Things to do in Kagoshima City

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Kagoshima Prefecture

Sengan-en

Sengan-en is a historic villa built in 1658 by Shimazu Mitsuhisa, and is a magnificent borrowed-scenery garden that incorporates Sakurajima and Kinko Bay into its landscape. It was also formerly used as a guesthouse for the Satsuma Domain. Within the garden, you can enjoy Kagoshima's local cuisine in a breathtaking location overlooking Sakurajima and Kinko Bay. Seasonal Japanese meals featuring local ingredients create a special moment that can only be experienced here. Furthermore, the garden boasts a wealth of facilities where you can learn about and experience Kagoshima's history, traditions, and culture, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences unique to Sengan-en. This is a representative and captivating tourist spot in Kagoshima, where beautiful nature, history, food, and experiences come together. Exclusive to Trip.com![Black10: Kagoshima Black Wagyu Beef Set Meal & Cultural Experience] • Admission ticket (Xianyan Garden & Shanggu Integrated Hall) - "Kuroge Wagyu Beef Set Meal" and one drink at the observation restaurant. (Choose from Gold Satsuma sweet potato craft beer, Sakurajima bedrock roasted coffee, or a soft drink.) - Kagoshima specialty "Shirokuma" or "Matcha Set" at Japanese Cafe Saryo • Cultural experience (cut glass shard accessory making or incense sachet making) Archery experience (quarter target) - Sengan-en original paw print pendant (to be presented at each facility in lieu of a ticket)

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Kyushu

Sakurajima

Sakurajima is located in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, and is a symbol of Kagoshima. It is an active volcano that remains highly active today. Sakurajima is composed of the North Peak, Middle Peak, and South Peak. It is geographically located within Kinko Bay, facing Kinko Bay to the west, south, and north, and is connected to the Osumi Peninsula to the east. To the west, it is separated from downtown Kagoshima City by Kinko Bay, a distance of approx. 4 km, and there is a Sakurajima ferry that provides round-trip service between it and downtown Kagoshima City.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima City Aquarium

Located in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, "Ioworld Kagoshima Aquarium" is a popular aquarium where visitors can encounter a wide variety of marine life, focusing on the rich marine ecosystem of Kinko Bay (Kagoshima Bay). Situated in a prime location overlooking Sakurajima, it is characterized by its extensive exhibits themed around "the sea of ​​Kagoshima." One of the most eye-catching features of the aquarium is the Kuroshio Current Tank. Here, large fish such as whale sharks, tuna, and rays swim leisurely, creating a sense of scale that feels as if a real ocean scene has been recreated. The leisurely swimming of the whale sharks is breathtaking and deeply moving for visitors. In addition, diverse environments such as fish species and coral reef ecosystems that inhabit the waters off Kagoshima, as well as deep-sea creatures, are realistically recreated, allowing visitors to fully learn about the unique charm of the sea in this region. Furthermore, in the dolphin pool, you can observe shows and training sessions with Pacific white-sided dolphins up close, and your heart will be soothed by their energetic swimming and interactions with their trainers. Outside the aquarium, if you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins that actually inhabit Kinko Bay, offering a valuable experience that allows you to feel connected to nature. The aquarium also features plenty of interactive exhibits, including a touch pool where visitors can touch starfish and sea cucumbers, which is popular with both children and adults. There are also explanatory exhibits about marine environmental issues and wildlife conservation, allowing visitors to learn while having fun. Ioworld Kagoshima Aquarium is easily accessible from popular tourist spots like Tenmonkan and the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal, making it a convenient stop as part of a Kagoshima sightseeing trip. With its magnificent views of Sakurajima and the opportunity to experience the allure of Kagoshima's sea with all your senses, this aquarium is sure to create memorable moments for families, couples, and travelers alike.

Shiroyama Park Observation Deck

Located in the heart of Kagoshima City, Japan, Shiroyama Park Observation Deck sits at the summit of the 107m-high Shiroyama Park Observation Deck, making it an ideal attraction for overlooking downtown Kagoshima, Kinko Bay, and Sakurajima. From the observation deck, the active Sakurajima and the city streetscape complement each other, creating a magnificent natural and cultural view. Shiroyama Park Observation Deck is not only a treasure trove of natural views but also an important historical and cultural site. It was once one of the main battlefields of the Satsuma Rebellion during the Meiji Restoration, where the reformist Saigo Takamori ended his life. Historical sites such as Saigo Rock and the Place of Takamori Saigo's Death are preserved near the observation deck, allowing visitors to pay their respects and learn about modern Japanese history. The observation deck is open all day, and visitors can choose to enjoy the sunrise behind Sakurajima in the early morning or overlook the brilliant night view of Kagoshima City at night. In summary, Shiroyama Park Observation Deck is a comprehensive attraction that blends natural scenery, historical sites, and urban views. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a history researcher, or an ordinary traveler, you will find something worth exploring here.

Yunohira Observation Deck

The Yunohira Observatory is located at the fourth station of Mitake, Sakurajima. It is 373 meters above sea level and has an impressive roof designed with cherry blossom petals. It is one of the most beautiful booths on the island with a close-up view of the scenery of Sakurajima.

Hirakawa Zoo

Pingchuan Animal Park was established on October 14, 1972, with a total area of 314,000 square meters. It is a natural animal park surrounded by trees. There are about 140 species and more than 1,000 animals in it. Among them, the number of koala rearing is one of the few in Japan.

Terukuni Shrine

The Terukuni Shrine is a shrine located in Terukuni-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It is dedicated to Shimazu Nariaki, a local ruler before the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period. A bronze statue of Shimazu Nariaki was erected within the shrine, as well as a bronze statue of his successor Shimazu Tadayoshi. Terukuni Shrine has many believers in Kagoshima, and the number of visitors on New Year's Day every year is the highest among all shrines in the prefecture.

Arimura Lava Observation Deck

Looking at the top of the mountain from the observatory located on the mountainside of Sakurajima, you can feel the vitality of Sakurajima occasionally blowing smoke up close. I believe it is a rare experience.

Museum of the Meiji Restoration

The Restoration Hometown Museum, located in Kajiya Town, Kagoshima City, the hometown of the Meiji Restoration, was established mainly to commemorate Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshinori who made great contributions to the Japanese Restoration Movement. The life stories of Saigo and Okubo and the history related to the Meiji Restoration are recorded with pictures, texts and various objects.

Saigo Takamori Statue