Moopon

1. Once visitors exit immigration and customs at Kansai Airport, visitors will be on the 1st floor. Follow the signs for “Railways”, taking one of the 4 escalators or 3 elevators to arrive at the 2nd floor.

2. Once on the 2nd floor, follow the signs to one of several walkways and walk across the road to Kansai-airport Station. Visitors need to exit the air terminal building to arrive at the JR Station (two separate buildings connected by a walkway). Two train companies use Kansai-airport Station: JR (blue/green) and Nankai (orange). Only JR can take visitor to the platform Haruka departing from. DO NOT use Nankai.

3. Before entering tickets gate, find JR Ticket Office where visitors can purchase ticket or reserved ticket for JR train.(there is a huge sign in English above their head).JR ticket office staff may or may not speak English, but they can read place names and train types written in the Roman alphabet. 

4. With one’s tickets, go through JR ticket gate and take an escalator to get to Platform 4.

Japan and its people are very proud of Shimanami Kaido Bridge, the world’s longest series of suspension bridges, which connects Honshu (Japan’s main island) with Shikoku. Visitors can enter or exit the bridge from either Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture on the Honshu side or from Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture on the Shikoku side. This 60 kilometer long bridge-toll road can be utilized by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Visitors can use Shimanami Kaido to visit Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima islands as the bridge has exits for its users to stop along the Seto Inland Islands on their way to Honshu or Shikoku. Some areas of attractions on the islands include:
**Innoshima Suigun Castle on Innoshima Island. Though not the original castle, the recreated naval castle is modeled after the original castle from the 14th to 15th centuries. Visitors will find a museum about the Japanese navy within the castle.
**Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima Island. Dedicated to the founder’s mother, the buildings within the temple grounds are modeled after famous Japanese historic structures. This temple has a museum as well displaying rare, high quality antique art pieces.
**Oyamazumi Jinja (Shrine) on Omishima Island.  The deity enshrined at this shrine is the protector of the sailors and soldiers. The shrine is also famous for its collection of historic armor and swords.
**Kirosan Observatory Park on Oshima Island.  Visitors can view Kurushima-kaiyo Strait Bridge, the first three consecutive suspension bridges in the world! In addition, Kurshima-kaiyo Strait, one of the three fastest currents in Japan can be seen here.

In addition to the tourist attractions, visitors can enjoy the fresh sea air, cool sea breeze as well as sunshine on this island hopping bridge.  Visitors will find beautiful beaches on the islands.  There are campgrounds as well as hot spring inns (ryokan) for those who wish to spend the night.

Visitors are recommended to try the local fruits and vegetables these islands are proud of. Citrus is especially popular in this area. The seafood, caught from the surrounding Seto Inland Sea, is delicious as well. Sea bream. Octopus, Shellfish (including short-neck clams and freshwater clams) are but a few of the popular seafood in this area.

The bridge can be accessed by car, moped, bus, and bicycle or on foot. There are ferries as well to the islands with the Shimanami Kaido Bridge in the background. Not just a bridge, toll way connecting the islands as well Honshu and Shikoku, Shimanami Kaido is new way to access, discover and experience Japan treasures. 

Raikyuji Temple (頼久寺, Raikyūji) is a temple of the Rinzai school of Japanese Zen Buddhism in Takahashi's old town.
The temple once served as the residence of Kobori Enshu, a local feudal lord who was also active as a renowned architect, garden designer and tea ceremony master.
Kobori Enshu or Masakazu  designed famous castles, palaces and gardens across Japan, especially in Kyoto.

Some of his most famous projects include the renovation of the local castle and the design of Nagoya Castle, Sumpu Castle and numerous gardens across Japan including those at the Sento Palace, Nijo Castle, Kodaiji Temple and Daitokuji Temple.

Kobori Enshu also designed the dry garden at Raikyuji Temple.
The garden incorporates elements such as islands representing a crane and turtle (symbols of longevity and health) and borrowed scenery, which he commonly employed in his designs.
Visitors can view the garden from the temple building.   
                                                                            
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed : No closing days
Admission: 300 yen
 

Sengan-en Garden (仙巌園), also known as Isoteien (磯庭園), is a Japanese style landscape garden along the coast north of downtown Kagoshima.The use of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay bring amazing landscape as borrowed scenery is one of the garden’s most striking feature. The garden also includes small ponds, streams, shrines and a bamboo grove.
Sengan-en was built in 1658 by the wealthy Shimazu Clan, one of the most powerful feudal clans during the Edo Period (1603-1867). The Shimazu ruled the Satsuma domain (today Kagoshima) for almost 700 years until the end of the feudal age in 1868. They continued to be influential into the modern era as some of the earliest adopters of Western science and technology.

