Leisure / Hobbies Spots in Kagoshima Area

  • Chiran Peace Museum
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    4.5
    712 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Minamikyushushi Chiranchoukori 17881
    This museum collects materials and personal items relating to the special attack unit (kamikaze unit) active at the end of World War II. The museum was erected on the site of a former launch base with the aim of preserving records of the time for future generations and in a prayer for peace. Parties of 10 or more can listen to a storyteller with advance reservation. The museum also provides English, Chinese, and Korean audio guides. A five-minute walk from the Tokkokannon-iriguchi bus stop.

    We were on a tour, so I hadn’t read any reviews beforehand, but as we had limited time in the museum I did not hire an audio guide. I wish I had as very few exhibits have an English translation. The...

  • Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium
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    4.0
    386 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Honkoushinmachi 3-1
    This is the municipal aquarium built on the coast, on Kagoshima Bay facing Sakurajima Island. In the Kuroshio Large Tank which contains as much as 1,500 tons of water, you can watch the tuna and bonito migrating on the Kuroshio Current. Among them, the impact of the whale shark “Yu Yu” is a highlight. The seal exhibitions and dolphin pool are also popular. It is a 15-minute walk from Kagoshima Station.

    Japan has nice aquariums and I found the Kagoshima aquarium to be very nice. The entrance fee was reasonable and as an English speaker it was easy to get around. Some signs had English names while...

  • Museum of the Meiji Restoration
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    4.0
    434 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Kajiyachou 23-1
    Satsuma (now western Kagoshima Prefecture) was the birthplace of Saigo Takamori, Okubo Toshimichi, and numerous other heroes of the Meiji Restoration. The Museum of the Meiji Restoration uses a variety of means to present the history of Satsuma and Japan during that momentous time. The centerpiece of the museum is the historic dramas shown in the Meiji Restoration Experience Hall on the basement floor. In the “Road to the Restoration,” life-sized robotic models of figures such as Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi and multiple projection screens are used to present a stunning drama. In the “Satsuma Students, Go West” exhibit, the story of the students sent to study overseas in England in defiance of the national government is presented.

    Fantastic museum next to the river You can use headphones to help understand and follow the different displays as most are in Japanese. Do the historic walk next to the river as it is beautifully set...

  • Amami Park
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    4.0
    189 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Amamishi Kasarichousetta 1834
    The Amami Park is just a five-minute bus ride from the Amami Airport. This Amami Islands park is centered around the Tanaka Isson Museum, a Japanese artist, and introduces his works depicting the natural beauty and life of Amami. The park is also the home of the Amami no Sato exhibition center which displays the nature and village life of Amami Islands through scale model exhibits and videos. In the Nature and Culture Center, the Amami no Sato, one can enjoy the Ocean Path, the Island Path and the Forest Path exhibits, and the Amami Theater with high definition videos with surround sound acoustics. The Amami corner is set up as an introduction to the many islands while multiple events are held in the indoor event hall hosts multiple events and amphitheater hosts outdoor events.

    Tanaka Isson, my favorite artist is probably Paul Gauguin of Japan. Art gallery in the park is the largest collection on Earth. Rare arts from the age of 8 as well as iconic fish & lobsters. Also...

  • Ohama Seaside Park
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    4.0
    173 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kimotsukigunminamiosumichou Nejimeyamamoto 6868
    This is a very popular leisure spot full of abundant natural scenery even among Amami Oshima Island. The park includes the Amami Kaiyo Museum (Maritime Museum), which introduces the types of animals inhabiting the waters adjacent to Amami Oshima Island, and Ohama Beach, which allows visitors to enjoy the cobalt blue ocean, white sandy beach, and coral reefs. In the center of the park is Kaigara Stage Hiroba, an amphitheater with a large seashell shape that serves as a venue for outdoor events, and in the bathhouse there are showers, toilets and coin lockers available. It’s also worth seeing the sun set as it sinks down in the East China Sea.

    White sandy beach 1.5 hours drive from the airport. We loved the sunset . It was very quiet and peaceful. Would love to visit in May or June, when we could swim and snorkel.

