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Kagoshima, Japan

From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai.

The symbol of Kagoshima is Sakura Jima - the volcanic island that sits just offshore. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history.

Points of Interest

  • Chiran
  • Ibusuki
  • Sakura Jima
  • Lake Ikeda
  • Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots
  • Senganen (Iso Garden)
  • Kirishima Onsen
  • Ishin Furusato-kan Museum

More about Kagoshima, Japan Points of Interest

  • Chiran -

    During Japan's Feudal Era, Chiran was a stronghold of the Shimazu samurai. Stroll down a street lined with well-preserved samurai houses and their gardens.

  • Ibusuki -

    The Satsuma Peninsula's foremost resort is famed for its unique sand bath. Geothermal springs heat the sand to approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Sakura Jima -

    Mt. Sakura Jima rises over 3,000 feet above the waters of Kagoshima Bay. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history and is still mildly active today.

  • Lake Ikeda -

    The largest lake on Kyushu is actually a caldera, a collapsed volcano. The lake serves as a stunning frame for Mt. Kaimon, a volcano that recalls Mt. Fuji in shape.

  • Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots -

    Chiran Air Base was home to Japan's Kamikaze squadrons. Tour the Tokko Heiwa Kaikan with its comprehensive collection of aircraft, models, mementoes and photographs of the Special Attack Corps.

  • Senganen (Iso Garden) -

    The superb 17th-century garden offers views of Sakura Jima. Many historic relics remain in the garden and villa. The garden overlooks magnificent Mt. Sakurajima and Kinko Bay. The Shoko Shuseikan Museum is also located in the Iso Garden.

  • Kirishima Onsen -

    One of the most unique onsen in Japan features a large, extravagantly landscaped pool in a covered hall. Smaller pools surround the main onsen, while a fountain sends a spray of water skyward.

  • Ishin Furusato-kan Museum -

    The museum chronicles "Meiji Ishin," the dramatic revolution that led to the end of the Samurai feudal regime and started the modern and industrialized era under imperial rule by Samurai themselves. A lot of historical articles are displayed to understand this history deeply.

13 Excursions

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Best of Kagoshima

7 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-100 K O J - 1 0 0

Moderate Activity

From $209.95

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鹿児島終日観光(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

7 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-104 K O J - 1 0 4

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $169.95

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Chiran Samurai Houses, Lake Ikeda & Satsuma Peninsula

6.5 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-105 K O J - 1 0 5

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $209.95

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指宿砂風呂と薩摩伝承館(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

7 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-154 K O J - 1 5 4

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $179.95

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Ibusuki Sand Bath & Chiran Samurai Houses

7 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-155 K O J - 1 5 5

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $209.95

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Highlights of Kagoshima

5 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-200 K O J - 2 0 0

Moderate Activity

From $154.95

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桜島火山と仙巌園(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

5 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-204 K O J - 2 0 4

Moderate Activity

From $114.95

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Museum of the Meiji Restoration & Terukuni Shrine

5 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-205 K O J - 2 0 5

Moderate Activity

From $134.95

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維新ふるさと館、仙巌園と照國神社(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

5 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-209 K O J - 2 0 9

Moderate Activity

From $104.95

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霧島温泉と霧島神宮(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

6 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-234 K O J - 2 3 4

Moderate Activity

From $129.95

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Chiran Samurai Houses & Kamikaze Museum

4 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-260 K O J - 2 6 0

Moderate Activity

From $119.95

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知覧武家屋敷と知覧特攻平和会館(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

4 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-264 K O J - 2 6 4

Moderate Activity

From $79.95

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Easy Kagoshima

3 hours | Kagoshima | KOJ-290 K O J - 2 9 0

Easy Activity

From $114.95

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