Hugging the southern tip of Kyushu Island, Kagoshima Prefecture encompasses the ancient Japanese provinces of Satsuma and Ōsumi. It was the former seat of the powerful Shimazu clan, which played an important role in the Meiji Restoration. Kagoshima includes the bustling city of Kagoshima and a string of subtropical islands, as well as active volcanoes and enchanting hot springs.
Things to do in Kagoshima Prefecture
Vibrant urban landscapes, ancient cedar forests and pristine island beaches - Kagoshima Prefecture has it all!
Sightsee in Kagoshima City. Backed by the rumbling volcano of Mount Sakurajima, Kagoshima is the southernmost city on the island of Kyushu. It serves as a gateway for exploring Kagoshima Prefecture, with the rugged hiking trails of the Kirishima Mountains and the hot springs of the Satsuma Peninsula within an easy day trip. You can learn about the area’s cultural history at the Reimeikan Museum, stroll through the peaceful Senganen Garden or get up close to native marine animals at the Kagoshima Aquarium.
Discover the natural wonders of Yakushima. Drenched in mythology, Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed island that inspired Studio Ghibli’s fantasy “Princess Mononoke”. It is renowned for its ancient cedars and the 25-metre-tall Jomon Sugi tree, as well as remote beaches where loggerhead turtles come to nest. You can delve into the island’s natural history at the Yakusugi Museum, marvel at the Ōko-no-taki waterfall or hike along the disused mining tracks of the Anbo Trail.
Relax on the beaches of Amami Oshima. Located between Okinawa and Kyushu, Amami Oshima is a subtropical island blessed with white sandy beaches and wildlife-filled mangrove forests. You can relax on the uncrowded sands of Tomori Beach or snorkel off the shores of Ohama Beach. At the southern tip of the island is Yadoribama Beach while in the north is beautiful Kurasaki Beach.
Getting around Kagoshima Prefecture
Kagoshima Airport is the main aviation gateway to Kagoshima Prefecture and has flights to destinations across Asia. Inter-city trains connect to Kagoshima City while inter-island ferries travel to Yakushima and Amami Oshima. Buses are readily available for getting around Kagoshima City.