  • Flower Park Kagoshima
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    4.0
    102 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Ibusukishi Yamagawaokachogamizu 1611
    A botanical park opened in 1996 which makes use of the local warm weather to good effect. Visitors can enjoy flowers from around the world in a garden setting which harnesses the natural geography and surrounding pine forest. An abundance of events and classes are held at the park year round; the Flower Park Illumination, during which the park grounds are lit up at night from early December to early January, is particularly famous. A bus circles the park grounds and baby strollers and wheel chairs are also available to lend, making the park a facility which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. A 90-minute drive by car from within Kagoshima City or 20 minutes by bus from JR Yamakawa Station.

    The park was very neat but lack intensity of floral display. The buggy offered for seniors were few in numbers. I saw only one which was insufficient. The labelling of plants and tress were all in...

  • Kirishima Open-Air Museum
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    4.5
    83 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Airagunyusuichou Koba 6340-220
    An expansive outdoor art museum located on a plateau 700 meters above sea level on Mt. Kurinodake (1,094 meters) in Yusuicho, Airagun, Kagoshima Prefecture. The extensive grounds are dotted with 23 works of art by Japanese and international artists which make use of the local terrain and natural beauty. One of the distinguishing features of the museum’s pieces is that in addition to be able to be enjoyed visually, visitors are free to touch and even lean on them. Most museum goers enjoy taking photos together with the unique exhibits. The distinctive rectangular art hall contains the museum’s indoor exhibits and special exhibitions as well as a cafeteria where visitors can take a break.

    I had wanted to see Kusama’s work but didn’t realize how much more there was to see at this museum. My son and husband expected to be finished very quickly but we were there for a couple of hours...

  • Museum Shoko Shuseikan
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    4.0
    172 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Yoshinochou 9698-1
    This is a museum adjacent to Sengan-en. The collection hall is a group of factories that the Satsuma lord Shimazu Nariakira built for industrial development at the end of the Tokugawa period. The museum building was originally completed in 1865 as a machine factory. Currently it is utilized as a place to communicate the history of industrialization of the Shimazu family and Satsuma clan. In addition to the buildings, some of the exhibits are nationally designated Important Cultural Properties.

    This museum had some interesting exhibits about industrialisation but they were not displayed or labelled as well as they could have been. On the plus side however the gardens next to the museum were...

  • Yakusugi Museum
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    4.0
    89 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kumagegunyakushimachou Ambou 2739-343
    This museum located on the east side of Yakushima Island provides information on Yakushima cedars and the ecology of Yakushima. The museum contains numerous hands on exhibits such as the Inochi Branch, a tree branch which broke off of the Jomon Sugi due to the weight of a heavy snow, and a cross section from a 1,660 year old Yakushima cedar tree. The exhibit which lets visitors shave off Yakushima wood to smell the distinctive perfume and a cedar wood grain puzzle are particularly popular with children. Normally requires around 45 minutes to see the whole museum.

    This museum is small, but very nice. You have to take off your shoes and the floor is made of Yakusugi wood, which is moving, something that is great in my opinion. The surroundings of the museum...

  • Kirishima Shinwa no Sato Park
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    4.0
    91 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kirishimashi Kirishimataguchi 2583-22
    This park is 670 meters above sea level, making for a scenic spot where one can see Kinko Bay and Sakurajima from the observation deck. The 390-meter-high super slider certainly packs a punch, and it is replete with other attractions including putter golf, sightseeing lifts, and a road train. At the spacious restaurant one can try Berkshire pork cuisine, and the Yokamon Market offers a range of special goods from Kirishima.

    This is a place that allows you to have fun and a time to relax. The view is incredible. I went there at around 11:30am on a weekday. Very few visitors. Just like what others recommended. Take...

  • Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park
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    4.0
    109 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Amamishi Sumiyouchouishihara 478
    A vast, primeval mangrove located a 70-minute drive from Amami Airport where visitors can come in contact with nature and enjoy outdoor activities year-round. In 2001, the mangrove was registered as part of the Roadside Station Amami Oshima Sumiyo facility. The second largest mangrove in Japan, the area is a habitat for rare plants and animals, including the Ryukyu ayu, a fish which has followed a unique evolutionary path. Canoeing through the thick mangrove is a particularly popular activity here. There’s also an outdoor recreation and relaxation space and an observatory offering a sweeping view of the primeval mangrove.

