Kagoshima Prefecture

The southernmost prefecture on Kyushu, with diverse scenery including the active volcano Sakurajima, Ibusuki sand baths, and the primeval forests of Yakushima.

Kagoshima Prefecture is at the southern end of Kyushu and also includes the Satsunan Islands stretching further south. Kagoshima City faces the still-active Sakurajima across Kinko Bay, and Sengan-en is the garden of the lords of the Satsuma domain; at Ibusuki you can try a warm sand bath, Chiran preserves samurai residences, and the Kirishima area is rich in hot springs and mountain scenery. Yakushima is a World Heritage site for its ancient cedar forests such as Jomon Sugi, while Amami Oshima has a subtropical sea and forest. It can be visited in any season, and the islands are best in summer. The Kyushu Shinkansen terminates at Kagoshima-Chuo Station, and Kagoshima Airport has flights to the various outlying islands.

Destinations

• Kagoshima
• Amami Oshima
• Yakushima
• Ibusuki
• Kirishima

Itineraries

• Southern Kyushu Volcanic Coast Road Trip – Starting and ending at Kagoshima Airport, looping through Kirishima, the Nichinan Coast, Cape Toi, Sakurajima, and Ibus…
• Kyushu Rail Grand Loop (No Car) – A car-free loop around Kyushu: Nagasaki on the west, Aso in the center, Beppu and Miyazaki on the east, ending in Kagos…
• Yakushima Forest Hiking & Island Loop – Take the high-speed ferry from Kagoshima to hike Shiratani Unsuikyo and Jomon Sugi, then drive around the island to see…
• Amami Oshima Forest & Coast Road Trip – Rent a car, stay in Naze, and explore the Kinsakubaru virgin forest, mangrove forests, and Kakeromajima in the south