Kagoshima city rests on the southern tip of Kyushu in the shadow of the active Sakurajima Volcano. It’s known for its temperate climate, welcoming locals and it’s fascinating samurai history.
Kagoshima makes a great place in Japan to visit in the cooler months due to it’s warmer climate and is among the first places in Japan when each year’s cherry blossom can be viewed.
Popular things to do in Kagoshima include taking a ferry across the bay to the foot of the very active Sakurajima volcano, visiting the beautifully landscaped Senganen Garden (仙巌園) and learning about the local history and culture at the expansive Reimeikan Museum (黎明館).
Kagoshima’s Local Food And Drink
Kagoshima is famous throughout Japan for its sweet potato shochu (imo shochu) and tastings of the local tipple can be enjoyed all over town, including an impressive collection at the main Kagoshima Chuo train station.
On the gourmet front, Kagoshima offers Satsuma-age minced fish cakes, a pork and miso-based stew called Tonkotsu or the raw chicken dish “Torisashi” for the more adventurous types.
Don’t Mind The Ash
Due to the frequent plumes of ash spurting out of Mount Sakurajima you make wake to notice a thin layer of ash covering the externals of the city.
Kagoshima is nicknamed the Naples of the east due to its warm weather, bay location, and vicinity to the uniquely shaped stratovolcano of Sakurajima.
History buffs will also enjoy Kagoshima as the domain, formally known as Satsuma has a proud Samurai history and was home to many leaders of the Meiji Restoration including Saigō Takamori, sometimes referred to as “the last samurai”.
Kagoshima City Information
[one_half] City Name
Kagoshima (鹿児島)
Size
600 Thousand
Main Station
Kagoshima Chuo Station
Nearest Airport
Kagoshima Airport – About 60 minutes by bus North East of the city
Events and Festivals
- Ohara Matsuri (Nov)
- Hinoshima Matsuri (July)
- Rokugatsu-do (Lantern Festival)
Featured Photo by Kimon Berlin used under CC
