JAPAN'S LAND OF FIRE

乘坐遊輪前往： Kagoshima, Japan

Japan's southernmost major city, Kagoshima delivers a memorable mix of unique cuisine, historical attractions and outdoor activities in its temperate weather. Take the short ferry ride from the port to Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park and immerse yourself in its natural grandeur — take a rejuvenating soak in the 100-meter-long natural hot spring, and take in views of the area's most iconic landmark: Sakurajima volcano, nicknamed the Vesuvius of Japan. Then, take in sweeping bayside vistas at Sengan-en, the elegant estate of the Shimadzu samurai clan, and stroll through its cherry blossom-filled gardens. Cruise to Kagoshima and head to Yurigahama Beach, with its bright waters and mysterious sandbar that appears each month in a slightly different spot, depending on the tides.

國家語言 Japanese

流通貨幣 Japanese Yen (JPY)

THINGS TO DO

The Sakurajima Volcano Crater in Kagoshima, Japan

Sakurajima Soak

Take the 15-minute ferry ride from Kagoshima and Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park. From here you can admire the smoky peak of Sakurajima volcano from several observation points, including Yunohira. Or take a dip into Magma Onsen, one of several hot springs where you can refresh yourself before the return trip.

Beautiful landscape with flowers and trees in Sengan-en, Kagoshima, Japan.

Samurai Garden

Step back in time at Sengan-en, a sprawling samurai estate originally built in the 17th century that offers breathtaking garden views of the bay and Sakurajima puffing in the distance. The villa here was built out of Yakushima cedar trees over 1,000 years old; it's perfect place to try traditional Japanese green tea and chocolate sweets.

Historic Lookout

Head to Shiroyama Lookout, a hillside park overlooking the city and Sakurajima volcano. Heads up, history buffs: This was the site of the final battle of the Satsuma Rebellion, in which the last samurai, Saigo Takamori, met his end. Cruise to Kagoshima and check out Reimeikan Museum at the foot of the hill, based on the remains of a fort that once stood here.

Local Cuisine

Cuisine in Kagoshima centers around kurobuta, or "black pork" — it comes from a black-haired breed of heritage pig that produces meat with a delicate, sweet flavor. Try the good stuff shabu-shabu hot pot style, wash it down with a cup of shochu, a distilled liquor from southern Japan that's often made with sweet potato, barley, sugar cane and buckwheat.

Japanese porcelain blue pottery sold in Kagoshima, Japan

Shopping

Head over to the Tenmonkan district for unique Kagoshima goods, including handmade Satsumakiriko cut glass, Satsumayaki porcelain vases and bowls, Oshima tsumugi textiles and other handicrafts from Kagoshima and the Ryukyu Islands to the south. Tenmonkan shops also offer different varieties of shochu.