Kagoshima is a city rich in history, nature, and culture, with a unique landscape dominated by the majestic Sakurajima, the active volcano that has made its name famous throughout Japan. The city center is divided into two main areas: Tenmonkan, the heart of shopping and nightlife, and Kagoshima Chūō, the lively district around the main station. The two areas are connected by a convenient tram line but can also be easily reached on foot. Moving towards the coast, near the port (which is also walkable), there is a large coastal park and a major aquarium. For those interested in history and scenic views, Shiroyama hill offers one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the city. To the north, in a more remote area accessible only by transportation, lies the famous Sengan-en Garden.
Tenmonkan is the main commercial and entertainment district of Kagoshima, considered the liveliest center in southern Kyushu. Tenmonkan Dōri, its main covered shopping arcade (shotengai), and the surrounding streets host a wide selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, izakaya, and nightlife venues. Here, you can try Kagoshima’s specialties, including kurobuta black pork, Kagoshima Ramen, and shirokuma shaved ice, a dessert made with crushed ice and condensed milk. For shopping, the area features the CenTerrace Tenmonkan shopping mall, and a short distance away, you will find Yamakataya, the city's oldest department store. The covered streets allow for a pleasant stroll among shops and eateries without worrying about the rain. In the evening, Tenmonkan becomes the hub of Kagoshima’s nightlife, with a wide range of bars, izakaya, and clubs, especially along Bunka Dori and Yamanokuchi Hondori. Additionally, the area is well connected and full of business hotels, making it an ideal base for visitors. Within walking distance, you can also find cultural attractions such as a statue of Saigō Takamori, one of Japan’s most famous historical figures and a local hero, the remains of an ancient castle, and several museums.
The Tenmonkan area
Another lively area of the city is around Kagoshima Chūō Station, where you can find numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops. This area is also home to Amu Plaza, the largest shopping mall in the city, which features a large cinema, many shops, and restaurants, as well as the spectacular Amuran Ferris Wheel.
The Chuo Kagoshima area and Amu Plaza shopping mall with its imposing Ferris wheel
Shiroyama is a hill park located in the heart of Kagoshima, reaching a maximum height of 107 meters. This place holds significant historical value: on September 24, 1877, the Battle of Shiroyama took place here, marking the final event of the Satsuma Rebellion, during which the legendary Saigō Takamori, the last samurai to challenge the Meiji government, met his fate. The hill also contains Saigō Cave, where it is said that the warrior made his final stand.
Today, Shiroyama is best known for its spectacular panoramic view of Kagoshima city, the sea, and Sakurajima volcano, particularly stunning at sunset. The viewpoint at the top of the hill can be reached by bus or on foot via several trails. The two main paths start from Terukuni Shrine and behind the Reimeikan Museum, offering a nature-immersed route with unique city views.
On the hill, there is also a large hotel, the Hotel Shiroyama Kagoshima, famous for its panoramic onsen, where visitors can enjoy the view while relaxing in the hot springs. The onsen is also open to external visitors, although the entrance fee is quite high (3,000¥).
Sakurajima from Shiroyama Park
Sengan-en is an elegant Japanese garden located north of central Kagoshima, overlooking the bay with a spectacular view of the Sakurajima volcano. Built in 1658 as the residence of the powerful Shimazu family, who ruled the former Satsuma domain, the garden is a remarkable example of Japanese landscape design. This garden is appreciated as a true work of landscape art, as it skillfully combines natural and artificial elements. The external scenery is integrated into the garden's design: Kagoshima Bay is used as the "main pond," while the Sakurajima volcano serves as a majestic "background mountain," creating a spectacular and harmonious visual effect. At the center of the garden is the Iso Residence, a late 19th-century reconstruction of the ancient home of the powerful Shimazu clan. Just outside the garden, there is a large stone building that was once a major machinery factory and now houses the Shoko Shuseikan Museum.
Inside Sengan-en, there are several dining options. A restaurant offers various dishes inspired by traditional Kagoshima cuisine, including the famous kurobuta black pork. For a lighter break, there is also a café serving matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets, as well as small shops selling handmade mochi and uniquely flavored ice creams, including sweet potato, a signature ingredient of the region.