    マングローブカヌー体験付きのツアーを捜して、ツアーに参加。二人ともカヌーは初めて、若い時ならいざ知らず、いい歳して-?一寸不安いっぱいでした。 サンダル、救命胴衣を付け、簡単なカヌー操作の説明と注意事項を受けてさあ-二人乗りのカヌーに乗船。インストラクターが水中に入って乗り込む時にカヌーがひっくり返ら無い様におさえる手助けを受けて、初めての二人無事乗船。当日干潮時だったので川の流れが「そこそこ速い...

  • Kagoshima City Museum of Art
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    4.0
    68 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Shiroyamachou 4-36
    This is a private art museum which is built on the ruins of Tsurumaru Castle Ninomaru which was once the castle of the Satsuma Lord Shimazu. The collection focuses on works by local writers and Western art since the 19th century. It also has oil paintings by Cezanne and a “Water Lily” painting by Monet. The collection of paintings depicting Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima, is also spectacular. It is a 16-minute walk from Kagoshima Station.

    First room is mostly European artists, some very famous. There were some works Id not seen before. 2nd room more Japanese artists. Not huge but ok for entrance fee of ¥300 for permanent collection...

  • AMURAN Ferris Wheel
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    4.0
    93 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Kagoshima-shi Chuocho 1-1 Amu Plaza Kagoshima Motodate 6F

    The ferris wheel sits on the top floor of one of the Chuo Stations shopping malls and thus reaches close to the same height above ground as the much larger London Eye, which is about eight times...

  • Tanegashima Development Center Firearm Museum
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    4.0
    69 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Nishinomoteshi Nishinomote 7585
    The distinctive exterior of this museum is modeled after a “nanbansen” one of the foreign European ships that first visited Japan. The museum displays a variety of ancient firearms, such as a Portuguese gun which made its way to Tanegashima in 1543 and examples of the first guns ever made in the country. The museum also has dioramas and videos presenting the history and culture of Tanegashima; stopping by the museum first before exploring the rest of the island will make your visit that much more interesting. A 10-minute walk from Nishinoomote Port.

    種子島と言えばロケットと鉄砲伝来ではないでしょうか。鉄砲だけではないですが、種子島の歴史を学ぶことができます。展示の仕方も人形劇?みたいなものもありちょっと楽しむことができました。展示スペースは広いように感じましたが、1時間もあればゆっくり見学することができます。

  • Hotarukan Tomiya Shokudo
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    4.0
    62 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Minamikyushushi Chiranchoukori 103-1
    This army dining hall was run by Tome Torihama, who was praised as the mother of the Special Attack Units during World War II. The dining hall has been restored, and is now a museum. On the first floor of the dining hall, there are valuable exhibits such as photographs and memorabilia of members of the Special Attack Units, and on the second floor, there are exhibits detailing the life of Tome Torihama.

    We were looking forward to visiting this museum, as we had seen a few statues of Tome Tonihama around Chiran, and were familiar with her story prior to visiting. Tome owned a restaurant in Chiran...

  • Nagasakibana Parking Garden
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    3.5
    52 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Ibusukishi Yamagawaokachogamizu 1571-1
    A sightseeing destination established 50 years ago on Cape Nagasakibana, an area tied to a legend concerning the Palace of the Dragon King. Boasting a sweeping view of Kaimondake Volcano and the East China Sea, this garden, which recreates a tropical jungle, is planted with some 1,000 varieties of tropical plants. Parrot and rat shows are held on the garden’s spacious grounds, but be sure not to miss the flamingo shows resembling something out of a south seas resort. The garden also holds a variety of special events during Golden Week and other long holidays. People of all ages are sure to enjoy meeting the animals which are allowed to roam grounds closely resembling their natural habitat.

    If you want to see Nagasakibana, here is a good place. Also, this graden can give you chance to get touch with animals, for example, parrots. You can buy food for animals with cheap price

  • Satsuma Denshokan
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    4.5
    61 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Ibusukishi Higashikata 12131-4
    A history museum which presents the culture of the Satsuma (Kagoshima) region. The museum building was modeled after the Byodoin’s Phoenix Hall. The museum’s exhibits and exhibitions are designed around the concept of experiencing the history and culture of Satsuma with all five senses. Much of the museum’s collection consists of works of art from China and Satsuma handed down through the ages since ancient times in the region, including gorgeous ceramics decorated with gold. The museum also displays historic texts, medals, and calligraphic works dating to the late Edo period. Visitors can enjoy the tastes of Satsuma in the museum restaurant.

