7 spots โ sorted by traveller rating
The warm Kuroshio current sweeping past Yakushima and Amami brings exceptional visibility and rich marine life โ sea turtles nest on the beaches, and the coral reefs teem with manta rays, whale sharks in season, and Hammerhead sharks.
Sakurajima, one of the world's most active volcanoes, is visible across Kinko Bay from Kagoshima city. Lava Nagisa Park at the volcano's base offers Japan's longest footbath (100 m) built directly on a lava field hardened from the 1914 eruption. Soaking your feet while watching Sakurajima's summit vent smoke against the sky is uniquely surreal โ ash masks are advisable on active days.
The Kuma River in Hitoyoshi (near Kagoshima's Kumamoto border) is rated one of Japan's top three rivers โ professional-guided raft trips navigate gorge rapids between forested cliffs, with optional hot-spring stops in the historic castle town.
Cycling the 36 km circumference of Sakurajima on roads flanked by black lava fields is one of southern Japan's most dramatic rides โ daily ferries from Kagoshima city make it a perfect day trip. The lava fields route passes steaming crevices and buried torii gates.
Japan's southernmost onsen resort โ Ibusuki's warm volcanic springs along the Satsuma Peninsula coast range from upmarket ryokan with private outdoor baths to public bathhouses with views of Kaimondake volcano.
Japan's famous natural sand bath โ lie buried up to your neck in geothermally heated black sand on Ibusuki beach, letting natural volcanic warmth permeate your body. A uniquely Kagoshima experience at the southern tip of Kyushu.
Japan's primary rocket launch facility on a spectacular Pacific island โ the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center has a public museum, and launch viewing events open the island to thousands of excited spectators. The island also has pristine surf beaches.
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