Cherry blossoms frame a steamy hot spring in Beppu, Japan, with a red torii gate, lush greenery and visitors walking along a path.

Kagoshima, Japan

Cruises to Kagoshima

View cruises

Things to do in Kagoshima

Nestled on the southwestern tip of Japan’s Kyushu Island, Kagoshima is a picturesque coastal city famous for its striking views of the active Sakurajima volcano across the bay that’s erupted 30 times. Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, sits directly across from Kagoshima’s port and is easily accessible by a short ferry ride, making it the city’s most iconic and must-see attraction. The best time to cruise to Kagoshima is in spring for cherry blossoms and in fall for mild weather and clear views of Sakurajima. When you visit Kagoshima with Princess, you can walk in the footsteps of samurai by visiting their historic homes, visit a traditional Shinto shrine dedicated to a leader of the legendary Satsuma clan and explore traditional Japanese gardens.

Explore things to do in Kagoshima
01 / 04
  • View through a wooden gate of Terukuni Shrine in Kagoshima, showing the main hall adorned with purple banners and traditional emblems.

    Visit the Terukuni Shrine that’s dedicated to Shimazu Nariakira, the 28th lord of the Satsuma clan where you can see a massive torii gate (a staple feature in Shinto shrines) and a crane-shaped tree. 

  • Sakurajima volcano viewed from the water, with smoke rising from its peak and the coastline of Kagoshima visible below.

    No trip to Kagoshima is complete without seeing Mt. Sakurajima — an active volcano that’s had 30 major eruptions but none since 1914. 

  • Three traditional samurai armors displayed in a museum, each with distinct helmets and ornate designs.

    Don’t miss the Shoko Shuseikan Museum that’s housed in the oldest Western-style factory in the country and is home to seven centuries of samurai artifacts.

  • Traditional Japanese samurai house with wooden frames, a tiled roof and a serene garden path.

    Step into history at the Chiran samurai houses where over 500 historic homes are meticulously preserved, and you can see exactly how the samurai of the Edo Era lived.

01 / 04

Shore excursions to explore Kagoshima

Top shore excursions in Kagoshima include visiting Sakurajima volcano, exploring Sengan-en Garden, shopping and dining in Tenmonkan, and relaxing in nearby hot springs. Stand at the base of a conical volcano, walk in the footsteps of samurai, take a relaxing sand bath and maybe spot a glimpse of the magical lake monster Issie when you visit Kagoshima with Princess.

01 / 05
  • Evening view of downtown Kagoshima, Japan with cars, buses and a retro green tram traveling through a lively street lined with shops and lit buildings.

    Best of Kagoshima

    See an active volcano, historic samurai artifacts and pristine Japanese gardens all in one day! You’ll start your tour out on a boat headed for the towering Mt. Sakurajima — the volcano that dominates Kagoshima Bay — where you’ll journey up to the clouds to see the crater spread out below you. Then you’ll wander the historic Iso Garden that used to belong to Japanese aristocracy during the time of the samurai. Speaking of samurai, you’ll also have time to wander the museum that holds over seven centuries of Shimazu clan artifacts, including Japan’s oldest photography silver plate and a model of a furnace. 

    View excursion
  • Aerial view of Lake Ikeda in Kagoshima, Japan, with green fields, scattered homes and Mt. Kaimon’s cone-shaped peak in the background.

    Chiran Samurai Houses, Lake Ikeda & Satsuma Peninsula

    Walk in the footsteps of some of the most historic samurai in Japan. Head to the samurai house in Chiran — nicknamed the “Little Kyoto of Satsuma" because it’s home to over 500 Edo period samurai homes. After you’ve immersed yourself in 17th–18th century samurai history, you’ll go to Lake Ikeda, which is a stunning ancient volcano caldera turned lake. Keep your eyes peeled for Issie — a Japanese lake monster akin to Nessie. If it isn’t cloudy, make sure to capture a few photos of the Mt. Kaimon volcano that looks a lot like Mt. Fuji. 

    View excursion
  • Woman buried in warm black sand up to her neck with a towel around her shoulders, relaxing during a hot sand bath in Ibusuki, Japan.

    Ibusuki Sand Bath & Chiran Samurai Houses

    Relax in a one-of-a-kind sensory experience: a sand bath. During your bath, you’ll be covered in warm sand up to your neck and cocooned for a little while. Doing so can help increase blood flow, which can boost circulation and give your skin a little extra love. After you’ve soaked in the sand, you’ll shower off and get to try the traditional Japanese bath, the onsen. 

    View excursion
  • Terukuni Shrine in Kagoshima, Japan, seen from stone steps, with traditional wooden architecture and green trees in the background.

    Museum of the Meiji Restoration & Terukuni Shrine

    Experience the Meiji Restoration for yourself by exploring this museum housed inside of the first Western-style factory ever built in Japan. The Meiji Restoration was a pivotal moment in history when Japan shifted from the age of samurais to an industrialized, unified nation — and Shoko Shuseikan Museum shows you what that looked like. See models of the first Western-style furnaces in Japan and some of the oldest photography supplies. After the museum, you’ll head to the Terukuni Shrine, a stunning shrine dedicated to Shimazu Nariakira, the 28th lord of the Satsuma clan. 

    View excursion
  • Rows of large black ceramic jars covered with plastic sit on the ground outdoors, used for aging black vinegar in Kagoshima, Japan.

    Kinko Bay Highlights: Shrines, Volcano and Vinegar Fields

    Japanese black vinegar has been heralded as a culinary staple and cultural icon, and you can see how it's made. Explore the expansive “pot fields” where the freshly made jars of vinegar are set out to age for six months. Plus, this excursion will also take you to the Terukuni Shrine where you can walk under a massive torii gate and tree trimmed to look like a crane — the symbol of the Satsuma clan.

    View excursion
01 / 05

Experience the Kagoshima port on your next cruise

Experience the beauty of Kagoshima on your Japan cruise. This port city has a little of everything: jawdropping mountains, pristine lakes, samurai history and beautiful traditional Shinto shrine. You’ll stand in the shadow of an active volcano and see the beauty of a lake formed from an extinct volcano. When you cruise to Japan with Princess, Kagoshima is just the beginning — there are more ports like Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa and more to discover in Japan! 

-- / --

14-Day Grand Japan with Fall Foliage

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

View cruise

7-Day Japan & Korea

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

View cruise

10-Day Circle Japan

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

View cruise

Discover the volcanic beauty of  Kagoshima with Princess Cruises

Kagoshima used to be a volcanic island, but after years of eruptions, it’s a peninsula. When you visit with Princess, we’ll show you the towering volcano that still stands and the one now filled in by a lake — as well as the history that makes Kagoshima so important to Japan. 

Cruises to Kagoshima
Framed view of Kagoshima, Japan with smoke rising from Sakurajima volcano, set against a blue sky above the bay and city buildings.

Take in the explosive beauty of Kagoshima as smoke rises from Sakurajima volcano above the vibrant city below.

A smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.

A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

Front-facing view of a Princess® cruise ship sailing through calm ocean waters.

Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

Discover our ships

Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards. 


No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

Explore ships visiting this port

Cruises to Kagoshima FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels

01 / 03
  • Princess EZair

    Princess EZAir® Flights

    Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airline, allow you to book early and pay later with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages. Please note: Princess EZair® is only available in certain markets.

    Learn more about Princess EZAir
  • airplane to ship transfer

    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

    Learn more about transfers
  • Cruise Plus hotel packages

    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

    View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages
01 / 03

Cruise deals and promotions

Start planning the vacation of your dreams with a cruise you'll love at a price you can't beat. Explore our latest featured deals, snag some last-minute savings and see how our all-inclusive packages can make your getaway even better.

View all deals and promotions
Aerial view of a large cruise ship's top deck, featuring multiple pool areas, lounge chairs, and glass-domed structures, sailing through deep blue ocean waters.

Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

Guests walking through a modern cruise ship atrium featuring a distinctive circular skylight with radiating panels and polished marble floors.

The beautiful Piazza lets the light shine in.

You may also like

Don't miss the Imperial Palace in Japan

Don't miss the Imperial Palace in Japan

If you're heading to this fascinating, culturally rich island nation, make time to visit the world-famous Imperial Palace.

LEARN MORE
Explore Tokyo's gardens on a cruise to Japan

Explore Tokyo's gardens on a cruise to Japan

Hidden within the radiant lights and exhilarating sounds of Tokyo are tranquil garden sanctuaries.

LEARN MORE
Three must-see cultural attractions in Japan

Three must-see cultural attractions in Japan

From popular skyscrapers and modern buildings, to world-famous temples, shrines and breathtaking national parks, Japan has a lot to offer tourists exploring the country. 

LEARN MORE
-- / --