Sakurajima
One of Japan’s most famous active volcanoes, Sakurajima offers incredible views, hiking trails, and natural hot spring foot baths.

Sengan-en Garden
A beautifully maintained samurai-era garden with views of Sakurajima, showcasing traditional Japanese landscaping and historical artifacts.

Kirishima Onsen
Located in the mountains, this hot spring area is known for its sulfur-rich waters, said to promote relaxation and skin health.

Chiran Samurai Residences
A well-preserved district featuring traditional samurai homes and stunning Japanese gardens, providing insight into Kagoshima’s feudal past.

Yakushima Island
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this lush, ancient forest is home to Japan’s oldest cedar trees and was the inspiration for Princess Mononoke.

Ibusuki Golf Club

Designed by the renowned Seiichi Innoue Ibusuki hosted the JPGA Championship in 2019.  Located at the southernmost tip of the Satsuma Peninsula. It is a hilly course that spreads across the Satsuma Fuji Kaimon mountain range. It is a long golf course with challenging undulating greens.

Chiran Country Club

This hilly course offers multiple routes to accommodate different skill levels, making it enjoyable for players of all abilities. However, aiming for a birdie is challenging unless you follow the route and ball trajectory intended by the designer. Although the course appears gentle with its flat terrain and clear view of the pin, it presents a subtle strategic challenge. As the wind consistently blows from west to east, players must always account for its influence when choosing their direction. 

Kagoshima Kokusai Golf Club

Laid out on a hilltop with Sakurajima directly ahead and Kinko Bay in between, this course offers breathtaking views. On certain holes, it feels as if you are hitting the ball straight into the bay. The fairways are wide, and when combined with the surrounding scenery, the course exudes a majestic presence. While generally flat, subtle undulations add character, and the strategically placed bunkers enhance the challenge.

Check all Golf Courses!

Kagoshima enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it a great golf destination in any season. However, the best time to visit depends on your preference for weather and local events. 

Spring (March to May) offers pleasant temperatures and stunning cherry blossoms, especially at Yoshino Park. 

Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, but it’s also festival season, with the Ohara Matsuri in early November featuring traditional dances and parades through downtown Kagoshima. The Kagoshima Rokugatsudo Fireworks Festival, held in July, is one of the largest in Kyushu, with thousands of fireworks lighting up the night sky over Kinko Bay. 

Autumn (September to November) brings comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, while winter (December to February) is ideal for enjoying hot springs like Kirishima Onsen.

Kurobuta (Black Pork)
Kagoshima is renowned for its Kurobuta pork, known for its rich flavor and tenderness. Try it in tonkatsu (deep-fried cutlet) or shabu-shabu (hot pot).

Satsuma-age
A Kagoshima specialty, this deep-fried fish cake is a delicious snack often enjoyed with sake or as a side dish.

Shirokuma (Shaved Ice Dessert)
A local favorite, Shirokuma is a mountain of finely shaved ice topped with condensed milk, fruits, and sweet beans—perfect for cooling down after a round of golf.

Kibinago (Silver-stripe Round Herring)
These tiny silver fish are often served sashimi-style with a tangy vinegar-miso sauce, offering a fresh and delicate taste of Kagoshima’s coastal waters.

Shochu
Unlike sake, Kagoshima’s shochu is distilled rather than brewed, with varieties made from sweet potatoes, rice, and barley. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy Japan’s traditional alcoholic beverages.