    Wasnt sure what to expect and the tickets were a bit dear (1500 yen per person), but I have no regret entering this outstanding museum. The building is neat, very attractive from within as it is...

  • Shiobitashi Onsen Ryoma Park
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    4.0
    70 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kirishimashi Makizonochoushukukubota 3606
    A park built in an area where famous historical figure Sakamoto Ryoma stayed during his honeymoon. There’s a free footbath in the park as well as a museum (entry fee required) which presents the connection between Kirishima, Sakamoto Ryoma, and his wife Narasaki Ryo. A day trip hot spring bathhouse on the grounds draws its waters from a source spring Ryoma and his wife bathed in. The bathhouse is open from 9:00 to 18:00 and is closed on Mondays. The spring is a hydrogen carbonate spring. The facility sells towels, soap, and shampoo. Visitors can also view a bathtub said to have been used by Ryoma and Ryo.

    38年前、塩浸温泉には共同浴場ではなくホテルがあり、1カ月ほど滞在しました。当時はホテルの外に龍馬やお龍も入ったという鶴の湯という小さな浴場がありました。共同浴場や公園になって1度訪れたことがあります。月曜日に霧島方向から鹿児島空港へ向かう途中に寄ってみると、休園日とのことで駐車場から公園へ渡る天降川の橋から渡れませんでした。川の反対側から龍馬とお龍像の写真だけは撮りましたが、せめて公園だけでも渡...

  • Kanoya Rose Garden
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    4.0
    48 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kanoyashi Hamadachou 1250
    This rose garden, the largest in Japan, is located in a hilly area on the east side of Kirishimagaoka Park. Some 35 thousand wild roses, English roses, and other rose varieties are grown on the garden’s vast grounds. Roses named after royalty and nobles, Kanoya’s own original Princess Kanoya, and other roses bloom in vivid color; the best time to visit the garden is during the festivals held during the peak blooming periods in spring and autumn. Visitors can try flower cutting in a green house and appreciate roses from around the world in facilities like a rose chapel and garden stage. The garden’s restaurant, which serves a wide variety of dishes made with roses, is also popular.

    いつも春のバラ祭りに行ってるのですが、今回秋のバラ祭りのTVCMを見て 行って来ました。 春の1割しか開花してなく、寂しいバラ祭りでした。 やはり、行くなら春ですね❗

  • Ishibashi Memorial Park
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    4.0
    64 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Hamamachi 1-3
    Approximately a 15-minute walk from Kagoshima Station, this memorial park is located to the south of the Tofukuji Castle ruins. Five arched stone bridges related to the famous late Edo period (1603-1868) stonemason Iwanaga Sangoro once spanned the Kotsuki River that flows through the center of Kagoshima City. However, two bridges were lost due to damage that occurred from torrential rains in 1993. The remaining three bridges were relocated and restored with renovation of the river, and the area was turned into a park. In addition, the Ishibashi Memorial Hall was also established, and introduces the history of the five bridges including what was lost, and the technology used during bridge construction. Various events are held in the park every month.

    에도 말기에 구마모토의 유명한 석공의 지도 아래, 가고시마시의 중심을 흐르는 고쓰키가와 강에 5개(다마에바시, 신칸바시, 니시다바시, 고라이바시, 다케노하시)의 아치형 돌다리가 세워졌습니다. 1993년의 집중 호우로 인해 2곳의 다리가 유실되고 남은 3곳을 이전・복원하여 정비한 공원입니다. 물놀이, 어린이들의 학습장, 관광 및 휴식 공간으로 가고시마...

Kagoshima Areas

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Over 100 active volcanoes across Kagoshima make it one of the Japan's most exciting prefectures. The prefectural capital, Kagoshima city, looks out to one of the prefecture’s most spectacular volcanoes, Sakurajima, an island of its own that can be visited and seen close up or admired from afar, with the promise of breathtaking sunsets complete with frequent puffs of smoke and ash. Down the Satsuma Peninsula, the most southerly part of mainland Japan, waterfalls, sand onsen, and fascinating history await, while Kagoshima's abundance of satsuma imo (sweet potato) provide a wholesome snack as well as one of Japan's favourite drinks - shochu.

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