📍Kagoshima

#favouriteitinerary Kagoshima – A Gateway to Nature and Tradition 🇯🇵✨ Located on the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima is a captivating city that offers a mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and a view into the island's volcanic past. Known for the iconic Sakurajima volcano, hot springs, and delicious local food, Kagoshima provides a peaceful yet vibrant getaway. --- Top Highlights Sakurajima: The iconic volcano just across the bay is the symbol of Kagoshima. Whether you're hiking, enjoying the views from the Sakurajima Visitor Center, or soaking in a hot spring with a volcano backdrop, it’s a must-see. Shiroyama Park: Offering panoramic views of the city and Sakurajima, this park is perfect for a relaxing stroll. It also features the Shiroyama Observatory and the ruins of Kagoshima Castle. Iso-Teien Garden: A beautiful Japanese garden with traditional tea houses and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for nature lovers. Ibusuki: Famous for its sand baths, where visitors are buried in warm sand at the beach, providing a relaxing and unique experience. Kagoshima Aquarium: A great spot to see marine life from the surrounding waters of Kagoshima, featuring a variety of species and interactive exhibits. --- Things to Do Soak in the Sand Baths: Head to Ibusuki for a relaxing and unusual sand bath experience, where you’ll be buried in warm sand by professional attendants. Take a Ferry to Sakurajima: Enjoy scenic views on the ferry ride to the Sakurajima volcano, and spend the day exploring its hiking trails, hot springs, and volcanic craters. Visit Sengan-en Garden: A historical garden that offers views of Sakurajima and a chance to explore the region's traditional architecture and history. Kagoshima Food: Don’t miss out on local dishes like Kagoshima Black Pork, Satsuma-age (fried fish cakes), and the delicious shochu (local distilled spirit). --- Cuisine and Dining Kagoshima Black Pork: Known for its tender and flavorful meat, this local delicacy is often served as shabu-shabu (hot pot) or grilled. Satsuma-age: A type of deep-fried fish cake made with fish paste, it’s a popular local snack. Shochu: Kagoshima is one of Japan’s main shochu-producing regions, so be sure to try this local distilled spirit. --- Best Time to Visit Spring (March to May): A great time to visit with mild weather, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Autumn (September to November): Cooler weather and beautiful autumn leaves, especially around Sengan-en Garden and Shiroyama Park. Summer (June to August): While it’s hot, summer festivals, including the Kagoshima Flower Park Festival, offer a unique way to experience the city. --- Kagoshima is a wonderful place to relax, explore nature, and enjoy Japan’s slower pace of life. Whether you're hiking around Sakurajima, enjoying a sand bath, or savoring local dishes, this charming city offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture.