Kagoshima, Japan-5-day-itinerary

Kagoshima, Japan 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Kagoshima City

  • Morning: Arrive at Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) and take a bus or taxi to your hotel.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Daimyo Clock Tower (, 2-12 Okitama-cho), a historic clock tower that offers great views of the city.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Tsuruya, a local restaurant serving traditional Kagoshima cuisine. Try their famous kurobuta tonkatsu (black pork cutlet).
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Kagoshima Museum (, 1-3 Okitama-cho), which showcases the city’s history and culture.
  • 5:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Tamaki River, which offers scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel
    • Kagoshima Tokyu Hotel: A modern hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service. (~ ¥10,000/night)
    • Kagoshima Plaza Hotel: A mid-range hotel with clean rooms and a convenient location. (~ ¥8,000/night)

Transportation:

  • Bus: The city bus network is efficient and covers most areas.
  • Taxi: Available throughout the city.

Day 2: Sakurajima Island and Sengan-en Garden

  • 9:00 AM: Take a ferry to Sakurajima Island (, ~ ¥1,000 return) from Kagoshima Port. Explore the island’s scenic landscapes and learn about its volcanic history.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at Komatsu, a local restaurant serving fresh seafood on Sakurajima Island.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Sengan-en Garden (, 9-15 Okitama-cho), a beautiful Japanese garden with stunning views of Sakurajima Island.

What to Know:

  • Volcanic Activity: Sakurajima Island is an active volcano. Be aware of any volcanic eruptions or ash clouds.
  • Ferry Schedule: Check the ferry schedule in advance, as it may be affected by weather conditions.

Day 3: Kinko Lake and Ibusuki Beach

  • 9:00 AM: Drive to Kinko Lake (, ~ ¥2,000 car rental for the day) and enjoy a leisurely boat ride or try your hand at fishing.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Tonkatsu Kakinoki, a local restaurant serving delicious tonkatsu near Ibusuki Beach.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit Ibusuki Beach (, ~ ¥500 entrance fee), a scenic beach with hot sand and stunning views.

Tips:

  • Beach Etiquette: Be mindful of your surroundings and follow local rules at the beach.
  • Car Rental: Rent a car for the day to explore Kinko Lake and Ibusuki Beach.

Day 4: Satsuma Peninsula

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Satsuma Peninsula (, ~ ¥2,000 car rental for the day), which offers scenic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at Yakiniku Tetsu, a local restaurant serving delicious yakiniku (grilled meat) in the Satsuma Peninsula area.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Tsurumine Castle (, ~ ¥500 entrance fee), a historic castle with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Transportation:

  • Car Rental: Rent a car for the day to explore the Satsuma Peninsula and surrounding areas.

Day 5: Kagoshima City

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Kagoshima Castle (, ~ ¥500 entrance fee), a historic castle that offers great views of the city.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Tonkatsu Tsuruya, a local restaurant serving delicious tonkatsu in Kagoshima City.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Kagoshima Aquarium (, ~ ¥1,500 entrance fee), which features a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits.

What to Know:

  • Castle Hours: Check the castle’s operating hours in advance, as it may be affected by weather conditions.
  • Aquarium Schedule: Check the aquarium’s schedule in advance, as it may be affected by special events or closures.