KAGOSHIMA HAS BEEN CALLED THE “ NAPLES OF THE EASTERN WORLD” FOR ITS BAY LOCATION, HOT CLIMATE AND EMBLEMATIC STRATOVOLCANO.

IT IS HOME TO SAKURAJIMA, ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE VOLCANOES IN JAPAN AND FAMOUS FOR ITS BEAUTIFUL CRATER THAT LAST ERUPTED IN 2016.

IT IS THE CAPITAL OF KAGOSHIMA PREFECTURE IN JAPAN AND FAMOUS FOR ITS FEUDAL SATSUMA DOMAIN RULED BY THE SHIMAZU CLAN FOR 700 YEARS.

IN THE 1800’S THE SATSUMA CLAN WAS THE FIRST TO BE THREATHENED BY FOREIGN POWERS. IN 1840, KAGOSHIMA STARTED TRADE WITH EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN COUNTRIES. SINCE THEN IT HAS PLAYED A SPECIAL ROLE IN THE GROWTH AND SUCCESS OF THE REGION AND WAS SAID TO HAVE USHERED JAPAN INTO AN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.

EVERYWHERE YOU GO IN KAGOSHIMA, ARE STATUES OF HISTORICAL FIGURES, A PROUD REMINDER OF KAGOSHIMA’S ROLE IN JAPANESE HISTORY. AFTERALL, THIS WAS THE BIRTHPLACE OF SATSUMA’S BEST KNOWN SAMURAI, SAIGO TAKAMORI.

SAIGO IS A GREAT FIGURE WHO HELPED BRING ABOUT THE END OF THE EDO PERIOD, WHICH HAD LASTED FOR MORE THAN 250 YEARS, AND ESTABLISHED THE MEIJI GOVERNMENT, THE FOUNDATION OF MODERN JAPAN. HE LED AN ARMY DURING THE SATSUMA REBELLION, JAPAN’S LAST CIVIL WAR OF SAMURAI WARRIORS. IT IS SAID TO BE THE MODEL FOR AN IMPORTANT CHARACTER IN THE MOVIE, “THE LAST SAMURAI.” HIS MAGNIFICENT EIGHT-METER STATUE STANDS FIRM BEFORE SHIROYAMA, THE SITE OF HIS LAST BATTLE.

THE CITY SUFFERED DAMAGE DURING WWII, BUT QUICKLY TRANSFORMED INTO THE PEACEFUL COASTAL TOWN IT IS TODAY.

VISITORS TO KAGOSHIMA CAN RELAX AT IBUKI ONSEN, THE LOCAL HOT SPRINGS, HIKE SAKURAJIMA TO ONE OF ITS OBSERVATION POINT, VISIT ITS ANCIENT CASTLES AND TRADITIONAL JAPANESE GARDENS OR TAKE A TOUR OF SHOCHU BREWERY FOR SAKE TASTINGS OR SIMPLY ENJOY A TRADITIONAL JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY.

PORT GUIDE

PORT FACILITIES AND LOCATION

The Marine port Kagoshima lies along the coast of Kinko Bay, sandwiched between Kagoshima City and Mt. Sakurajima. It acts as the spot where cruise ships dock in Kagoshima and has minimal amenities. There isn’t a currency exchange here at the port. Local banks and post offices are a safe bet for getting your money exchanged if you don’t have any Japanese yen when you arrive. There’s also a help desk for travelers to ask questions and get directions to sightseeing destinations, provides pamphlets and brochures, and city tours.

It is a 20 minute walk to the tram stop Wakita or you can walk a bit further to the JR rail station Usuki and take the train to Kagoshimachuo or Kagoshima station. There is a taxi stand outside the port terminal and they can take you to the nearest tram stop or JR Station.

Free Wi-Fi. There is a vending machine for SIM Cards and various souvenir shops and free food tasting and shoju tasting.

The Tourist Information has a booth where you can pose as a samurai warrior of the powerful Shimadzu clan while dressed in the replica armor of the legendary general. Visitors also have the opportunity to dress in kimono while enjoying a tea ceremony.

ADDRESS :

Marine Port Kagoshima large cruise ship docks at :

Chuokoshinmachi, Kagoshima, 890-0076, Japan

Port location on Google map here.

