2 Days 1 Night Itinerary! Visiting Popular Attractions in Kagoshima City and Sakurajima

December 17, 2023 / Travel, Kyushu

On the first day, we had lunch at the Tenmonkan Street and visited the statues of Takamori Saigo, the Former Shuseikan Machinery Factory, Senryu-en Garden, and the Shiroyama Observatory. For lunch, we dined at a local restaurant in the bustling heart of Kagoshima city, the Tenmonkan Shopping Street, which features a 100-meter-long arcade.

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Lunch On the First Day: Enjoy Local Cuisine and "Shirokuma" at the "Tenmonkan Shopping Street"

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After arriving in Kagoshima on the first morning, let's kick off the itinerary with lunch! We'll dine at a restaurant in the bustling heart of Kagoshima city, the Tenmonkan Shopping Street, known for its 100-meter-long arcade.

Here, we recommend trying local cuisine and Kagoshima's specialty, the "Shirokuma (白熊)" at "Tenmonkan Mujaki（天文館むじゃき）," or savoring Kagoshima ramen at the dedicated ramen shop, "Tontoro Tenmonkan（鹿児島ラーメン豚とろ）"


You can enjoy "Shirokuma" from the basement floor to the fifth floor

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Kagoshima's specialty, "Shirokuma," is now famous nationwide and is said to have originated at Tenmonkan Mujaki in 1947. You can find it available in various restaurants throughout the building, spanning from the basement to the fifth floor, including coffee shops, teppanyaki restaurants, local cuisine establishments, and Western-style dining. In all these restaurants, you can savor the delicious taste of shirokuma.

"Tontoro Tenmonkan Main Restaurant" : Known for its melt-in-your-mouth pork belly char siu

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"Tontoro Tenmonkan Main Restaurant" is a popular ramen shop located near the Takamimachi tram stop in Kagoshima. As the name of the restaurant suggests, their char siu is made from the rare and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly.

The broth is carefully prepared by simmering pork bones, chicken bones, and fish stock, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup. Paired with medium-thick straight noodles, it creates an exquisite ramen experience that often attracts long queues of customers.

Afternoon of the first day: Visit famous attractions in Kagoshima city such as the Takamori Saigo Bronze Statue, the Former Shuseikan Machinery Factory, Senryu-en Garden, and the Shiroyama Observatory.

After having lunch at the Tenmonkan Shopping Street, we proceeded to the 8-meter-tall bronze statue of Saigo Takamori. Next, we visited the oldest surviving Western-style building, the Former Shuseikan Machinery Factory, and the Japanese national scenic area, Senryu-en Garden.

Following that, we headed to the Shiroyama Observatory, which offers panoramic views of Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, and Kagoshima City. Additionally, make sure to explore the nearby historical site, the "Saigo Caves."

The "Statue of Saigo Takamori" with Shiroyama as the backdrop:

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The Statue of Saigo Takamori, located near the Kagoshima City Art Museum, stands at approximately 8 meters in height. It was created by Kagoshima sculptor Ando Teru over a span of eight years and is renowned for its grandeur. Against the backdrop of Shiroyama, this large bronze statue, including its pedestal, portrays the spirit of Takamori Saigo.

The 'Old Integrated Pavilion Mechanical Factory' that tells the history of the Shimazu family and the Integrated Pavilion."

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After visiting the bronze statue of Takamori Saigo in Nishikyogoku, we will proceed to visit the Old Integrated Pavilion Mechanical Factory (旧集成館機械工場). Satsuma clan lord Shimazu Saibin was one of the earliest proponents of the idea of enriching the country and strengthening the military in Japan, and the Integrated Pavilion was his center of operations. The mechanical factory was constructed in 1865 and is the oldest surviving Western-style factory building.

Currently, the Shoko Shuseikan Museum (尚古集成館) is a museum that narrates the history of the Shimazu family and the Integrated Pavilion's endeavors.

