Kagoshima
Experience Nature in Action
Sakurajima, an active volcano, dominates the skyline of Kagoshima's main city. Kagoshima has been shaped by the power of nature and its energetic people, including Saigo Takamori, one of Japan's most famous samurai. Kagoshima is a beautiful land of contrasts, from the ancient forests of Yakushima to the tropical islands around Amami Oshima.
Kagoshima is connected to the rest of Japan and international destinations, by air, rail and sea. It's just 2 hours by air from Tokyo. Take a shinkansen and express train via Fukuoka. There are daily flights from Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei.
Within Japan, there are daily direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. There are also regular flights to and from Kagoshima's islands, including Yakushima and Amamioshima. Buses in front of Kagoshima Airport offer an easy transfer to the city center, within an hour.
A network of trains, buses and ferries will get you around the region easily. Ferry services connect the mainland with Kagoshima's many beautiful islands, including Sakurajima and Yakushima.
Kagoshima is covered by the JR Kyushu Rail pass, connecting the main sites and onsen resorts from Kirishima, down the coast around Kagoshima Bay. Within the city, the main sites and the downtown area are connected by tram services, including the Kagoden sightseeing tram.
Within the city, local buses and sightseeing buses will get you around the main sights; highway buses can take you further afield and to other parts of Kyushu. There are a range of passes available, offering great discounts on travel. For unlimited one day travel, the Cute pass covers bus, tram and ferry routes.
