Kagoshima Prefecture is the southernmost prefecture of the island of Kyushu, and a haven for natural beauty, deep history, and immersive culture. With a population of slightly over 1.5 million people, Kagoshima Prefecture is also the 10th biggest prefecture of Japan, and the largest in all of Kyushu. Famous for its pottery that made its way around the world, active volcano that occasionally coats the city in ash, and a revolt during the Meiji Period, Kagoshima is a must see for anyone visiting Kyushu.
Transportation
While Kagoshima might be rather far from Tokyo, the very convenient and scenic Tokaido Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen makes the trip from Tokyo to Kagoshima Chuo Station in a bit over 6 hours. If you want to make the journey quicker, there are a variety of flight options from big cities, with a flight from Tokyo taking slightly under 2 hours. From Kagoshima airport you can also find your way to the many other islands that compose Kagoshima Prefecture.
Kagoshima City has its own tram system to help you get around the area, and multiple ferry services can take you to the volcanic Sakurajima and beyond. The Hisatsu Orange Railway winds its way up and down the west coast of the prefecture, making its way through Izumi and Satsumasendai. The JR Kagoshima Line also passes through Hioki City, and the JR Ibusukimakurazaki Line winds through the beautiful Satsuma Peninsula.
Things to do
One of the most famous landmarks of Kagoshima Prefecture are the volcanoes that dot the landscape. The most famous of the volcanoes is known as Sakurajima, or Cherry Blossom Island. As the volcano is quite active, you might even be able to witness an eruption, where large cloud plumes fly into the sky, and ash might even fall to the ground. The island is readily accessible from Kagoshima City by a frequent ferry, and once you’ve made it to the island, you can cycle, walk, or bus around to see many of the sights that the unique volcano has to offer.
There are lava fields to explore, a buried torii gate, in addition to traditional crafts such as Sakurajima Yaki, a local type of pottery that is made with volcanic ash. There are multiple viewpoints to see the volcano both on Sakurajima and from Kagoshima City, namely Yunohira Observation Deck on Sakurajima and Shiroyama Park Observation Deck in Kagoshima City.
Kirishima
The Kirishima area is also known for its many volcanic peaks, onsen, and natural beauty. With a collection of active volcanoes, including Takachiho no Mine and Shinmoedake. Mt. Karakuni is the highest peak at 1700 metres, and there are more than enough hiking trails in the area to satisfy hikers of all levels. As part of Kirishima Kinkowan National Park, the natural beauty of all the volcanoes and other features are sure to astound you.
You can see Lake Onami, one of the highest elevated crater lakes in the country, alongside the stunning flora that dots the landscape. After a long day out hiking, make sure to spend some time at Kirishima Onsen, where just as a day trip or staying the night at a traditional Japanese inn, known as ryokan. Check out nearby Maruo Falls close to the onsen village, and admire the beautiful 23 metre tall waterfall as it cascades down.
Don’t forget about Kirishima Jingu either, a shrine that has history dating back to the 6th century. It is said that the Shinto deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, descended to Earth near Kirishima Jingu, the exact spot is said to be at Takachiho-gawara, where a monthly ceremony is held. Make sure to walk around the large shrine grounds and admire the unique architecture and skill that was taken to build the various vermilion shrine buildings. You may even notice small dragon carvings that are unique to Kyushu!
The Islands
Kagoshima Prefecture has a multiple of islands situated off of its coasts, and these islands make for some unforgettable adventures and experiences. One such group of islands is known as the Amami Archipelago, with Amami Ocean being the largest island. Amami Oshima is part of a World Heritage Site, and is known for its dense mangrove forests, unique textiles, and wonderful beaches. You can snorkel through the clear blue water, kayak the mangrove forests, and enjoy a local specialty dish known as keihan, made of chicken over rice with a chicken broth.
Located north of Amami Oshima, you’ll find the island of Yakushima. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is less than an hour’s flight from Kagoshima, and only a couple of hours by ferry from the city. One of the rainiest places in Japan, the island is a natural wonder of ancient trees, stunning waterfalls, and mountains. You can see the Jomon Sugi, said to be one of the oldest Japanese cedar trees in the country, or Oko Falls, which is on the One Hundred Waterfalls of Japan list.
Another island worth a visit is Tanegashima, a neighbour to Yakushima and also readily accessible from Kagoshima. Tanegashima is famous for its space flights, but also its durable metalworking. It is said that European firearms were first introduced to Japan at Tanegashima by Portuguese traders, this is why early Japanese firearms are known as ‘tanegashimas’. Tanegashima Island is also home to launch pads for the Japanese national space agency, JAXA. If you are also looking for a high quality knife, Tanegashima is a great location for it, as they are known for having a deep history in metalworking. Tanegashima also produces exceptional scissors for use in bonsai.
Kaimondake
With the amount of volcanoes in Kagoshima Prefecture, we should make sure not to forget Kaimondake. Located on the Satsuma Peninsula, Mt. Kaimon looks just like Mt. Fuji, earning the nickname ‘satsuma fuji’. Standing at 923 metres tall, the volcano can be viewed from a variety of different spots across the peninsula and prefecture. Hikable to the summit, the views you’ll get can reach as far as neighbouring islands. Don’t forget to enjoy the warm relaxation of Ibusuki Onsen once you are done exploring the Mt. Kaimon area!
What else?
If you want the chance to visit some of the southernmost points of Kyushu and Japan in general, Kagoshima Prefecture is a great place to start. Cape Sata is known to be the southernmost point of the island of Kyushu, and also is the location of a lighthouse designed by Richard Henry Brunton, who was born in Scotland in 1841. With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, it is a worthy location and a common starting point for adventurers travelling from the southernmost point of Japan to the most northern.
While you are in Kagoshima, don’t forget to also visit JR Nishi Oyama Station, which is the southernmost JR station in the country. Served by the Ibusukimakurazaki Line, this small station has incredible views of Mt. Kaimon, and the peaceful Japanese countryside.
You can’t leave Kagoshima Prefecture without learning and experiencing Satsuma pottery. Satsumayaki is quite a popular piece of Kagoshima history, as it was also widely exported to the outside world during the Meiji Period. High amounts of clay in the area makes Kagoshima a prime spot for pottery, and the many different varieties that have been created for hundreds of years. Some styles of Satsumayaki include shiro and kuro, using white and black glazing techniques respectively, and also highly detailed painted works.
The Meiji Period saw many Satsumayaki piece, including highly detailed ‘nishikide’ work exported overseas, into collections and displays around the world. Miyama, in Hioki City, is known to be the birthplace of Satsumayaki and visiting the area will give you the opportunity to try your hand at creating your own ware, and exploring the local kilns and shops.
Kagoshima might be one of the southernmost prefectures of Japan, but has a vast wealth of beautiful sights to see, places to go, and things to experience. If you are an outdoors enthusiast, exploring the national parks and volcanoes will be right up your alley, and if you are keen on pottery, Satsumayaki is one of the best places to start. Make sure to add Kagoshima to your itinerary whenever you visit Japan again!
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