6 things to do in Kagoshima, Japan: channel your inner samurai, take a geothermal sand bath, see ancient forests and more
- Kagoshima, on the island of Kyushu, is home to Japan’s most active volcano. Away from its main city, this prefecture is a mecca for nature and food lovers
- From dolphin watching to samurai armour making to stellar cycling and wagyu beef, Kagoshima has a lot to offer, and is served by direct flights from Hong Kong
Tapping strong demand for travel to Japan, Hong Kong Airlines resumed direct flights from Hong Kong to Kagoshima on March 31.
One of the largest cities in Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, Kagoshima sits on a vast bay and is overlooked by Sakurajima, a constantly brooding stratovolcano and the most active peak in Japan.
Belying its picturesque name, which translates as Cherry Blossom Island, the volcano is prone to regular hiccups that release clouds of gas and ash and, more infrequently, lava – although residents have learned to largely ignore its rumblings.
1. Bathe on the beach
The town of Ibusuki is close to the mouth of Kagoshima Bay, around 40km (25 miles) south of the city and with stunning views of Sakurajima. One of the town’s most popular attractions, Ibusuki Sunamushi Onsen sand bath, is a direct consequence of the region’s volcanic activity, and is described as the world’s only natural sand bath.