Kagoshima Printable Guide map here.

https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/houjin/cruise/pdf/cruise_kagoshima_welcomecute_en.pdf

Port Location Map Below

TRANSPORTATION IN KAGOSHIMA

The tram is one of the easiest ways to get around Kagoshima. The tram includes two main routes through the city and offers scenic views of the seaside as you ride.

Ferries frequently arrive in Kagoshima and can take you to neighboring towns, too.

You can purchase CUTE, a one-day pass that allows unlimited travel on buses, (including Kagoshima View buses and Sakurajima Island View buses) streetcars, trains and Sakurajima ferries. It is recommended as you can save money sightseeing in Kagoshima City and Sakurajima.

There are two types of CUTE Passes:

One-Day Unlimited Pass (Adults : 1,200 yen, Children: 600 yen)

Two-day Unlimited Pass (Adults : 1,800 yen, Children : 900 Yen)

In case you didn’t buy a CUTE Passes, you can still use the tram and you enter from the middle doors and pay when you exit at the front.

Exact change in coins is required but the farebox has a separate section to give change for larger value coins and small notes. Please see the Guide To Riding the Tram here.

TOP SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS FOR CRUISES TO KAGOSHIMA

SENGANEN GARDEN - Walk these tranquil gardens for a glimpse of what life was like in 17th century Japan. Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, though the interior of the estate built here is equally interesting since it was influenced by both Western and Eastern architecture.

This garden was created in 1658 by Shimazu Mitsuhisa, from the 19th generation of local lords, and continued to be renovated by his successors thereafter. Its distinct features are the wonderful scenery -created by incorporating the “borrowed scenery” principle using Mt. Sakurajima as the garden mound and Kagoshima Bay as the pond- and the spacious garden. It was designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty in 1958.

SAKURAJIMA - This stunning symbol of Kagoshima, is only 4 km across the sea from Kagoshima City and is 1,117 m high volcano. It is an active volcano that is known throughout the world and a perfect excursion for thrill seekers and hikers looking to experience the most active volcano in all of Japan.

You can get there by ferry from Kagoshima City in 15 minutes to go climbing or hiking to see Sakurajima up close and personal, or simply watch smoke billow from across the bay.

There is an observatory with a view of the summit midway up the mountain where you can feel the power of the active volcano spewing smoke up close.

Please see Guide for Kagoshima Ferry here.

The Kagoshima municipal ferry runs every 15 -minute 2o minutes 24 hours /day from Kagoshima Port scenic route around the bay to Sakurajima Port. You will see amazing sights such as the rugged Taisho Lava Field over the blue ocean, which are not part of ordinary tours.

Adult - 200 Yen

Child - 100 Yen

Access : From Kagoshima Chuo Station:

• By City View Bus
  Stop at Kagoshima Suizokukan-mae (Kagoshima Aquarium) and 1 minute walk.

• By City bus, Nangoku bus, Kagoshima kotsu bus
  Stop at Suizokukan-mae or Sakurajima Sanbashi and 1 minute walk.

• By tram
  Stop at Suizokukan-guchi and 5 minutes walk.
  By car 15 minutes.

• From Kagoshima Station : 7 minutes walk

From the city area, 8 minutes’ walk from Suizokukan-guchi streetcar stop toward Kagoshima Port Sakurajima Ferry Terminal - Terminalurajima, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima ,891-141

Google Map of Sakurajima.

TSURUMARU CASTLE - Explore the ruins of a castle on a hill while you discover a piece of Kagoshima history. Nearby the walls and preserved parts of the castle, you can check out the Reimeikan Museum, which contains fascinating collections of ancient swords and artifacts of the entire Kagoshima prefecture.

Today, visitors can see the ruins, including the moats and stone walls, as well the impressive Goromon Gate, which was meticulously rebuilt in 2020. It is Japan’s largest castle gate.

Access : Travel by tour:20 min. via car from berth(8km) Individual travel: Short walk from Tenmonkandori (1.5km from port)

FUMOTO - In Kagoshima, “Fumoto” is used to refer to villages that were governed by the Satsuma Clan in the early modern period. Fumoto Samurai Residences are important historic sites that give an insight into life in samurai times.

