A museum located on the grounds of Maritime Self Defense Forces Kanoya Air Base. The museum presents information and rare items spanning the time period from when the naval Kanoya flying corps was created in 1936 up to and including the history of the current Maritime Self Defense Forces Kanoya Air Base. The second floor of the museum provides information on topics such as the rapid developments which occurred in aviation technology in the 30-year frame from when naval aviation began; and a full portrait of the kamikaze fighters which emerged as part of Japan’s strategies during the Pacific War. The first floor of the museum presents history from the launching of the Coastal Safety Force in 1952 up to its reformation as the Maritime Self Dense Forces and on to the present day.

Tosen Gorge is the birthplace of the circular somen noodle flume and this city-run restaurant and attraction is visited by some 200 thousand people annually. Open year round, here diners can enjoy somen noodles whirling in spring water selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan in the modern era. In addition to somen, the restaurant’s sets comprised of such local dishes as trout broiled with salt, carp soup, and carp sashimi served over ice. Approximately 25 minutes by car from Ibusuki Station.

Approximately a five-minute walk from the Tenmonkan bus and tram stop, this shrine dedicated to Shimazu Nariakira, the 11th leader of the Satsuma domain, is located close to the Kagoshima Prefectural Museum. Given the name Terukuni Daimyojin by royal decree in 1863, the main building was completed the following year and it became known as Terukuni Shrine. Many people believe even today that it is the guardian of Kagoshima Prefecture. The National Flag Festival that commemorate the official announcement by the shogunate of the plan to make the Hinomaru flag Japan's naval ensign is held on July 11, and the Rokugatsudo Summer Lantern Festivals in Kagoshima are held on July 15 and 16.

An observatory located in the heart of the city. The observatory is situated on 107-meter-high Mt. Shiroyama and looks out over the sites of numerous ancient battlefields connected to the Satsuma Rebellion. Over 600 varieties of temperate and subtropical trees and plants grow thick on the small mountain, including giant camphor, ferns, and sweet viburnum, making it a popular destination among locals to relax and refresh themselves. The observatory offers a sweeping view of Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, and the streets of Kagoshima City, and, on clear days, visitors can enjoy a vast panorama extending all the way to the Kirishima Mountains and Kaimondake Volcano in Ibusuki. The observatory is also famous for its beautiful nightscape. This fantastic scenery has also been designated a National Historic Site and Natural Monument.

A viewing site called the closest to the caldera located at the fourth station on Sakurajima 373 meters above sea level. Depending on the activity of the volcano, visitors can see smoke billowing out, as well as the Taisho Lava Field spreading out before their eyes. The observation point is the highest point on Sakurajima which general visitors may enter and can be traveled to by car. The viewing area is open any time and is a popular spot to visit at night when a great panorama of Kagoshima’s nightscape is visible. Approximately 15 minutes by car from Sakurajima Port.

Calling itself Satsuma’s Little Kyoto with stone walls and hedges that zig-zag along the main road, the area features a group of beautiful samurai residences that makes the whole town seem like a miniature garden. Within the spacious district are seven gardens, and although Mori Shigemitsu’s garden is in the style of chisen-shiki (a garden that features a path around a pond), all of the rest are of the Karesansui Dry Garden variety, in which instead of water, rocks and gravel are used to represent a landscape of mountains and water. The gardens bear the influence of Ryukyu (Okinawa) and Chinese garden culture, and have been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

This is the original shaved ice “white bear” shop in the Tenmonkan G3 arcade. The “white bear”, also known as a Kagoshima specialty, is made by pouring home-made milk on finely shaved ice and topping with colorful fruit. The size is quite large so for those who don’t think they could finish a serving we recommend the baby size. There are a variety of toppings such as chocolate and caramel pudding.

A hot spring bath facility where you can enjoy Ibusuki’s famed hot spring sand baths. The sand baths use the heat of the hot springs naturally welling up under the coast; bathers wear a white robe and are buried in sand stirred to reach just the right temperature, heating the body. Depending on weather conditions, you can even enjoy your sand bath right at the edge of the waves. Even when the weather is not perfect, the facility has a covered sand bathing area, ensuring you can enjoy your sand bath no matter what it is like outside. The sand baths aid in relieving nerve pain, rheumatism, and cold extremities. Approximately five minutes by car from Ibusuki Station.

A hotel located a five-minute drive from JR Ibusuki Station. This good, old fashioned style resort hotel has recently garnered attention in part due to the fact that all of its rooms have an ocean view. Facilities include a natural hot spring outdoor bath as well as Ibusuki’s hot spring heated sand baths which are rarely found in the world. The hotel is also replete with pools, tennis courts, and a variety of other amusement facilities, making it a fun destination for adults and children alike. The hotel’s sand baths are also open to non-guests. After a fun-filled day of indoor and outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy the tastes of Kagoshima in the hotel’s restaurants. You can take in a view of the moon reflecting off the waters of Kinko Bay along with a dinner of Japanese, Chinese, or Western dishes in the Main Dining Room restaurant. The hotel’s relaxing cafes are also recommended.

