Kagoshima, Japan

Kagoshima is the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture at the southwestern tip of the Kyūshū island of Japan, and the largest city in the prefecture. With a history of around 670 years, it has been called the 'Naples of the Orient', because of its magnificent scenery that features the active volcano of Sakurajima.

Sakurajima can be reached by ferry in a matter of minutes. It regularly emits ash, leaving visitors looking grey. Yunohira Lookout is a two hours hike or 15 minutes drive from Sakurajima harbor and gives you a good view both to Kagoshima harbor and Sakurajima volcano.

The city of Kagoshima features large shopping districts and malls, is served by trams, and has many restaurants featuring Satsuma Province regional cuisine. A large, modern aquarium has been installed on the old docks overlooking the volcano. The Sengan-en (Isoteien) Japanese garden is just outside the city.

Things to See & Do

* Sakurajima Volcano
* Tsurumaru Castle
* Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Culture
* Ishibashi Park
* Kagoshima Botanical Garden

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Yen (JPY)
Language – Japanese
Population – 605,860 approx
Land Area – 547.05 km2
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus hours nine hours
International Country Telephone Code – 81

Port Location – The Marine Port Kagoshima is centrally located in the city of Kagoshima.

Travel Links – Kagoshima's Airport is one hour away from Kagoshima's main train station by Bus JAL and ANA offer flights into Kagoshima from several major cities in Japan. Kagoshima Airport is also the starting point for many flights to Okinawa and the surrounding islands.

Various overnight bus services are available to Kagoshima from Osaka and Kobe. Daytime and nighttime buses also run from Fukuoka (4 hours) and Oita. There are day buses from Kumamoto (3.5 hrs).

Kagoshima is one of Japan's most busy ferry terminals, with a plethora of ferries connecting mainland Japan to its southern islands.