At the center of the garden stands the Iso Residence. The residence was originally constructed in 1658 along with the rest of the garden, but the current building mostly dates back to a rebuild of the mid 1880s. The Iso Residence became the main residence of the Shimazu family after the end of the feudal age, and its rooms are preserved in the way they were used in the 1890s. The inside of the residence can only be seen on a paid tour that includes tea and a snack at the end.
Sengan-en has a variety of trees and plants that make the garden scenery amusing in all four seasons. There are a number of cherry trees, especially of the early flowering kanhizakura variety, which open as early as late January. Other cherry tree varieties give flowers through mid April.

Outside the main garden area, but included in the admission price, stands a long stone building that used to serve as one of the earliest Western style machinery factories in Japan. Today it houses the Shoko Shusei-kan Museum with exhibits about the culture and maritime activities of the Shimizu Clan and the early factory and machines which contributed toward Japan's modernization in the 1800s.

Access info
Sengan-en can be reached by the Kagoshima City View bus to Senganen -mae bus stop (every 30 minutes, 190 yen per ride. A 1 day pass available for 600 yen.). The bus can be boarded at Kagoshima Chuo Station, the Shiroyama Observatory, Kagoshima Aquarium and some other tourist spots.
Schedule & cost

Hours: 8:30 to 17:30
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 1000 yen (additional 600 yen for tour through Iso Residence)

 

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.


The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.


Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature,

having an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.
 

Before a strong eruption in 1914, Sakurajima used to be an island in the bay,

but the massive lava flow from that eruption created the volcano's current land connection to the Osumi Peninsula in the east.


However For a great number of travelers the volcano is still most easily accessed by the ferries that run the 3.5

kilometers between Kagoshima Port and the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal.
 

Sakurajima has three main peaks: Kita-dake(peak) (, 1117 meters),

Naka-dake (1060 meters) and Minami-dake (1040 meters).


The Minami-dake peak is currently the most active,

with a lot of eruptions taking place from the Showa Crater on the peak's eastern slope.


Approaching within two kilometers of the volcano's craters is banned,

but there are many observation points around Sakurajima where eruptions can be seen from about three kilometers away.
 

Access information

In Sakurajima

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the Ferry Terminal,

including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center.


Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car,

which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries.

Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.


The way up to Sakurajima

Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.

The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.

The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,

and is also served by the City View Buses.

The way up to around Sakurajima

The easiest way to travel around Sakurajima is by rental car,

which can be taken onto the ferry (1150 yen one way for 3-4 meter long cars; 1600 yen one way for 4-5 meter long cars).

Driving once around the coast of Sakurajima takes about an hour.

Many car rental outlets are found in the city center and at the airport.


There is some transportation for travelers who want to travel around Sakurajima,

like a loop bus, the Sakurajima Island View Bus,

that operates hourly from the ferry terminal to the Yunohira observation point and back.


The fare depends on the distance traveled or is 500 yen for a 1-day pass.

Instead,sightseeing bus tours are available for Sakurajima (3-4 hours, about 2500 yen) or in combination with Kagoshima (6 hours, about 4000 yen).

 

There are also regular city buses that run infrequently from the ferry terminal along the northern

coast (departures every 1-3 hours) and along the southern coast (departures every 40-90 minutes) of Sakurajima.

 

Nagisa Lava Trail

About three kilometers of walking trails connects Nagisa Lava park with Karasujima Observation Point along the water beside the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal.


The trail cuts through a lava zone created by the powerful eruption of 1914.

That burned every grasses and plants.

However, travelers can observe the growth of grasses and short plants nowadays.
 

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.
 

The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.
 

Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature,

having an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.

 

Access info

From Sakurajima Ferry Terminal: 10-minute walk 

From bus stop “visitor center”: 1-minute walk
 

The way up to Sakurajima

Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.

The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.

The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,

and is also served by the City View Buses.


 

These pleasant foot baths are a great place to take a break observing Sakurajima.


The baths are very long and stretch for dozens of meters.

From the baths there are also respectable views onto the bay and across the water to Kagoshima City.

A towel can be purchased at visitor center near the park.


Admission: Free
 

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.

The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.


Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature as it is located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay.


It has an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.
 

