Summer fun in Kagoshima! Escape the heat in Sakurajima and enjoy refreshing local delicacies!

When it comes to sightseeing in Kagoshima, Sakurajima should be the first place on everybody’s list! It takes just 15 minutes to reach this active volcano from Kagoshima Port by Sakurajima Ferry (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). The Sakurajima Island View bus, which runs in a loop from Sakurajima Port, is a comfortable way to tour the island's western side on a hot summer day. For those who wish to enjoy summer water activities, there are also kayaking tours with dynamic views of Sakurajima from the sea! After a day of summer fun, sweat it out in the famous volcanic hot springs that bubble up from 1,000 meters below the ground.
 

If you would also like to explore the east side of Sakurajima, why not try a fun-filled bicycle ride? Sports cycle rentals are available at the Sakurajima Visitor Center, located just a 10-minute walk from Sakurajima Port. Discover all that Sakurajima has to offer in the summertime by riding your bicycle to legendary sightseeing spots such as the ‘Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate’ – a mysterious torii gate which was left half buried by the volcano’s famed Taisho Eruption. Or pedal over to the ‘Arimura Lava Observatory’ which offers a breathtakingly beautiful 360-degree panoramic view of the island. Of course, don't forget to drink plenty of water, take breaks and apply sunscreen!
 

If you want to experience the volcano up close, join this tour! The Sakurajima Off-Limits Trail E-bike Tour is guided by a specialist with permission to enter the usually restricted area within 2km. This will be an unforgettable experience!

‘Shirokuma’ is a refreshing Kagoshima delicacy famed throughout Japan. It consists of shaved ice topped with fruit and a generous amount of sweetened condensed milk. Nowadays, it is easily available at convenience stores, but for the authentic ‘Shirokuma’ experience, you have to try it in Kagoshima when summer is in full swing. Each store has its own take on the summer dessert, so why not visit a few places to compare the taste?
 

The ‘Somen-nagashi’ at Jigenji Park in Taniyama, Kagoshima City, is a Kagoshima specialty revered by those in the know. This traditional dish dates back to as early as the Tenpo era (1830 - 1844). A local take on Japanese flowing noodles, this “jet-type” somen-nagashi is designed to represent the eruption of Sakurajima. The dish is often paired with grilled trout, carp, and “carp arai” sashimi, as well as jumbo rice cakes, a popular after-dinner dessert.　

 

Kagoshima City makes for the ideal base for sightseeing in the Kagoshima region. The city is dotted with accommodations containing hot springs, extending as far as even humble business hotels! Enjoy the view of Sakurajima from your hotel window, and soothe your tired body in a natural hot spring. Be sure to make the most of the famous hot springs of Kagoshima while you’re here!
The following three hotels in particular boast wonderful views from their hot springs: