If you come to Japan on a cruise ship, you will likely visit Kagoshima on the southern island of Kyushu. But also if you have the opportunity to come to Kyushu on your Japan trip over land, the southernmost province is worth a visit. Sakurajima‘s active volcano is a famous sight in Kagoshima, but as you will see in this travel guide, there is more to do!
Divers and snorkelers will love this prefecture for its underwater life and gorgeous beaches. There are primeval forests in Yakushima, great hiking on Mt. Kaimondake, and a wonderful Japanese landscape garden in Sengan-en.
For history, activities in nature, and a balmy climate, Kagoshima is the place to go. Having always been more open to foreign influences, you can still find plenty of proof of that in local culture and Kagoshima’s historical buildings.
Tanegashima is an island that is part of Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyushu. The headquarter of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is located here, and there are beautiful beaches and mangroves.
Sakurajima is an active volcano and former island in Kagoshima, in the south of Kyushu island. How does the volcanic activity influence the region?
Yakushima is a subtropical island off the southwestern coast of Kyushu. It is covered by an extensive cedar forest that contains some of Japan’s oldest living trees called Yakusugi that became a World Natural Heritage Site.