Kagoshima, Japan 5 Day Itinerary

Kagoshima 5-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Southern Island of Kyushu

Day 1: Arrival & Sengan-en (Kanketsu-en) Garden

  • Arrive at Kagoshima Airport and head to your accommodation.
  • Check-in and rest for a while, then visit the beautiful Sengan-en (Kanketsu-en), a traditional Japanese garden with stunning views of Sakurajima volcano.
  • For dinner, try local specialties like Satsuma-age (fried fish cake) or Kagoshima ramen at a nearby restaurant.
  • Stay: Hotel Sunroute Grand Kagoshima or similar.
  • Transportation: Airport bus or taxi to the city center.
  • Tips: Don’t forget to check out the Sengan-en gift shop for traditional souvenirs.

Day 2: Sakurajima Island & Yunohira Onsen

  • Take a ferry to Sakurajima Island in the morning and explore its active volcanic sites, including Kokusai-zenso Observatory and Toroikiri Gorge.
  • Have lunch at a restaurant on the island, enjoying fresh seafood dishes.
  • In the afternoon, head to Yunohira Onsen (hot spring) for a relaxing dip with views of Sakurajima.
  • Stay: Hotel Seagaia Resort or similar on Sakurajima Island.
  • Transportation: Ferry from Kagoshima city center.
  • Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring water as it can get hot on the island.

Day 3: Aira Sanzan & Ibusuki Sunamushi Onsen

  • Spend the day exploring Aira Sanzan, a group of three sacred mountains. You can take a cable car up Mount Tateyama for breathtaking views of Kagoshima Bay.
  • For lunch, try yakisoba or yakiniku (grilled meat dishes) at a local eatery.
  • In the afternoon, visit Ibusuki Sunamushi Onsen, where you’ll be buried in hot sand for a unique and relaxing experience.
  • Stay: Hotel JR Ibusuki Grandcs Inn or similar in Ibusuki.
  • Transportation: Train to Ibusuki from Kagoshima city.
  • Tips: Remember to book your Sunamushi Onsen session in advance.

Day 4: Kinkowan Bay & Karakuni Coast

  • Return to Kagoshima city and visit Kinkowan Bay, where you can walk along the shore or rent a bike to explore the area.
  • For lunch, try local seafood dishes like kamaboko (fish paste) or shirasu (young sardines).
  • In the afternoon, drive along the scenic Karakuni Coast, stopping at picturesque spots like Cape Sata and Amano Iwato Cave.
  • Stay: Hotel Sunroute Grand Kagoshima or similar.
  • Transportation: Rent a car or use public transportation to get around.
  • Tips: Be prepared for windy conditions on the Karakuni Coast.

Day 5: Departure & Last Minutes

  • Spend your last morning exploring any sights you may have missed, such as Tenmonkan Shopping Arcade or Kagoshima City Museum of History.
  • Have a farewell lunch at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) and enjoy traditional Kagoshima dishes one last time.
  • Head to the airport for your departure, taking with you memories of a wonderful trip to Kagoshima.
  • Transportation: Airport bus or taxi from the city center.
  • Tips: Check your flight details for recommended arrival times at the airport and enjoy your journey home!