24時間運行しているのにはびっくりしましたし観光客には便利で本数も結構有ります。（20分おきに有りました）訪れた日は曇りもありましたが噴煙？なのか山自体は余り見えませんでした。

(Translated by Google) I went around Sakurajima I wanted to stop at the roadside station in front of the ferry terminal, but had to give up due to traffic. If you are a traveler who is not in a hurry, why not buy some souvenirs at the roadside station? Due to the dust, we recommend wearing a mask. The car is rough water vapor? I was excited to see it come out. On the way back, I bought some souvenirs at the black vinegar shop after leaving Sakurajima. (Original) 桜島一周して来ました フェリー乗り場の手前にある道の駅に寄りたかったのですが渋滞の為断念 先を急がない旅の人は道の駅でお土産をどーぞ 砂埃がたっててマスク着用を推奨します 車はザラザラしますね 水蒸気？が出てて興奮しました 帰りには桜島を出てからの黒酢屋でお土産を買いました

(Translated by Google) ♦️You can go down to the riverbank from the narrow road and see it👍 (Original) ♦️細い道より河原に降りられて見られる👍

Went swimming here. Still the same. Absolute bargain at a couple of hundred yen. Pool has lane swimming, three hot spring bath areas and two slides. Plus a kids pool and slide. Great place to bring kids.

Location was really nice and the park is really beautiful.

Great place to take the kids. Decent cheap indoor pool with slides and onsen. There are gym facilities, outdoor play area with very good and safe equipment. There are slopes for grass sledding too. There is also a pond with a pull-along raft. Love it.

Sakura start blooming in this park 😍😍😍

Therapy sport center, Full of natural sceneries.

excellent family and hiking place

(Translated by Google) Kagoshima Fureai Sports Land 🏃‍♀️ It's a very spacious and pleasant place 🌿 Indoors, there is a pool (including a hot spring pool), tennis courts, a gym, etc. Outdoors, there are soccer and baseball grounds, jogging paths, walking paths, a multi-purpose plaza, playground equipment, fountains, etc. There is a stream and a nature trail, so you can exercise according to your purpose 🏃‍♀️ 🔹There were about 2 or 3 entrances to the nature trail in separate locations. I thought one was a fairly short course that you could walk casually, but I thought the other one was not something you should enter casually. (There is no sign at the entrance saying how far it is, so if you go in thinking it's the other shorter one, you'll be in trouble) The parking lot is very spacious 🅿️ Opening hours 8:30-21:00 It's also nice that it's open until 21:00 at night 🌿 (Original) 鹿児島ふれあいスポーツランド🏃‍♀️ とても広くて気持ちの良い場所です🌿 屋内には、プール（温泉プール有り）、テニスコート、ジムなどあり 屋外は、サッカーや野球のグラウンド、ジョギングコース、ウォーキングコース、多目的広場、遊具、噴水などあり 小川が流れていたり、自然遊歩道あり、それぞれの目的に合わせて運動ができます🏃‍♀️ 🔹自然遊歩道は入り口が別々の場所に2.3か所ほどありました、一つは、気軽に歩けるかなり短いコースだなぁと思いましたが、もう一つは気軽な気持ちで入ってはだめだと思いました。（入り口にどのくらいの距離か書いてないので、もう一つの短い方くらいのイメージで入るととんでもないです） 駐車場はとても広いです🅿️ 利用時間 8：30-21:00 夜21時まで開いてるのも嬉しいですね🌿

The staff was very helpful and kind all the time. Pool are clean, relaxing and quiet, if you go during a weekday in the morning or before 3-4 pm. Also it's very well-equipped with all the facilities: changing rooms, showers, hair dryers, and more. They also provide swimming boards. I think that the price is affordable only ¥300 and you can stay all the time you want. I definitely will come back !

Maybe this is normal in Japan but you NEED to buy / wear a swimming cap to swim. Y300 entry Does get very crowded. Showers are good though

Simply amazing. 50 m pools, very clean locker rooms. Entrance 300 yen. Strongly recommended

Awesome pool. 50m indoor lanes, respectful swimmers, very modern and hygenic. Highly recommended for training.

Staff helpful... Olympic pool clean and quiet.