Access : Travel by tour:40 min. via car from berth(28km) to Chiran 45min. via car from berth(34km) to Kamou

IBUKI ONSEN - is a short drive or bullet train away from Kagoshima, but it’s well worth the hour-long trip to get there. It is the only place in the world where you can experience natural steam sand baths heated by geothermal energy known for its restorative and healing effects.

During a sand bath, you lie down on the shore and you’ll have sand poured on your body, head-to-toe for ten to twenty minutes, while listening to the sound of the waves. After about 10 or 20 minutes, perspiration will flow out from the core of your body due to the heat of the onsen and the pressure of the sand.

The medical effects of sand baths have been proven to be 3-4 times those of regular hot springs; provides detox effects (enhanced circulation and sweating) and beautifies skin. You’ll then wash off and head into the hot springs for the ultimate pampering experience. Its an eclectic mix of a seaside resort and hot spring paradise.

Partial baths (feet only, etc.) available for those who are disabled or not feeling well.

Location : 5-25-18, Yunohama, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima ,891-0406

Map

Access : Travel by tour:90 min. via car from berth(45km) Individual travel:(45km from port)

WHAT TO EAT

Kagoshima is best known for its distinctive mouthwatering cuisines, and it is home to numerous fantastic ingredients that are rare finds in other areas in Japan, such as small herring fish (kibinago) and satsuma ryori. From kibinago to tori sashimi (chicken sashimi), wherever you go, scrumptious local treats await in Kagoshima. Here are our picks for the best foods to try when visiting Kagoshima!

BLACK PORK TONKATSU - Kagoshima is known for its Kurobota, (Black Pork) the black Berkshire pork that is raised in Kagoshima prefecture and the term kurobota or black pork has nothing to do with the color of the meat, but rather the color of the pig’s skin.

Kagoshima’s black pork is known for its juiciness and a fair amount of fat. The best way to try it in Kagoshima is via fried black pork Tonkatsu.

Don’t miss trying katsuo-no-tataki, or seared bonito sashimi, pork broth ramen, sticky rice cakes, and more. For the adventurous, torisashi, or chicken sashimi, is a popular menu item, featuring the freshest local chicken available. The food here is rooted in the traditional dishes of Japan, but has its own spin on many dishes.

SHIROKUMA - which is a shaved ice covered in condensed milk and topped with fruits and sweet beans. Shirokuma is a perfect summer treats to have, and it is not overly sweet compared to other shaved ice sold in Japan.

SHOCHU - a spirit distilled from sweet potato, wheat, and more, was created in Kagoshima. It has since exploded in national popularity throughout Japan. In Kagoshima, there are many varieties of shochu for you to sip and discover your favorite during your vacation. Shochu distillery tours are a must-do activity for foodies who are curious about the production process.

SHOPPING- WHERE TO BUY

TENMONKAN DORI DISTRICT - Tenmonkan is the name of the entire downtown area of Kagoshima. It’s lined with many souvenir shops and restaurants, and is packed with tourists day and night. You can get get anything here from the latest gadgets and the hippest fashion, and you will find it nearly impossible to leave empty-handed. This is one of the definitive places to shop in Kagoshima, plus there are restaurants and cafes throughout for when you need a break between shops.

Tenmonkan is just 7 minutes away from the Chuo Station area by train, or a 20 minute walk.

Tram stop Temmonkandori.

AMU PLAZA is a large mall at Kagoshimachuo train station with a Ferris wheel (tram stop Kagoshimachuoekimae).

The area's largest mall is Aeon Kagoshima Shopping Center south of the cruise pier

LOCAL CURRENCY AND TIPPING CUSTOMS

You’ll use the yen while traveling in Japan, and it’s best to carry cash with you to avoid any potential mishaps. Though credit cards have gained popularity in recent years, it’s not common in smaller shops and local restaurants for credit cards to be accepted. Tipping is also not required in Japan; in fact, it can be viewed as impolite for you to hand over a tip unless you first ask if it’s all right to do so, and keeping change in an envelope to give as a tip could be helpful as you travel. Be sure to politely thank your waitstaff or taxi driver for their help.