Kagoshima
Kagoshima is a port city in southern Kyushu, with the active volcano Sakurajima a short ferry ride across the bay. Come for the volcano views, the Sengan-en garden and Satsuma cooking.
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Kagoshima is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture, at the southern tip of Kyushu, Japan's southwestern main island. The city faces a deep bay, and across the water stands Sakurajima, an active volcano that still drops ash on the streets. For centuries the area was the base of the Satsuma domain, ruled by the Shimazu clan. Saigo Takamori, one of the leaders of the Meiji Restoration, came from Satsuma.
Plan two or three days. Give one to Sakurajima, which the ferry from Kagoshima Port reaches in about 15 minutes, and one to the city, including Sengan-en, a garden the Shimazu family built with a view of the volcano. Eat Satsuma-age fish cake, kurobuta pork and sweet potato shochu. Ibusuki, about an hour south by train, is known for its sand baths. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, while summer is hot and humid.
Kagoshima in five
- Take the ferry to Sakurajima from Kagoshima PortThe ferry from the port reaches Sakurajima in about 15 minutes. Ash falls are common, so carry an umbrella and a mask for the walk around the island.
- Check the Sakurajima alert level before you goThe Japan Meteorological Agency publishes the volcano alert level and ash forecasts. Access to areas near the crater can be restricted at higher alert levels, so check before you book a trip to the island.
- Book the Kyushu Shinkansen to Kagoshima-Chuo StationTrains from Hakata in Fukuoka take about 80 minutes to Kagoshima-Chuo Station, which is the hub for trams and buses. Reserve a seat on busy days and holidays.Kyushu
- Set up data before you landFerry timetables, maps and bus apps need mobile data. Get an eSIM or a local SIM before you leave Kirishima-Kagoshima Airport.Phones and eSIM
- Carry yen cash for small restaurantsMany small restaurants, bars and shops in Kagoshima take cash only. Keep yen notes and coins for lunch and buses.Money and costs
Need to know
- Currency
- Yen (JPY)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check MOFA before you fly Read more
- Emergency
- 110 police, 119 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+9, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryMild, quiet
- FebruaryCool, quiet
- MarchSakura season
- AprilMild, clear
- MayMild, rising heat
- JuneRainy season
- JulyHot, rainy
- AugustHot, typhoons
- SeptemberTyphoon risk
- OctoberMild, clear
- NovemberAutumn color
- DecemberMild, quiet
Right now in Kagoshima
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
14
- Feels like
- 12°
- Humidity
- 80%
- Wind
- 9 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Kagoshima
07:38 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today22°16°0%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 22°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed22°18°2%Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High 22°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Thu23°20°74%Thursday: Drizzle. High 23°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 74%.
- Fri22°14°37%Friday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 37%.
- Sat17°12°0%Saturday: Clear. High 17°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun19°12°0%Sunday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Mon19°12°1%Monday: Clear. High 19°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 1%.
Updated 04:58 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Sakurajimaabout 15 minutes by ferryThe active volcano across the bay, reached by ferry from the port.
- Ibusukiabout 1 hour by trainA hot spring town known for its sand baths on the coast.
- Chiranby bus from downtownFormer samurai houses and gardens in a quiet town to the south.
Before you go to Kagoshima
Rules for Kagoshima, checked
- Declare meat, plants and seeds on the arrival form. Customs can confiscate undeclared items, and bags may be inspected.
- Check the volcano alert level and ash forecasts on the Japan Meteorological Agency site before you take the Sakurajima ferry.Source
- Some common medicines are restricted in Japan. Carry prescriptions in their original packaging with a doctor's note, and check the health ministry rules before you pack.
- Carry your passport or a photocopy of it at all times, and keep the original somewhere safe.
Plan around Kagoshima
Entry rules, regions, transport and money for a Japan trip
Read the guideKyushu island guideThe island Kagoshima sits on, with its rail and ferry links
Read the guideGetting aroundShinkansen, ferries, trams and buses compared
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for a Kagoshima trip
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and how to enter Japan
Read the guideWhere to stayWhere to base yourself for a Kagoshima trip
Read the guideKagoshima FAQ
Is Kagoshima worth visiting?
Yes, for the volcano across the bay, the Sengan-en garden and the local food, including black pork and shochu. It works well as a stop on a Kyushu trip, and the Sakurajima ferry makes a short day out.
How many days do you need in Kagoshima?
Two days covers the city, Sengan-en and a ferry trip to Sakurajima. Add a day for Ibusuki if you want a hot spring town on a day out.
Can you see Sakurajima from Kagoshima city?
Yes, the volcano is visible across the bay from much of the city. The ferry takes you to the island itself, where you can walk around and look up at the volcano.
How do you get from Kagoshima Airport to the city?
Take a limousine bus from Kirishima-Kagoshima International Airport to Kagoshima-Chuo Station, which takes about an hour. A taxi is faster but costs more, so it suits a late arrival or heavy bags.
What food is Kagoshima known for?
Black pork, known as kurobuta, is a local specialty, and shirokuma shaved ice is a sweet treat in summer. Try shochu, a distilled spirit made here from sweet potato or barley.
When is the best time to visit Kagoshima?
Spring and autumn have the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot and humid with the rainy season in June and July, and typhoons can hit between August and September.