Kagoshima, Japan 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City of Kagoshima

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a visit to Kagoshima City Aquarium, home to over 30,000 marine creatures including the famous Sakurajima-born bottlenose dolphins. (Admission: ~1800 yen)
    • Take a leisurely stroll around Sengan-en Garden, a beautiful Edo period feudal lord’s residence with stunning gardens and traditional architecture. (Admission: ~1200 yen)

  • Lunch:

    • Head to Tenmonkan Shopping Street for a variety of local cuisines. Don’t miss the Kagoshima Ramen, known for its rich pork broth and spicy miso flavor.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit Kagoshima Peace Memorial Park, a solemn reminder of the Battle of Kagoshima during World War II. The park offers beautiful views of Kagoshima Bay and Mt. Sakurajima. (Admission: Free)
    • Explore the Tanameyashiki Folk Museum to learn about the life and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom. (Admission: ~1000 yen)

  • Dinner:

    • Dine at a Sata Ando Yaki restaurant in Kagoshima, where you can enjoy this local dish made from thin slices of pork, vegetables, and tofu baked on a hot stone.

  • Night:

    • Stay at the Hotel Sunroute Kagoshima or Daiichi Hotel Kagoshima, both centrally located and offering comfortable accommodations.

Day 2: Sakurajima and Ibusuki

  • Morning:

    • Take a ferry ride to Sakurajima. This active volcanous island offers breathtaking views and a chance to see volcanic activity up close. (Ferry fare: ~1500 yen)
    • Visit the Kagoshima City Volcano Museum for an understanding of the geological history of Sakurajima. (Admission: Free)

  • Lunch:

    • Enjoy seafood at a local restaurant in Ibusuki, known for its hot springs.

  • Afternoon:

    • Experience the unique Ibusuki Sand Bath where hot sand from a nearby spring is used for therapeutic treatments and relaxation. (Prices vary)
    • Relax at one of the many Ibusuki Onsen (hot springs). Try the open-air baths for an unforgettable experience.

  • Dinner:

    • Dine at a local restaurant in Ibusuki, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Kyushu cuisine.

  • Night:

    • Stay at an Ibusuki Onsen Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn with hot springs) for a truly authentic experience.

Day 3: Yakusuniyama and Amami Island

  • Morning:

    • Take the Yakushima Sightseeing Cruise from Kagoshima Port to Yakushima Island. The cruise offers beautiful views of the island’s lush forests and waterfalls. (Cruise fare: ~5000 yen)
    • Disembark at Miyanoura Port on Yakushima Island. Visit the Jomonsugi, a 3,000-year-old cedar tree and one of Japan’s natural treasures. (Admission: Free)

  • Lunch:

    • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Miyanoura, Yakushima Island. Try the island’s specialty, shabu-shabu made with locally caught seafood and fresh vegetables.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the island’s unique Yakusoku no Taki (Promise Waterfall), reachable via a short hike through beautiful forest trails.
    • Take the afternoon cruise back to Kagoshima Port.

  • Dinner:

    • Return to Kagoshima and dine at a local restaurant for a farewell meal of Kagoshima Ramen or Sata Ando Yaki.

Things to Know:

  • Transportation: Kagoshima has an extensive bus network, as well as a monorail system connecting the city’s main attractions. You can also rent a car for more flexibility.
  • Money: ATMs are widely available in Kagoshima City but less common on Sakurajima and Yakushima Island. Make sure to withdraw enough yen before you go.
  • Language: While English is spoken at major tourist spots, it’s always helpful to have a Japanese dictionary or translation app for communication outside of these areas.
  • Etiquette: When visiting onsen (hot springs), it’s customary to wash thoroughly before entering the bath and to avoid wearing swimsuits in mixed baths.