Kagoshima Japan 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Kagoshima Itinerary:

Where to Stay:

  • Kagoshima City: For the first few nights, consider staying in a central hotel like the Hotel Sakurajima (views of the volcano!), or a traditional ryokan for a taste of Japanese hospitality.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).
  • Language: While Japanese is the official language, many people in tourist areas speak some English. Downloading a translation app can be helpful for communication.
  • Transportation: Kagoshima has an excellent public transport system with buses and trams connecting most parts of the city. For travel outside the city, consider using JR lines or local buses.

Day 1: Arrival & Sakurajima Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) or Kagoshima-Chuo Station. Take a bus from the airport to your hotel in Kagoshima City.
  • Afternoon: Check into your hotel. Explore the Senganen Garden, a historical garden with stunning views of Sakurajima and the surrounding bay. Enjoy the beautiful landscaping, traditional Japanese architecture, and delicious “shochu” (Japanese distilled spirit) ice cream afterwards.

Things to know:

  • Transportation: Take the JR Kagoshima Line from Kagoshima-Chuo Station to the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal.
  • Budget: Allow ¥2000-3000 for lunch and dinner in Kagoshima City.

Food Recommendations:

  • Dinner: Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at “Otaru Sushi” near the Tenmonkan shopping district.

Day 2: Volcano Views & Kagoshima History:

  • Morning: Take a local bus to the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal (free for passengers on a Kyushu Sightseeing Pass)".
  • Activity: Hike up to one of the designated viewing spots on Sakurajima for breathtaking panoramas and a chance to see the volcanic activity up close.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kagoshima City Museum to learn about the city’s history, including its connection to the active volcano.

Things to do:

  • Lunch: Indulge in the local delicacy “Satsuma-age” (deep-fried fishcake) at ‘Sakurajima-san’. This popular food stall near the ferry terminal offers fresh, hot ‘satsuma-age’ with a variety of dipping sauces and fillings.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional meal with stunning views of Sakurajima at ‘Kirishima Kanko Hotel"

Day 3: Exploring Kagoshima:

  • Transportation: Start your day with a stroll through the ‘Shiraho Reef’, a beautiful and accessible natural wonder for snorkeling and diving.
  • Things to do: Visit the “Sakurajima Observation Deck” at the Aso Volcano Museum (for panoramic views) or explore the ‘Kameyama Shrine’ (a serene oasis in the city center).

Day 4: Relaxing at Yakushima:

  • Activity: Hike through the ancient cedar forests of Yakushima, a breathtaking island known for its untouched nature and UNESCO World Heritage status.
  • Things to see: Explore the “Jomon Sugi”, a massive, over 2000-year-old Japanese cedar tree, or visit other iconic trees in the ‘Yakushima Forest’ like the “Wilson’s Spruce”

Things to know:

  • Accommodation: Consider booking accommodation in advance, as it can be limited on the island.
  • Transportation: Rent a car on Yakushima to explore at your own pace.

Day 5: Departure & Cultural Immersion:

  • Activity: Visit ‘Senganen’ or “Yakushima Island Museum” (depending on your interests).
  • Food: Enjoy a final meal featuring local ingredients like freshly caught tuna or a traditional ‘satsuma soba’ noodle dish.

Things to do in the city:

  • Enjoy a ‘shochu’ tasting session: Kagoshima is known for its ‘shochu’ production, so be sure to sample some of the locally-produced varieties.
  • Visit the historical Sakurajima Volcano Museum: Learn about the volcanic history and geology of the island through interactive exhibits.
  • Explore the ‘Senganen Garden’ and Museum: Discover the natural beauty and cultural significance of the island’s volcanic landscape.

Things to see outside the city:

  • Sakurajima Volcano: This is a must-see for any visitor, with stunning views and hiking trails.
  • Beaches & Coastline: Take advantage of the beautiful coastline by visiting beaches like “Ibusuki Beach”, “Kinkowan Bay”**, or “Shirahama Beach” for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.

Transportation:

  • Rent a bike: Explore the island on two wheels with a bike rental. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery and fresh air at your own pace.
  • Visit the ‘Aoshima Island’. This beautiful island is a popular spot for tourists, and offers breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline.

Things to see:

  • Enjoy the natural beauty: Explore beaches, waterfalls, and hot springs.
  • Experience the ‘Sakurajima Fireworks Festival’: A spectacular display of fireworks that are synchronized with the musical performances on the island.

Food:

  • Try ‘Ibusuki Sand Baths’: A unique experience in itself, this involves relaxing in a pit of heated sand on “Ibusuki Beach”, which is known for its therapeutic properties due to the volcanic ash and natural minerals.

  • Enjoy local delicacies:

    • ‘Kurobuta’ (Japanese black pork) at ‘Yakuimo Restaurant’

    • Indulge in fresh seafood: Visit a local market or fishmonger for fresh seafood like ‘sashimi’, ‘grilled fish’, ‘sushi’ or ‘donburi’ bowls.

  • Enjoy the sunset: Find a spot along “the “Sakurajima” coastline and watch the sky blaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon.

Things to consider:

  • Seasonality: Plan your trip accordingly, as some of these activities are seasonal (e.g., ‘sakura’ cherry blossom viewing).
  • Transportation: The best way to experience the island is by exploring the scenic hiking trails and beaches, so a car or bike rental will be essential for traveling around and seeing the diverse landscapes.

Things to do:

  • Visit the ‘Aoshima Island Tourist Association’: They can provide information on local events and attractions.
  • Enjoy the “Shiraho Beach”: This beach is renowned for its clear turquoise waters and beautiful coral reefs. It’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the stunning scenery of the island.