Highlights Of Kagoshima

Discover the two most impressive elements in Kagoshima. Visit Senganen, the Japanese style garden representing the history of Kagoshima, from the Samurai Era to the modern ages; and get up close to Sakurajima, one of the world’s most active volcanos.

Located on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four major islands, Kagoshima was the first city to introduce western civilization to Japan, serving as the gateway for trade and exchange between Japan and the world. With a spectacular setting, Kagoshima looks out across the broad sweep of Kinko Bay to the brooding silhouette of Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes.

You’ll transfer by ferry to Sakurajima lsland to view the lunar-like landscape and spectacular lava fields created by past eruptions. Stop at the Arimura Lava Observatory, located on a small hill created by eruption in 1946. This observatory offers excellent vantage points connected by paved walking paths, to observe the dynamic power of the volcano as well as the coastline.

Back in Kagoshima, you’ll visit Senganen, also called Iso Teien, a serene Japanese-style landscape garden constructed in 1660. Offering exquisite views of the bay and volcano, the former summer villa of the powerful Shimazu clan includes artificial rivers and mountains, a bamboo grove, cascading waterfall and traditional poem-writing garden. You’ll also visit the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Japan's first Western-style factory. Established by lord Shimazu in 1852 to produce armaments, glass, ceramics and farm tools, it is now a museum detailing the 700-year Shimazu family history.