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

One of the main attractions on Sakurajima are the onsens, or hot springs. There are several onsens located on the island, 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 the onsens, Sakurajima is also known for its agriculture. The volcanic soil on the island is extremely fertile, and many types of fruits and vegetables are grown here. Some of the most popular products include oranges, mandarins, and giant radishes. The giant radish, in particular, is a must-try delicacy, known for its distinctive flavor resulting from the volcanic ash in the soil.

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

If you're looking for a unique and relaxing experience in Kagoshima, look no further than 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 experience.

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

What makes the experience even more enticing is 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 beauty of Kagoshima's natural surroundings.

Yakushima Island is a small island outside Kagoshima filled with sightseeing spots and abundant nature.

Yakushima Island is a small but stunning destination that is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Kagoshima. The island is known for its abundant nature, with diverse landscapes that range from verdant forests to rugged coastlines. The island's natural beauty has earned it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors are sure to be captivated by its many stunning sights.

One of the highlights of Yakushima is the hiking trails that wind through its forests. The island's ancient cedar trees are particularly impressive, with some estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. The Jomon Sugi, one of Yakushima's most famous cedar trees, is estimated to be over 2,000 years old, and is a popular hiking destination for visitors to the island.

In addition to hiking, Yakushima offers many other outdoor activities that allow visitors to connect with nature. Snorkeling and kayaking are popular options, offering a chance to explore the island's crystal-clear waters and discover its diverse marine life. 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.

* Many activities around Yakushima are possible, including snorkeling and kayaking.
* Only available from May to July.

Iso Beach is a beautiful destination located in Kagoshima Prefecture, known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.

Visitors to Iso Beach can enjoy a variety of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and paddleboarding.

For those who prefer to relax and take in the scenery, Iso Beach offers plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls and scenic picnics. The beach is particularly picturesque during sunrise and sunset, when the sky is painted with brilliant shades of orange and pink.

Nestled right next to the Maruo Onsen Hot Spring Hotel, the Kirishima Onsen Market is a charming business facility that offers visitors a chance to sample the best of Kagoshima's local produce and cuisine.

At the market, you'll find a range of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as handmade bread snacks that are perfect for munching on the go. But the real highlight of the market is its specialty items, which are boiled eggs and steamed bean buns heated by the geothermal hot spring water. These dishes are a local delicacy that are not to be missed, and are the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.

In addition to the food offerings, the Kirishima Onsen Market also features a footbath where visitors can soak their feet in the soothing hot spring water. It's the perfect way to relax before continuing to explore the area.

Yurigahama Beach is a stunning destination located on Yoron Island, just a short distance from Kagoshima. The beach is known for its smooth white sand and sparkling clear blue sea, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

One of the unique features of Yurigahama Beach is its star-shaped sand grains. It is believed that if you take a number of grains equal to your age, you will receive good luck. This tradition adds to the beach's charm and draws 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 is a beautiful destination located on Sakurajima Island that offers visitors a chance to rest their tired feet and take in the stunning views of Kinko Bay and Mt. Sakurajima. At the park, travelers can enjoy a free foot bath that is over 100 meters long, making it one of the largest foot baths in the area.

The foot bath is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the island. Whether you're looking to soothe sore muscles or simply take in the beautiful views, this foot bath is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

One of the highlights of the Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park foot bath is its location. Situated right on the waterfront, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Kinko Bay and Mt. Sakurajima right in front of them. 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 away by plane from Kagoshima, followed by a 40-minute car drive. This large opening on the coast of Hamada Beach is a result of erosion by the sea, which has created a cavern large enough to fit up to 1000 people.

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

Unfortunately, Chikura Cavern is only accessible at low tide, so visitors will need to plan their visit accordingly. It's worth checking the tide schedule ahead of time to ensure that you don't miss the opportunity to explore this stunning 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" derives from the two smooth-surfaced cliffs on either side of the waterfall, which are said to resemble 1,000 people holding hands. This unique feature adds to the waterfall's charm and makes it a must-visit destination for those exploring Yakushima.

Visitors to Senpiro Falls can enjoy stunning views of the waterfall 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 to the hot spring 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 visitors will need to plan their visit carefully to ensure that they don't miss the opportunity to soak in these unique and refreshing waters.

One of the unique features of Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen is that it offers mixed-gender baths. While swimsuits are not allowed, visitors can enjoy a truly authentic hot spring experience as they soak in the waters with others.

Kiyomizu Magaibutsu is a historic and religious destination located along the Manose River. The site is home to over 200 Buddhist images that have been carved into a rock wall, making it a significant historical and cultural landmark.

The engravings at Kiyomizu Magaibutsu are diverse, featuring Sanskrit characters among other designs. The carving style is notable for its relatively flat appearance, which some may associate more with Chinese or Korean than Japanese traditions. However, regardless of their origin, it is evident that generations of dedicated craftsmen poured their hearts into these creations.

Scholars believe that the carvings were created in five distinct periods that span more than a millennium, with the most recent additions dating back less than 200 years. Despite the passing of time, the carvings remain a testament to the skill and devotion of the craftsmen who brought them to life.

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.