A Powerful eruption happened and burned everything in 1914, however, grasses and plants are growing these days.
 

Access information
 

In Sakurajima

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the Ferry Terminal,

including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center.
 

Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car,

which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries.

Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.
 

The way up to Sakurajima

Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.

The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.


The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,

and is also served by the City View Buses.


There are also regular city buses that run infrequently from the ferry terminal along the northern coast (departures every 1-3 hours)

and along the southern coast (departures every 40-90 minutes) of Sakurajima.

 

Sakurajima Visitor Center

You can learn about Sakurajima there.


It simply exhibits and explains the history and nature to understand Sakurajima deeply.

In the pavilion, which consists of nine parts,

the history of Sakurajima and the transition of plants,

sightseeing information and disaster-prevention activities are available.


You can experience the active volcano Sakurajima over the hi-vision theater, the diorama and our computer programs.


Much of the information is provided in English and Chinese.


It is right next to the Sakurajima ferry terminal
 

Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 

Admission: Free 

Closed: No closing days

Etc: Barrier-free, WC, Souvenir shop

 

About Sakurajima

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.

The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.


Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature as it is located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay.

It has an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.

A Powerful eruption happened and burned everything in 1914, however, grasses and plants are growing these days.
 

Access information
 

In Sakurajima

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the Ferry Terminal,

including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center.


Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car, which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries.

Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.
 

The way up to Sakurajima

Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.


The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.


The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,


and is also served by the City View Buses.



There are also regular city buses that run infrequently from the ferry terminal along the northern coast(departures every 1-3 hours)

and along the southern coast (departures every 40-90 minutes) of Sakurajima.


 

Part of a larger tourist facility that includes a hotel,

shops and restaurants, the Magma Onsen has hot spring baths that are open to day trippers.


It should be noted that the baths have large windows and you can look out across water to Kagoshima City. 

 

Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 

Every Wednesday open from 13:00-for cleaning)

Admission: 300 yen 

Closed: No closing days

A hand towel is available for 200yen.
 

About Sakurajima

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.

The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.
 

Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature as it is located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay.

It has an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.
 

A Powerful eruption happened and burned everything in 1914, however, grasses and plants are growing these days.
 

Access information
 

In Sakurajima

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the Ferry Terminal,
 

including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center.

Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car, which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries.

Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.
 

The way up to Sakurajima

Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.

The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.

The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,

and is also served by the City View Buses.


There are also regular city buses that run infrequently from the ferry terminal along the northern coast (departures every 1-3 hours)

and along the southern coast (departures every 40-90 minutes)

of Sakurajima.


 

This unique park takes its name from the seven life size dinosaur statues.

They can be found here and there.

The park is good for tourists with kids as it has jungle gym equipment.

When the cherry tree flowers are in bloom the park become more destination in early spring
 

How to get to Dinosaur Park

This park is located on a hill about a 15 minute walk from the ferry terminal.
 

About Sakurajima

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.

The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.

Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay,

Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature as it is located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay.

It has an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.

A Powerful eruption happened and burned everything in 1914, however, grasses and plants are growing these days.
 

Access information
 

In Sakurajima

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the Ferry Terminal,

including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center.



Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car,

which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries.


Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.
 

The way up to Sakurajima


Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.

The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.


The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,

and is also served by the City View Buses.


There are also regular city buses that run infrequently from the ferry terminal along the northern coast (departures every 1-3 hours)

and along the southern coast (departures every 40-90 minutes) of Sakurajima.

 

It’s Sakurajima's main observation points and has the highest elevation at 373 meters giving a panorama view.


It allows you to watch the Kagoshima city across the Kinko Bay. The sun setting over the sea should be noted. 


It is the closet to Sakurajima's crater, about 2.5 kilometers away. It’s located along the volcano's western slope.
 

How to get there

 The Yunohira Observation Point is 8km ahead of the ferry terminal.

Near to theYunohira-tenbosyo bus stop(湯之平展望所)

About Sakurajima

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.

The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.


Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay,

Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature as it is located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay.


It has an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.


A Powerful eruption happened and burned everything in 1914, however, grasses and plants are growing these days.
 

Access information
 

In Sakurajima

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the Ferry Terminal,

including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center.


Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car,

which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries.

Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.
 

The way up to Sakurajima

Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.

The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.

The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,

and is also served by the City View Buses.
 

There are also regular city buses that run infrequently from the ferry terminal along the northern coast (departures every 1-3 hours)

and along the southern coast (departures every 40-90 minutes) of Sakurajima.