  • Old Integrated Pavilion Mechanical Factory（旧集成館機械工場）, Shoko Shuseikan Museum（尚古集成館）
  • Address: Yoshinocho, Kagoshima, 892-0871 Google Map
  • Official Website: https://www.shuseikan.jp/en/

"Sengan-en" is designated as a World Heritage historical site

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Sengan-en (仙巌園) is a villa built by the 19th generation head of the Shimazu family, Mitsuhisa, in 1658, located behind the Old Integrated Pavilion Mechanical Factory. It is a borrowed landscape garden with the Kinokawa Bay as its pond and Sakurajima as its artificial mountain. In 1958, it was designated as a national scenic beauty area.

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The park covers an area of approximately 15,000 tsubo (a traditional Japanese unit of area), and it contains various historical relics, among which the "Refinery Ruins" have been registered as a World Heritage site under the name "Japan's Meiji Industrial Sites."

"Shiroyama Park Observation Deck" - A Popular Night View Attraction

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After visiting Sengan-en, you can head to the Shiroyama Park Observation Deck, which is located on a small hilltop at an elevation of 107 meters. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Sakurajima, Kinokawa Bay, and the city of Kagoshima below. It is also a popular spot for night views.

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You can reach the observatory on foot via walking paths, and sightseeing buses within Kagoshima city, such as City View, frequently pass by this location, making it easily accessible even without a car.

The Hiding Place of Saigo and His Followers - "Cave of Takamori Saigo"

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Near the Shiroyama Park Observation Deck, there is a Cave of Takamori Saigo. During the Satsuma Rebellion, Saigo and his aides were cornered by government forces and spent their last five days hiding in this cave. The cave itself is quite small and not accessible, so you can view it from outside the fencing.

First Night: Overnight in Kagoshima City

After visiting the Shiroyama Park Observation Deck and the Cave of Takamori Saigo, it's time to head to your accommodation for the first night. Staying overnight in Kagoshima city is convenient since you'll be exploring the city on the second day.

Kagoshima city offers a range of accommodations, primarily business hotels and city hotels. There are also some hotels with natural hot springs, so you can choose based on your budget and preferences.

Search Hotels：Booking.com  Agoda  Hotels.com

Morning on the Second Day: Visit the "Kagoshima City Aquarium" to See Whalesharks in Large Tanks and Dolphins Swimming in Waterways

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On the second morning, visit the Kagoshima City Aquarium located near the ferry terminal for Sakurajima.

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This aquarium houses marine life from the waters around Kagoshima and beautiful coral reefs, with the highlight being the Kuroshio Large Water Tank. Here, you can observe fish from the Kuroshio current that flows into the nearby waters, including whale sharks, tuna, bluefin tuna, and large spotted eagle rays.

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Additionally, in the "Sea of the Nansei Islands" section, you can see corals from the Nansei Islands located south of Kagoshima Prefecture, as well as various marine creatures such as yellowtail surgeonfish, starfish, and grouper floating in the water. Watching them swim in their natural habitat is a treat.

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Outside the aquarium, there's a "Dolphin Passage" where you can witness the "Blue Sky Dolphin Show" held three times a day, featuring dolphin training and performances.

  • Kagoshima City Aquarium（いおワールドかごしま水族館 ）
  • Address: 3-1 Honkoshinmachi, Kagoshima, 892-0814 Google Map
  • Entrance Fee: Adults (high school students and above) 1,500 yen / Children (elementary and junior high school students) 750 yen / Infants (4 years and older) 350 yen
  • Book Ticket on Klook：Kagoshima City Aquarium Ticket in Kyushu
  • Official Website: https://ioworld.jp/

Lunch on the Second Day: Recommended "Yamakataya Shokudo" for Kagoshima's Beloved "Stir-Fried Noodles"

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After your visit to the Kagoshima City Aquarium, it's time for lunch. I recommend having lunch at the Yamakataya Shokudo, located on the 7th floor of the long-established department store Yamagataya, near the aquarium.

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One of the most popular dishes here is the "Stir-Fried Noodles" (焼きそば), which is a staple for Kagoshima residents, often ordered without even looking at the menu. Despite the name "Stir-Fried Noodles," it's different from typical stir-fried noodles and more like a "sara udon" (plate udon). To avoid confusion for those from outside the prefecture, it's sometimes labeled as "Fried Noodles" (揚げ麺).

The ingredients include cabbage, onions, pork, squid, and fish cake. There's plenty of vegetables, and the flavors are rich, yet the simple seasonings make it easy for anyone to enjoy, including women. It's a local habit to dip it in the three-cup vinegar provided on the table.

Afternoon of the Second Day: Take the "Sakurajima Ferry" to Sakurajima! Visit Yunohira Observatory and Black God Buried Torii Gate

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After enjoying the stir-fried noodles at Yamagataya Shokudo, you can board the Sakurajima Ferry to Sakurajima, which is only a 15-minute ride, connecting Kagoshima City and Sakurajima. The ferry operates 24 hours a day, departing every 15 minutes during the day. The one-way fare for adults is 160 yen, and there is an additional fee if you want to bring a car, so it's also recommended for those renting a car.

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Sakurajima is a small island with a circumference of about 36 kilometers, and you can drive around it in about an hour. There are many tourist attractions, but the most popular ones include the Yunohira Observatory located at Sakurajima's fourth station, the Black God Buried Torii Gate buried in volcanic ash during the major eruption in 1912, and the "Akamizu Observatory Square" symbolized by the monument of Tsugumi Nagashima, as well as the vast "Arimura Lava Observatory" where you can witness magnificent lava fields.

For the most efficient way to explore, you can visit Yunohira Observation Deck, Akamizu Observatory Square, Arimura Lava Observatory, and Black God Buried Torii Gate in the order of proximity to the ferry terminal.

Yunohira Observation Deck - The Highest Point Accessible to the Public

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The first stop is the Yunohira Observation Deck, located at Sakurajima's fourth station, at an elevation of 373 meters above sea level. It is the highest point accessible to the general public. From here, you can see the rugged terrain of the North Peak of Sakurajima, and below, you'll have views of Kinokawa Bay and the streets of Kagoshima City. There are seven heart-shaped stones hidden in the surrounding stone walls, and it is said that finding all of them will bring you happiness.

Overlooking Kinokawa Bay and Kagoshima City from the "Akamizu Observatory Square"

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Following the visit to the Yunohira Observation Deck, you can explore the "Akamizu Observatory Square," where you can look down upon Kinokawa Bay and Kagoshima City. In 2004, the legendary outdoor concert of the musician Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, who hails from Kagoshima City, was held here. To commemorate him, the monument "Portrait of a Shout" was erected as the symbol of the square.

The "Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate" is buried in volcanic ash, with only its top visible.

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Leaving the Akamizu Observatory Square, your next destination is the "Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate" . The largest eruption on Sakurajima in recent years occurred in the 3rd year of Taisho (1914), with smoke rising as high as 6,000 meters. The Black God area was buried in volcanic ash just one day after the eruption. This torii gate preserves this memory for future generations.

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Originally 3 meters in height, only the upper part of the torii gate is visible now. The incredible experience of touching the top of the torii gate, which is usually out of reach, allows you to truly feel the power of nature.

Arimura Lava Observation Deck - Where the Lava Spreads

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After visiting the Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate, you can explore the "Arimura Lava Observation Deck" . Sakurajima has several observatories, and the distinctive feature of the Arimura Lava Observatory is the abundance of lava! As you walk along the trails, you'll be greeted by a landscape of lava and resilient black pine trees thriving amidst the lava. You'll be amazed by this rare sight of a "lava field."

If you're looking to purchase souvenirs, I recommend heading to Amu Plaza Kagoshima

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After completing your tour of Sakurajima and returning to Kagoshima City, your final stop should be Amu Plaza Kagoshima (アミュプラザ鹿児島), a commercial facility directly connected to JR Kagoshima Chuo Station.

On the basement floor, you'll find a variety of shops where you can taste Kagoshima's local delicacies such as Kagoshima ramen, fried black pork cutlets, and shirokuma (a local dessert). Additionally, there are shops where you can purchase Kagoshima's specialty products. It's very convenient to take a look before concluding your sightseeing journey.

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