(Translated by Google) The largest swimming pool in Kagoshima Prefecture. The large swimming pool has a 50-meter pool and two jacuzzis. There is also a 25-meter pool that is open to the public only on weekends. Admission is 300 yen for the general public, 200 yen for high school students, and 100 yen for junior high school students and younger. (Original) 가고시마현에서 가장큰 수영장. 대수영장에는 50미터풀, 자쿠지가 두곳에있다. 주말에만 일반인에게 여는 25미터풀장도있다. 일반인 300엔, 고등학생 200엔, 중학생까지 100엔이다.

(Translated by Google) The main pool was in use for a tournament, so this is a review of the sub-pool only. The receptionist even stood up from his seat to explain various things to me, which I appreciated. The locker room at the sub-pool was clean, but there was no dehydrator. To get to the main pool, which was opened halfway through, you had to go through the outside. The sub-pool was empty, so I was able to swim comfortably. (Original) メインプールが大会で使用中で、サブプールのみのレビューです。受付の方が座席を立ってまで色々と説明してくださり恐縮しました。サブプールのロッカー室は清潔、ただし脱水機はなし。途中で開放されたメインプールへは外を通って行くようでした。サブプール、空いていたので快適に泳げました。

Very friendly :-)

(Translated by Google) Batting 25 pitches for 400 yen per game Buying in bulk is advantageous You can also play various sports and have fun. (Original) バッティング1ゲーム400円で25球 まとめ買いがお得です 他にもいろんなスポーツができ楽しい時間が過ごせます

(Translated by Google) A trial run was held at the practice range. (Original) 練習場にて試打会を実施しました。

(Translated by Google) I used the batting center. I thought it would be fun to use sounds and lights to liven up the atmosphere during home runs. It is spacious for an indoor type. The cost performance is not good. I hope they lower the price a little more! (Original) バッティングセンターを利用しました。 ホームランの際には音や光で盛り上げてくれると楽しいかなと感じました。 屋内型にしては広い方です。コスパは良くないです。もう少し値下げしてくれるといいね！

(Translated by Google) There are many courses ranging from those for beginners to those that are difficult, and I was able to spend my time with the guidance of the courteous staff. I'll go again♪ (Original) 初心者向けの壁から、難しいコースも沢山あり、丁寧な店員さんに指導してもらいながら過ごせました。 また、行きます♪

(Translated by Google) I went bouldering🧗 There are lots of challenges and you can have fun✨ (Original) ボルダリングしてきました🧗 課題がたくさんあって楽しめます✨

(Translated by Google) It was a very enjoyable facility that even adults could play with. The customer service was also polite and good. (Original) 大人でも遊べてとても楽しめる施設だった。 接客等も丁寧でよかった。

Very friendly :-)

(Translated by Google) Batting 25 pitches for 400 yen per game Buying in bulk is advantageous You can also play various sports and have fun. (Original) バッティング1ゲーム400円で25球 まとめ買いがお得です 他にもいろんなスポーツができ楽しい時間が過ごせます

(Translated by Google) A trial run was held at the practice range. (Original) 練習場にて試打会を実施しました。

(Translated by Google) I used the batting center. I thought it would be fun to use sounds and lights to liven up the atmosphere during home runs. It is spacious for an indoor type. The cost performance is not good. I hope they lower the price a little more! (Original) バッティングセンターを利用しました。 ホームランの際には音や光で盛り上げてくれると楽しいかなと感じました。 屋内型にしては広い方です。コスパは良くないです。もう少し値下げしてくれるといいね！

(Translated by Google) There are many courses ranging from those for beginners to those that are difficult, and I was able to spend my time with the guidance of the courteous staff. I'll go again♪ (Original) 初心者向けの壁から、難しいコースも沢山あり、丁寧な店員さんに指導してもらいながら過ごせました。 また、行きます♪

(Translated by Google) I went bouldering🧗 There are lots of challenges and you can have fun✨ (Original) ボルダリングしてきました🧗 課題がたくさんあって楽しめます✨

(Translated by Google) It was a very enjoyable facility that even adults could play with. The customer service was also polite and good. (Original) 大人でも遊べてとても楽しめる施設だった。 接客等も丁寧でよかった。