Sakurajima, a small island just outside of Kagoshima, is home to an active volcano and stands as one of the city's most famous landmarks. Visitors are often captivated by the sight of the volcano regularly spewing ash-filled smoke from its peak. Despite this volcanic activity, the locals on Sakurajima live comfortably, and many travelers visit the island by ferry each year to explore its unique offerings.

One of the main attractions on Sakurajima is its onsens, or hot springs. The island boasts several onsens, each with its own unique character and mineral composition. Soaking in an onsen is a quintessential Japanese experience, and a visit to Sakurajima would not be complete without taking a dip in one of these natural hot springs.

In addition to its onsens, Sakurajima is renowned for its agriculture. The island's volcanic soil is extremely fertile, making it ideal for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Among the most popular products are oranges, mandarins, and giant radishes. The giant radish is a must-try delicacy, known for its distinctive flavor, which is enhanced by the volcanic ash in the soil.

Visitors to Sakurajima can explore the island on foot or by bicycle. There are several scenic trails that lead to observation points offering close-up views of the volcano. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the island also has several shops and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or browse for souvenirs.

For a unique and relaxing experience in Kagoshima, visit the steam sand baths at Ibusuki Beach. These baths allow you to lie in the sand while hot geothermal steam from below heats your body, providing a soothing and therapeutic treatment.

To begin, simply put on a yukata, a traditional Japanese garment, and lie down on the beach. An attendant will bury you up to your neck in warm sand using a shovel, allowing you to relax and let the heat work its magic. The warmth of the sand helps improve circulation and release tension, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

The experience is made even more enticing by the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. It's the perfect way to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The steam sand baths at Ibusuki Beach offer a unique and unforgettable experience that combines the healing power of hot springs with the natural beauty of Kagoshima's surroundings.

Yakushima Island, located off the southern coast of Kyushu, Japan, is a breathtaking natural paradise. Renowned for its ancient cedar forests, including the massive Jōmon Sugi estimated to be over 2,000 years old, the island boasts a unique ecosystem rich in diverse flora and fauna, earning it the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Visitors can explore the lush, moss-covered trails of the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, said to have inspired the iconic Studio Ghibli film "Princess Mononoke." Yakushima also offers a range of outdoor adventures such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling, where you might witness sea turtles nesting or hatching. Whale watching is also a popular activity, with visitors able to spot a variety of whale species during certain times of the year.

Wildlife viewing is another major draw of Yakushima, with the island home to a wide variety of animals. Monkeys, deer, and sea turtles are just a few of the creatures that visitors can spot while exploring the island's natural areas.

With its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance, Yakushima Island is a true gem for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

(* Many water activities may only be available from May to July.)

Iso Beach, situated in Kagoshima Prefecture, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand, making it a beautiful destination for visitors.

At Iso Beach, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, Iso Beach provides ample opportunities for leisurely strolls and scenic picnics. The beach is especially picturesque during sunrise and sunset, when the sky is painted with brilliant shades of orange and pink.

Adjacent to the Maruo Onsen Hot Spring Hotel, the Kirishima Onsen Market is a delightful destination where visitors can enjoy Kagoshima's finest local produce and cuisine.

The market offers a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as handmade bread snacks ideal for a quick bite. The standout attractions are the specialty items: boiled eggs and steamed bean buns cooked using geothermal hot spring water. These local delicacies are a must-try, providing a cozy treat on a cool day.

Beyond the delicious food, the Kirishima Onsen Market also features a footbath where visitors can soak their feet in relaxing hot spring water, making it the perfect spot to unwind before continuing to explore the area.

Yurigahama Beach, located on Yoron Island just a short distance from Kagoshima, is a stunning destination renowned for its smooth white sand and sparkling clear blue sea. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

A unique feature of Yurigahama Beach is its star-shaped sand grains. According to local tradition, taking a number of these grains equal to your age is believed to bring good luck. This charming custom attracts visitors from all over the world.

The beach is accessible by boat and is only visible during low tide. Visitors are advised to check the tide schedule and plan accordingly to ensure they don't miss this spectacular sight.

Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park, situated on Sakurajima Island, is a beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to rest their tired feet while taking in the stunning views of Kinko Bay and Mt. Sakurajima. The park features a free foot bath that stretches over 100 meters, making it one of the largest foot baths in the area, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenic surroundings.

The foot bath at Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the island. Whether you're looking to soothe sore muscles or simply enjoy the beautiful views, this foot bath will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

One of the highlights of the foot bath is its prime location. Situated right on the waterfront, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Kinko Bay and Mt. Sakurajima. It's the perfect place to sit back, relax, and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Chikura Cavern is a stunning natural wonder hidden within Tanegashima Island, located about 40 minutes by plane from Kagoshima, followed by a 40-minute car drive. This large coastal opening at Hamada Beach was formed by sea erosion, creating a cavern spacious enough to fit up to 1,000 people.

Visitors to Chikura Cavern will be amazed by the sheer size and beauty of this natural marvel. The cavern's towering walls and sparkling waters are a sight to behold, made even more impressive by the relentless force of the sea that created them.

However, Chikura Cavern is only accessible at low tide, so visitors need to plan their visit accordingly. It's essential to check the tide schedule ahead of time to ensure you don't miss the opportunity to explore this remarkable destination.

Senpiro Falls (also spelled Sempiro Falls) is a stunning waterfall located in Yakushima, known for its impressive 60 meter drop. The waterfall is one of the most famous destinations on the island, drawing visitors from all over the world.

The name "Senpiro" comes from the two smooth-surfaced cliffs flanking the waterfall, which are said to resemble 1,000 people holding hands. This unique feature enhances the waterfall's charm, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Yakushima.

Visitors to Senpiro Falls can enjoy stunning views from an observatory to the south. From this vantage point, the full grandeur of the waterfall can be appreciated, with its rushing waters and mist creating a truly breathtaking sight.

Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen is a unique and stunning hot spring located in the tide pools along the ocean. Visitors can bathe in the warm waters while watching the waves roll in nearby, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

The hot springs at Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen only appear at low tide for a few hours, so careful planning is necessary to ensure you don't miss the chance to soak in these unique and refreshing waters.

One distinctive feature of Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen is its mixed-gender baths. While swimsuits are not allowed, this policy provides an authentic hot spring experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the soothing waters in a traditional manner.

Kiyomizu Magaibutsu is a historic and religious site located along the Manose River. This significant cultural landmark features over 200 Buddhist images carved into a rock wall.

The engravings at Kiyomizu Magaibutsu are diverse, including Sanskrit characters among other designs. The carving style, noted for its relatively flat appearance, may resemble Chinese or Korean traditions more than Japanese. Regardless of their stylistic origins, it is clear that generations of dedicated craftsmen poured their hearts into these creations.

Scholars believe the carvings were created over five distinct periods spanning more than a millennium, with the most recent additions made less than 200 years ago. Despite the passage of time, these carvings remain a testament to the skill and devotion of the artisans who created them.

The Izumi Crane Observation Centre offers visitors a unique and unforgettable opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of migrating cranes. Every year, between mid-October and March, a flock of 10,000 cranes from Siberia come to Kagoshima to spend the winter months in the area.

During this time, tourists can witness the amazing spectacle of these beautiful birds spreading their wings and flying around the Kagoshima area. The best time to watch is between 6:30 to 7:00 in the morning when the birds take off with the rising sun, making for a truly unforgettable sight.

The Izumi Crane Observation Centre is the perfect destination for birdwatching enthusiasts or anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience. Whether you're exploring the Kagoshima area or just passing through, be sure to add this incredible destination to your itinerary.

Cook thin raw Berkshire pork slices by dipping them in boiling broth.

To enhance the pigs' flavor, they are fed sweet potatoes.

Made from minced fish paste deep-fried in oil, then seasoned with shochu (Japanese distilled drink). Satsuma-age can be served by itself or wrapped around different foods like vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, or even squid.

If you are in Kyushu, this style of ramen will not be hard to find. The broth is made from pork and chicken bones, vegetables, anchovies, and kelp giving it a much thicker, heartier flavor.

Inspired by the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori Prefecture, people carry giant floats shaped like folding fans with warriors painted on them at this rousing festival.

While that goes on, traditional music plays, and excited viewers cheer and shout throughout the night. It is held every third Saturday in July.