Things to do in Kagoshima

Top Things to Do in Kagoshima

Things to Do in Kagoshima


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Kagoshima.

Top Attractions in Kagoshima

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • Darren L
    Queenstown, MD817 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are beautiful gardens and views across the bay from the many different paths throughout. Additionally, there are several exhibits and shops.

    Really need to allow at least 2 hours to really appreciate this wonderful place.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martina1888
    Inverness, UK513 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The volcano "island" can easily be reached by a short ferry ride from Kagoshima. There's an excellent visitor centre, a hot footbath, convenience stores, cafés etc. Make sure to pick up the handy map of the area from the ferry terminal once you arrive. ASakurajima is a must-visit if you're in Kagoshima.
    Written 20 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Darren L
    Queenstown, MD817 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were traveling by bus for a tour, but there were plenty of private vehicles and people on foot. Not much time on board, but neat views as you cross the bay.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sue S
    Kingston, Canada381 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Only go if the weather is good. A small observation platform provided great views of the city, the volcano- (Mt. Sakurajima which was very active on the day we visited) and the bay. Otherwise there wasn't much else to do there. A small souvenir shop and toilets were the only facilities at the top. We traveled with a tour bus group and parked at a lower lot that was surrounded by kitschy souvenir shops but the 5 minute walk through the large trees was serene. Shiroyama Hotel was a 5 minute walk from the parking lot.
    Written 20 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zimminaroundtheworld
    Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,911 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Japan has nice aquariums and I found the Kagoshima aquarium to be very nice. The entrance fee was reasonable and as an English speaker it was easy to get around. Some signs had English names while others did not. The aquarium does have a whale shark, honestly this was the main reason for my visit. The main tank that hosts the shark was large but somewhat boring. There was no vegetation or anything, I felt bad for the fish but I am sure there is a reason why it's like this as other aquariums had nice set ups. The aquarium was multi leveled with a lot of local species from the Kagoshima area. One of my favorites was toward the end, the huge fresh water South American fish, I always find them fascinating. The Kagoshima aquarium is a nice one that is worth a visit.
    Written 5 March 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RayICue
    Cornelius, NC3,959 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must experience when here . The view is spectacular and not only is the volcano site awesome it’s blowing smoke continuously. And the city view is also amazing. Easy access and not typically crowded.
    Written 23 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dutchiedonuts
    Toronto, Canada989 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Welcome to Kagoshima Plaza.
    The plaza/ mall is right at Kagoshimachuo Station. If you exit from this station, there will be directions on how to get to the mall. If you're not having any luck, the staff at the station, is more than helpful to get you there.
    There is a great variety of stores to shop from, not to mention places to eat.
    They even have a ferris wheel that you can ride and get nice views from.
    If you look at the floor plan of the plaza (which is on different levels) you can see where everything is. Even how to get to the ferris wheel. I am not sure exactly of the cost because I didn't go on it.
    Nice place to get all types of shopping done, get some good food, and some nice treats. My friend and I enjoy our time here.
    Written 4 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David H
    Tokyo, Japan55 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic museum next to the river
    You can use headphones to help understand and follow the different displays as most are in Japanese.
    Do the historic walk next to the river as it is beautifully set up and explained beforehand
    Best 300 yen spent so far in Japan for a museum
    Written 7 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • William S
    Kobe, Japan1,289 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The trams run frequently and are easy to use. You get on the one going in the direction you wish to go, entering in the middle or rear, and pay as you exit. There are plenty of seats though you might have to stand if busy. The tram is smooth and stops frequently. No IC card or Japan Rail Pass accepted. Cash only with lower prices for kids.
    Written 22 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PhilippeLaunay-Debnath
    Ferney-Voltaire, France46 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You want visiting Kagoshima and you discover a city of importance for the Japanese history specialy at the Meiji time.
    Saigo Takamori is an hero for the Japan
    Each one who wants better know the history of the modern Japan has to go to Kagoshima
    Written 16 February 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • olafoomes
    Amstelveen, The Netherlands1,671 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Shiroyama Park can be reached by the City View Bus from Kagoshimo Chuo JR Station. One way fare is ¥ 190. The trip takes about half an hour. During the climb there is not really much to see, which however is truly compensated when you arrive at Mt. Shiroyama Observatory on the top. The City View Bus however brings you just short of the top and drops you off at a parking lot surrounded with a lot of small (souvenir)shops. From here it is just a short walk towards the Observatory.
    Written 19 October 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Darren L
    Queenstown, MD817 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing views up at the volcano and lava formed landscapes. Nicely maintained paths with quite a few steps. Possibly because the lava and path hold the heat, but on a sunny day that was cool everywhere else, this was a bit warmer.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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