Kagoshima Prefecture combines volcanic landscapes with island nature and a rich, layered culture. At Sakurajima, an active volcano shapes the scenery of Kinko Bay; Yakushima and the Amami-Oshima Islands are known for their ancient forests, beaches and coral reefs.
Volcanoes, Forests and Island Coasts
Sakurajima rises from Kinko Bay and defines the landscape there. The active volcano has a northern and a southern peak and continues to emit ash. Mount Kirishima is also one of the prefecture’s major volcanoes. On Sakurajima, the Visitor Center presents the volcano’s history of eruptions and growth, the development of its vegetation, regional tourism information and disaster-prevention measures.
Yakushima was added to the World Heritage List in 1993. Its ancient forests were the first forests in Japan to be inscribed as a World Heritage site. Allow plenty of time for the hike to Jomon Sugi, which stands at an elevation of 1,300 meters: the ascent takes about five hours each way. The tree is 25.3 meters tall and has a trunk circumference of 16.4 meters. Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is designated as a recreation forest; there, you can visit cedars more than 1,000 years old and Yakushima’s primeval forest.
The Amami-Oshima Islands offer unspoiled beaches and coral reefs. A long craft tradition is also part of the island landscape: traditional Oshima Tsumugi textile-making techniques developed on Amami-Oshima about 1,300 years ago. Across the prefecture, volcanic landscapes and forest areas sit alongside island coasts and textile culture.
World Heritage, Crafts and History
The prefecture encompasses three World Heritage sites or groups of sites: Yakushima, three components of the site “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” and the site “Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island.” Kagoshima is also the only prefecture in Japan with two World Natural Heritage sites.
Sengan-en was built in 1658 as the residence of the Shimazu family. The Iso area where it is located was inscribed in 2015 as a component of the World Heritage site “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” A Satsuma Kiriko workshop nearby is open to visitors. Check current access conditions before your visit. Satsuma-yaki offers another insight into local crafts: the prefecture’s pottery tradition has developed a wide range of forms since the 16th century.
On the Amami Islands, Amami Park is a tourism hub. Its main facilities include Amami-no-Sato, which focuses on culture and history, and the Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum, which displays works by Japanese painter Tanaka Isson.
Excursions for Different Interests
Lake Imuta combines nature and activities. It is both a crater lake and a wetland in a prefectural nature park. Registered under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance in 2005, it has floating islands designated as a natural monument. Visitors can take a boat ride, enjoy natural hot springs and go on a cycling tour. These activities offer a different focus from the coastal and volcanic landscapes.
The hot springs range from traditional baths to beach sand baths in the shadow of Sakurajima. On Sakurajima, you can also go kayaking and try digging for hot springs. Check the relevant booking conditions if you plan to take part in these activities.
Fukiagehama Coastal Park in Minamisatsuma covers about 110 hectares at the mouth of the Manose River. Facilities and activities include bicycle rentals, roller skating and camping. Sunset Bridge is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists and is suitable for cycling. Forest Adventure Fukiagehama offers a treetop course with seven course areas and 57 activities, including a zip line up to 150 meters long and a high-ropes course 12 meters above the ground. The treetop net course is used without a harness; the activity is open to everyone from preschool-age children to adults and is available to visitors at least 90 centimeters tall.
Plan Your Travel and Accommodation
Kagoshima Airport connects the prefecture domestically and internationally; check specific flight connections for your travel dates. One of the regional connections listed is the ferry from Kagoshima Port to Sakurajima, which takes 15 minutes. Check the current timetable before your visit. This lets you choose accommodation based on your itinerary without treating different island, volcano and cultural destinations as a single route.
Discover more destinations: Kagoshima, Satsuma District, Kanoya, Kirishima, Ibusuki, Kamikawa, Kinko, Kumage District, Oshima District, Nishinoomote, Amami, Tatsugo, Shibushi, Aira, Nakatane, Isa, Ichikikushikino, Tarumizu.
See the main travel overview: Japan.
