Museum / Science Museum 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • Bansei Tokko Peace Museum
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    4.5
    26 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Minamisatsumashi Kasedatakahashi 1955-3
    A museum built on the site of the former Bansei Airfield, the last base used by the army for kamikaze fighters during the Pacific War. Opened in 1993, the museum’s numerous exhibits include Japan’s only extant Navy Type Zero reconnaissance seaplane (Aichi E13A), messages left by blood relatives of kamikaze fighters, and articles which belonged to kamikaze fighters as well as portraits. Through testimony provided by relatives and people involved as well as other videos, visitors can learn about the final moments of close to 200 kamikaze fighters, including pilots as young as 17. A memorial service is held in front of the museum’s monument each year in April.

    This peace hall manages to convey both the futility of the waste of young lives with a recognition of those bravery of those involved. It’s a tricky balance but in delivering this the museum finds...

  • Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Village Center
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    4.0
    53 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kumagegunyakushimachou Miyanoura 823-1
    This science facility is located in Yakushima Town, Kumage County, Kagoshima Prefecture. It provides information about the wildlife and culture of Yakushima, as well as guides and community events. Inside the center, there is are models and panels, as well as a large video hall where the wildlife of Yakushima is displayed through dynamic exhibitions. There is also a cafe corner that overlooks Miyanoura Port and a product shop that sells souvenirs.

    高速船やフェリーが発着する屋久島の宮之浦港。その港に面して、屋久島環境文化村センターがありました。 館内には、屋久島についての展示がなされています。有料ゾーンになりますが、大型映像ホールでは毎時1回、屋久島の自然を紹介した迫力ある映像が上映されていました。私たちがこの施設を訪れた日は雨で、予定していたトレッキングは翌日に変更してこちらを訪れたんですが、この映像で、屋久島を深く知ることができてよ...

  • Kagoshima Prefectural Museum
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    4.0
    46 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Shiroyamachou 1-1
    A history and natural history museum located a five-minute walk from the “Saigo Dozo-mae” stop on the City View bus line. The museum was originally established to keep records on the great Taisho period eruptions of Sakurajima. The main building consists of animal displays and a special exhibition space on the first floor, an exhibit on the natural beauty of Kagoshima within a 600-kilometer area stretching north and south on the second floor, and exhibits such as a 3D theater which introduce the industries harnessing the natural abundance of Kagoshima on the third floor. A planetarium as well as displays of a variety of dinosaur skeletons, ammonites, and other fossils can be found on the fourth floor of Houzan Hall, the museum’s annex.

    『県立博物館』という名称ではあるものの、建物は古く、規模としては小さく、ほぼ全てが鹿児島の自然(しかも多くが奄美諸島)に関連する展示であり、歴史・文化に関連する展示はほとんどありません。どちらかと言えば小学生以下の子供向けで、鉱物や動物のはく製など、実際に触ることが出来る展示があり、拝観日時次第では実験コーナーに参加することが出来ます。一部生理的嫌悪を発生させる展示物もありますので拝観の際は注意が...

  • Izumi City Crane Museum “Crane Park Izumi”
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    3.5
    16 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Izumi-shi Bunkacho 1000
    This is only crane museum in Japan, built in the image of a parent crane nesting with an egg and a fledgling crane snuggling close. In the museum, visitors can learn about the ecology and history of cranes, and also enjoy videos and embalmed crane, as well as crane designed crafts. Additionally, there are museum lectures that are regularly held, which feature events for nature observation groups and other organizations.

    ほぼ鶴だけに限定した施設としては、立派な建物に広い敷地です。こういった資料館・博物館の類いも、動物園なども好きな方ですが、鶴の仲間だけに限定した内容だとさすがに冗長感を感じました。鶴の飛来地や観察センターとも少し離れているのも難点。隣接した施設なら相乗効果もあるんですが。

  • Chiran Peace Museum
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    3.0
    17 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Minamikyushushi Chiranchoukori 17880
    "This history museum's theme is one of ""The Blending Waves of Culture"". Its exhibits and theater shows teach about the history and culture of Chiran, where the cultures of Ryukyu and Yamato blended. Additionally, Satsuma's hidden Amida Buddhism, Bukeyashiki Street and Chiran Castle ruins are introduced in detail to visitors. There is also the Chiran Peace Museum nearby, and visitors can purchase a joint admission ticket here."

    知覧特攻平和会館を出た私たちは、その西隣にあったこちらの施設、ミュージアム知覧に入って見ました。 平和会館やその前庭の像など、特攻関連の施設を見てきたので、こちらのミュージアムもそうだろうと思って何気なく入って見たのですが、違っていました。 こちらのミュージアムは、「交錯する文化の波」をテーマに、南九州を紹介する施設でした。音や映像で楽しむシアターがあり、南九州市の武家屋敷や知覧城跡、薩摩の...

  • Saigo Nanshu Memorial Museum
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    4.0
    21 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Kamitatsuochou 2-1
    This memorial museum to Saigo Takamori is just a 17-minute drive from the Chuo Station. This memorial was built in 1977 in commemoration of the centennial anniversary of his demise through donations from all over Japan. The interior of the two-story structure is constructed of wood and emanates a natural warmth of space. On the first floor is a diorama of Takamori's life and a film library, while the second floor displays materials about the Satsuma Rebellion and documents in Takamori's own handwriting. The museum shop sells books and unique goods related to Takamori, such as replicated hanging scrolls, wall decor, cute figurines of Saigo that make great souvenirs.

    鹿児島駅から徒歩15分ほど。目の前に観光地循環バス「カゴシマシティビュー」のバス停もある。 入館料は200円。市電・市バスの一日乗車券を提示すると160円に割引となる。建物は2階建てで、その外観は石垣を模しているようだ。館内撮影不可。書状、鋸、草鞋などの遺品も展示しているが、西郷隆盛の生い立ちを紹介するジオラマがメインなので、通常の博物館や資料館のような展示を期待して訪れるとガッカリするかも。

  • Kihoku Astronomical Observatory
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    4.0
    9 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Kanoya-shi Kihokucho Ichinari 1660-3
    This astronomical observatory is located inside Kihoku Uwaba Park at an elevation of 550 meters. It was built to commemorate Kihoku Uwaba Park's four consecutive years as Japan's best stargazing spot according to the Ministry of the Environment's Star Watching Network. The observatory is notable for its unique space-themed exterior. A 65-centimeter Cassegrain reflector telescope is installed inside of the observatory's dome. There is also a gallery on the third floor featuring photographs of the surfaces of planets captured by space probes, astrophotography taken through the telescopes, and other exhibits.

    星が綺麗なキャンプ場があるとのことで、大隈半島めぐりの帰路で下見に立ち寄ってみました。標高550mの高台なので風が強く少し肌寒い感じでした。風が強いだけあって巨大な風車がいくつもあり、高千穂峰と並んで眺めるのが面白い風景。 輝北天球館では予約すれば星空観察もできます。環境庁主催の星空継続観測で、過去7回...

  • Tanegashima Space Center Space Science and Technology Museum
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kumagegunminamitanechou Kukinaga Mazu
    A museum adjoining Japan’s largest rocket launch site. The museum presents exhibits on the construction of satellites and the design of JAXA rockets. With an advance reservation, visitors can enjoy an expert guided tour of not just the museum but the entire Tanegashima Space Center. The tour is free and held three times a day (excluding Mondays and the New Year’s holidays). Reservations are accepted by phone on a first come, first serve basis. Approximately 50 minutes by car from Tanegashima Airport.
  • JAXA Uchinoura Space Center
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kimotsukigunkimotsukichou Minamikata 1791-13
    This facility, located two hours from the Kagoshima interchange on the Kyushu Expressway via the Kasanohara interchange on the Osumi Jukan Road, is used primarily for scientific observation rocket and satellite launches as well as for tracking and data acquisition. Since 1962, over 400 rockets have been launched from here. The space center was the site of the launch of Japan’s first satellite and since that time has been used to launch close to 30 other satellites and probes. Visitors can enter the observation deck. The facility displays models of rockets and science satellites as well as scientific equipment. Visitors can also buy space related merchandise from vending machines.
  • Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Culture Reimeikan
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    4.0
    115 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Kagoshima-shi Shiroyamacho 7-2
    The museum is located on the site of Kagoshima Castle (Tsurumaru Castle), the residence of the Shimazu family. The moat, stone walls, and stone bridge from the Kagoshima Castle period still remain on the grounds (designated as a prefectural historic site).

    Visited this museum after it had been recommended by someone in the community center nearby, which I passed after coming from the ferry terminal on foot. For the price, building design, display...

  • Yakushima Umigame-Kan
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Kumagegunyakushimachou Nagata 489-8
    This museum is dedicated to investigating the ecology of the sea turtles that lay their eggs on Yakushima Island’s Inakahama Beach, one of Japan’s most important sea turtle egg beaches, as well as to protecting the surrounding area. The museum presents information gathered on the turtles so far as well as specimens. From summer to autumn, the museum conducts a short term program to raise freshly hatched sea turtles with the goal of protecting the species and their ecology. As the museum is frequently closed in winter, it is recommended that you check in advance before visiting. A three-minute walk from the Nakanobashi stop on the bus bound for Nagata.
  • Ibusuki Archeological Museum Jiyukan Cocco Hashimure
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Pref. Ibusukishi Junichou 2290
    This archeological museum is just a 10-minute walk from the JR Ibusuki Station, adjoins the nationally designated historic spot that primarily exhibits the Ibusukibashi-Muregawa remains. Here, in the No. 1 exhibition hall is a historic theater that reenacts the conditions under which the ruins were discovered and a reproduction of eruption of the Aira Caldera. In No. 3 exhibition hall one can observe a day in the life of a village from 1500 years ago through a light and sound display experience. Magatama, archaic bead, making workshops are offered and if desired, you can request that a museum teacher (exhibit guide) accompany your tour.
  • Amami City Amami Museum
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagoshima Amami-shi Naze Nagahamacho 517
    This museum opened in 1987 as the first general museum in the Amami Islands. It conducts investigative research and the collection and preservation of artifacts in order to understand the nature, history, culture, and of the Amami Islands. The museum underwent a complete renovation in 2019. The ocean-themed first floor features exhibits on boats and fishing in the Amami Islands, live specimens of Amami Oshima's rare native wildlife, and more. The second floor features hands-on exhibits such as looms and sugar cane presses that teach visitors about the lifestyle of the Amami Islands. The museum also features outdoor exhibits including a relocated and restored traditional Amami home and elevated storehouse.

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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