Senganen
Iso Beach
The Kagoshima waterfront is one of the most pleasant areas for a stroll, offering an open view of the bay and the majestic Sakurajima. The heart of the waterfront is the Kagoshima Waterfront Park, a large green space located in the port area that hosts events throughout the year, including the Summer Night Fireworks Festival, one of the most anticipated pyrotechnic shows in the region. The park is located a short distance from the Kagoshima Aquarium and the ferry terminal.
Kagoshima Waterfront Park
Kagoshima City Aquarium
Sakurajima is the iconic active volcano that makes Kagoshima famous throughout Japan. Its presence dominates the cityscape and has been mentioned several times in this guide, as it is visible from numerous points in the city. Once a separate island, the 1914 eruption connected it to the Ōsumi Peninsula, but the ferry from Kagoshima remains the most convenient way to reach it. For more details, check out our Sakurajima Guide.
The Green Guesthouse is one of the most affordable options for staying in Kagoshima, perfect for budget travelers. The property is in a great location, just a few minutes' walk from the city's shopping area, the tram stop, and the waterfront with the ferry terminal to Sakurajima. The guesthouse features a shared kitchen, coin-operated laundry facilities, and a beautiful rooftop terrace—an ideal place to relax and meet other travelers. It offers both dormitory beds (one of the cheapest options in the city) and private double and triple rooms at reasonable prices.
Price range: dormitory beds 2,000-3,000¥, private double and triple rooms 7,000-12,000¥.
A well-located hotel in central Kagoshima, just a few minutes’ walk from both the main Tenmonkan area and the waterfront, including the ferry terminal to Sakurajima. The rooms are simple yet well-maintained, with comfortable beds and a good level of cleanliness. Excellent value for money compared to other accommodations in the area, making it one of the most budget-friendly business hotels in this category.
Price range: single rooms 5,000-7,000¥, double rooms 7,000-10,000¥.
Henn na Hotel is one of the most unique accommodations in the city, famous for its automated reception featuring a virtual ninja and dinosaur that welcome guests at check-in, making for a futuristic and one-of-a-kind stay. Located in the heart of Tenmonkan, Kagoshima’s main shopping and nightlife district, this hotel offers a perfect location and modern, clean rooms. Standard rooms are very affordable. If you’re looking for something even more special, be sure to check out the hotel’s quirky themed rooms inspired by shinkansen, airplanes, and underwater environments.
Price Range: single rooms 7,000-9,000¥, double rooms 9,000-12,000¥, themed rooms 12,000-20,000¥.
Dormy Inn Kagoshima is one of the best choices for staying in the city, thanks to its excellent included services and its central location, just a short walk from Tenmonkan, the city’s main commercial district. On our site, we frequently recommend Dormy Inn hotels when their prices are similar to other business hotels because they consistently offer a superior stay experience. Here, you can relax in the spacious indoor onsen, enjoy complimentary evening ramen, and take advantage of the free Yakult yogurt in the morning and ice cream in the evening. The rooms are modern, well-furnished, and equipped with all the necessary comforts for a pleasant stay.
Price Range: single rooms 7,000-9,000¥, double rooms 10,000-14,000¥.
Hotel Noir is a modern and stylish hotel located just a short walk from Kagoshima Chūō Station, making it a perfect choice for those arriving in the city by shinkansen or looking for convenient transport access to nearby areas. The rooms feature a refined and minimalist design, creating a cozy atmosphere with high-quality furnishings. The entire facility is modern and in excellent condition, having opened in 2024. A tea and coffee machine is available for guests in the lobby.
Price Range: single rooms 5,000-7,000¥, double rooms 7,000-11,000¥.
The Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima is a luxurious hotel situated on the panoramic Shiroyama hill, offering one of the best views of Sakurajima volcano and the city of Kagoshima right from your room. The location isn’t the most convenient for those wanting to explore the city quickly, but the hotel provides free shuttle services to the city center and Kagoshima Chūō Station, making transportation easier. This hotel is perfect for those looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of relaxation. It boasts an in-house restaurant, a wellness center with a sauna, and a spectacular open-air onsen with a direct view of Sakurajima, considered one of the best in Japan. If you want a room with a view, you need to select it at the time of booking and be prepared to spend a significant amount. The hotel also offers non-view rooms at much lower rates, which is a great deal considering you still get access to the magnificent onsen.
Price range: non-view rooms 8,000-15,000¥, view rooms 20,000-40,000¥.
View from the panoramic onsen of Hotel Shiroyama at sunset
The cuisine of Kagoshima, also known as Satsuma Ryōri (薩摩料理), is one of the most distinctive in Japan, shaped by the prefecture’s geographical isolation and historical influences. The centuries-old ties between Kagoshima and Okinawa have left traces in the local gastronomy, while the distance from the country’s major cities has contributed to the development of unique dishes. Kagoshima’s cuisine is also incredibly diverse, combining fresh seafood, premium meats, local vegetables, and traditional alcoholic beverages. The prefecture is Japan’s leading producer of sweet potatoes, a key ingredient in both cooking and the production of the famous Satsuma Shochu, the region’s signature distilled beverage. From black pork (kurobuta) dishes to Kagoshima Ramen and kibinago fish, the local food scene is one of the most fascinating aspects to explore for visitors to Kagoshima.
For kurobuta, satsuma-age, and other Kagoshima specialties, we recommend izakaya Wakana (吾愛人), which has two locations in the Tenmonkan area and two more near Kagoshima Chuo Station. For Kagoshima-style ramen, we suggest Tontoro Ramen, a small chain with several locations throughout the city, or Ramen Noriichi (ラーメン専門 のり一), a historic eatery that has remained unchanged since the 1950s. In the Tenmonkan area, you’ll also find a wide variety of excellent restaurants to explore.
Kagoshima is located in the southernmost part of the Kyushu region, the southernmost region of Japan. It is the southernmost major city in the Japanese archipelago, excluding the Okinawa Islands.
Kagoshima-Chūō Station is the southern terminus of the Kyushu Shinkansen, the high-speed rail line that connects Kagoshima with Fukuoka and the rest of the country’s rail network. Kagoshima can be reached by shinkansen from all major cities in Japan, although the journey can take several hours. Summary:
Due to Kagoshima’s considerable distance from other regions of Japan, long-distance bus travel beyond Kyushu can be impractical. Therefore, buses are primarily recommended for travel within the Kyushu region. For connections between Kyushu’s main cities, long-distance buses are an affordable and convenient option. For example, Willer Express offers regular services between Kagoshima and Fukuoka (about 4.5 hours) and Kumamoto (3.5 hours). For other destinations in Kyushu, refer to this bus search portal (available in English), a collaborative platform between the region’s major bus companies.
Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) is well connected to Japan’s major cities, making flights a convenient option for reaching the city, especially for those without a Japan Rail Pass.
Once you arrive, Kagoshima Airport is about 50-60 minutes by bus from the city center. A one-way ticket costs 1,400¥. For those who prefer driving, several car rental agencies are available at the airport, offering a great option for exploring both the city and the surrounding countryside.
The city center of Kagoshima is compact, and many of its main attractions can be explored on foot for those who enjoy walking. For instance, a pleasant stroll from Kagoshima Chūō Station to the Tenmonkan district and the waterfront is easily manageable, allowing visitors to discover the city at a relaxed pace.
For faster travel, the most convenient mode of transportation is the city tram, which connects Kagoshima Chūō Station with Kagoshima Station, passing through Tenmonkan and approaching the waterfront area, where the ferry terminal to Sakurajima and the Kagoshima Aquarium are located.
For reaching more distant attractions such as the Sengan-en Garden, the best option is the City View Bus, a tourist-friendly bus service that follows a circular route linking major points of interest, including the gardens and the panoramic observatory atop Shiroyama Park.
The island of Sakurajima is accessible via a short ferry ride from Kagoshima Port. For more details on how to get there and navigate the island, check out our Sakurajima Guide.