"These scenic outdoor baths were ranked No. 1 in the ""Top 20 Day Use Onsen in Japan"" category for four years in a row on Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel review site. The baths are a part of Healthyland, a health spa that features steaming sand baths, ""Hoyokan"" hot spring bathhouse, a swimming school, and other facilities. Bathers can enjoy monopolizing the panoramic views of the surrounding nature from the two different outdoor baths are available. The Japanese-style outdoor baths feature a commanding view of Mt. Kaimon while the western-style outdoor baths offer an extensive view of Mt. Takeyama (also known as ""Mt. Snoopy"") and the ocean. The baths, both are free-flowing spring water straight from the source, are rotated between the two genders on a daily basis. Each offers bathers the chance to enjoy the majestic natural scenery even as far as Yakushima Island, Takeshima Island, and Iojima Island on a clear day while feeling the cool and refreshing wind."

An expansive outdoor art museum located on a plateau 700 meters above sea level on Mt. Kurinodake (1,094 meters) in Yusuicho, Airagun, Kagoshima Prefecture. The extensive grounds are dotted with 23 works of art by Japanese and international artists which make use of the local terrain and natural beauty. One of the distinguishing features of the museum’s pieces is that in addition to be able to be enjoyed visually, visitors are free to touch and even lean on them. Most museum goers enjoy taking photos together with the unique exhibits. The distinctive rectangular art hall contains the museum’s indoor exhibits and special exhibitions as well as a cafeteria where visitors can take a break.

This crater lake has a circumference of 15 kilometers and reaches a depth of 233 meters, making it the largest such lake in Kyushu. Its clear, blue surface is a sight to behold, and a variety of seasonal flowers adorn the lakeside, making for an enchanting scene. The rape blossoms that bloom in January are especially gorgeous. The lake is also home to large eels that reach two meters in length and 50 centimeters in girth, but it is most famous for being the abode of the legendary monster “Issie.”

A museum adjoining Japan’s largest rocket launch site. The museum presents exhibits on the construction of satellites and the design of JAXA rockets. With an advance reservation, visitors can enjoy an expert guided tour of not just the museum but the entire Tanegashima Space Center. The tour is free and held three times a day (excluding Mondays and the New Year’s holidays). Reservations are accepted by phone on a first come, first serve basis. Approximately 50 minutes by car from Tanegashima Airport.

An observatory located on the 31st parallel north on Cape Sata, the southernmost tip of Kyushu, a 60-minute drive from Nejime Port. The facility was newly remodeled in January 2018, and portions of it are open to the general public. A provided walking route leading from the park entrance to the observatory takes around 30 minutes (alternative routes available as of September 25, 2018). A parking area, rest area, and observatory are situated at the park entrance, and on clear days visitors can see all the way to the islands of Tanegashima and Yakushima.

Saigo Takamori made his mark on history during the Meiji Restoration. This bronze statue of the man was erected on the 50th anniversary of his death on Shiroyama, the place where he met his end during the Satsuma Rebellion. Standing eight meters tall, this majestic monument was created by Kagoshima City local Teru Ando, the same man who crafted the famous Hachiko Memorial Statue.

A sightseeing destination established 50 years ago on Cape Nagasakibana, an area tied to a legend concerning the Palace of the Dragon King. Boasting a sweeping view of Kaimondake Volcano and the East China Sea, this garden, which recreates a tropical jungle, is planted with some 1,000 varieties of tropical plants. Parrot and rat shows are held on the garden’s spacious grounds, but be sure not to miss the flamingo shows resembling something out of a south seas resort. The garden also holds a variety of special events during Golden Week and other long holidays. People of all ages are sure to enjoy meeting the animals which are allowed to roam grounds closely resembling their natural habitat.

A Shinto shrine located a 15-minute drive from Nishi-Oyama Station on the Ibusuki Makurazaki Line. The shrine is located on Cape Nagasakibana, the birthplace of the legend of the Palace of the Dragon King; the shrine is dedicated to Toyotama-hime (Oto-hime). The shrine is visited by many worshippers who seek its purported blessings, which include luck in finding love, peace and prosperity in the home, thriving business, and maritime safety. The main shrine building is modeled after the Palace of the Dragon King, and its red lacquered exterior is set off by the blue of the sky, engendering a tropical atmosphere befitting southern Japan. The shrine is famous for its unique “seashell prayer” method, which involves worshippers choosing a seashell and writing their wish on it before placing it in a large jar.

This is a private art museum which is built on the ruins of Tsurumaru Castle Ninomaru which was once the castle of the Satsuma Lord Shimazu. The collection focuses on works by local writers and Western art since the 19th century. It also has oil paintings by Cezanne and a “Water Lily” painting by Monet. The collection of paintings depicting Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima, is also spectacular. It is a 16-minute walk from Kagoshima Station.

Satsuma (now western Kagoshima Prefecture) was the birthplace of Saigo Takamori, Okubo Toshimichi, and numerous other heroes of the Meiji Restoration. The Museum of the Meiji Restoration uses a variety of means to present the history of Satsuma and Japan during that momentous time. The centerpiece of the museum is the historic dramas shown in the Meiji Restoration Experience Hall on the basement floor. In the “Road to the Restoration,” life-sized robotic models of figures such as Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi and multiple projection screens are used to present a stunning drama. In the “Satsuma Students, Go West” exhibit, the story of the students sent to study overseas in England in defiance of the national government is presented.