Kagoshima is located at the southernmost tip of Kyushu. Many people associate Kagoshima with the Kagoshima(bullet train), but it can actually be accessed by various means of transportation, including airplanes and rental cars. This article introduces the main ways to get to Kagoshima. (© Kagoshima Tourism Convention Association)
Written by
JR Kyushu Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd., a member of the JR Kyushu Group, operates lodging-focused hotels in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Naha, as well as hot spring inns in Beppu and Ureshino, two of Japan's leading hot spring resorts.
Where in Kagoshima is Kagoshima located?
Kagoshima Prefecture is located in the southernmost part of Kyushu, bordering Kumamoto Prefecture to the north and Miyazaki Prefecture to the east. Although it is about 280 km away from Fukuoka, the gateway to Kyushu, it is characterized by its well-developed transportation network, including airplanes, trains, expressways, and ferries, making it accessible via various routes.
Kagoshima Prefecture is also a popular tourist destination where magnificent nature, history, hot springs, and food culture harmonize.
From the iconic Sakurajima volcano to the World Heritage site Sengan-en Garden, and the renowned hot spring resorts of Kirishima and Ibusuki, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery and abundant nature nurtured by volcanoes. In addition, Kagoshima.
Furthermore, there are numerous historical sites associated with Saigo Takamori, a great figure of the late Edo period, as well as many spots where you can experience the history and culture that supported Japan's modernization.
Kagoshima, where you can enjoy nature, history, hot springs, and gourmet food all at once, is a travel destination that offers new charms not only for first-time visitors to Kyushu but also for those who have visited many times before.
There's more than one way to get to Kagoshima! A route guide to choose from, tailored to your travel style.
Kagoshima can be accessed not only by Shinkansen (bullet train), but also by airplane, ferry, train, and rental car, offering a variety of transportation options to suit your travel style.
However, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is not the only way to get to Kagoshima. You can access Kagoshima using a variety of transportation options, including airplanes, ferries, JR trains, and rental cars.
Enjoy the unique charm of each mode of transportation and choose the route that best suits your itinerary to reach Kagoshima. We recommend checking the latest service information for each mode of transport before you depart.
*Please note that public transportation services may be subject to change due to disasters, weather conditions, etc.
Please check the official websites of each transportation provider before using their services.
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Table of Contents
- Airplane | Smooth access from major cities nationwide
- Ferry | Make travel time a part of your trip memories
- Railway | Traveling through Kyushu to Kagoshima
- Rent a car and drive around Kyushu at your own pace.
- Convenient access from any route | JR KYUSHU HOTEL Kagoshima, directly connected to Kagoshima -Chuo Station
- Embark on a journey to discover the charms of Kyushu, following your own unique route.
Airplane | Smooth access from major cities nationwide
Kagoshima Airport has many flights operating from various locations throughout Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
The airport limousine bus takes approximately 40-50 minutes from the airport to Kagoshima Chuo Station.
This is a convenient way to get around, especially for trips with lots of luggage or short trips.
Recommended for people like this
- First time visiting Kagoshima- A 2-night, 3-day trip - Want to sightsee efficiently in a limited time
A trip around Kyushu by plane | From Tokyo to Fukuoka via Kagoshima
Enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo, then take a flight to Kyushu. This tour plan allows you to enjoy two cities: Fukuoka and Kagoshima.
| Itinerary | means of transportation | Estimated time required |
| Tokyo(Haneda Airport) → Fukuoka | plane | Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Fukuoka → Hakata Station | Fukuoka City Subway | Approximately 15 minutes |
| Sightseeing around Hakata Station, Canal City Hakata, Fukuoka Tower, etc. | - | Half a day to one day |
| Hakata Station → Fukuoka | Fukuoka City Subway | Approximately 15 minutes |
| Fukuoka → Kagoshima Airport | plane | Approximately 50 minutes |
| Kagoshima Airport → Kagoshima-Chuo Station | Airport limousine bus | Approximately 40 minutes |
| Enjoy local cuisine in Tenmonkan and admire the night view of Sakurajima from Shiroyama Observatory. | - | stay |
Ferry | Make travel time a part of your trip memories
On the ferry connecting Osaka and Shibushi in Kagoshima , the travel time itself becomes part of the enjoyment of the journey.
Departing from Osaka at night, you'll arrive in Kagoshima the next morning after a relaxing stay aboard the ship. You can enjoy the unique experience of a cruise, including your cabin, the observation deck, and the restaurant.
Furthermore, since you can bring your own car or motorcycle on board, we recommend taking a road trip to various parts of Kagoshima , such as Kirishima, Ibusuki, and the Osumi Peninsula , after arriving.
From Shibushi Port, you can access Kagoshima Chuo Station by shuttle bus, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in the city.
Recommended for people like this
I want to enjoy a leisurely trip. I want to travel with my car or motorcycle. I want to enjoy a Kyushu trip that's a little different from the norm.
Enjoy a relaxing cruise by ferry | A leisurely cruise from Osaka to Kagoshima
| Itinerary | means of transportation | Estimated time required |
| Sightseeing in Osaka City(Dotonbori, Osaka, Umeda, etc.) | - | Half a day to one day |
| Osaka South Port → Shibushi Port (Kagoshima) | Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Sunflower | Approximately 15 hours (overnight on board) |
| Shibushi Port → Kagoshima-Chuo Station | Sunflower Liner (express shuttle bus) | Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Kagoshima sightseeing including Sengan-en Garden, Shiroyama Observatory, and Tenmonkan | - | Half a day to one day |
Railway | Traveling through Kyushu to Kagoshima
If you're looking to enjoy a trip to Kyushu, a train journey using JR lines is also highly recommended.
You can enjoy the scenery along the route and various tourist spots while using the Kyushu Shinkansen or conventional lines. The fact that travel time itself becomes part of the journey is a unique charm of train travel.
Recommended for people like this
- I will be using the JR Kyushu Rail Pass (for international visitors only) - I want to travel around Kyushu - I love train travel
A Kyushu trip by Shinkansen | From Fukuoka to Kagoshima
Using the Kyushu Shinkansen, you can reach Kagoshima-Chuo Station from Hakata Station in as little as 1 hour and 20 minutes. Because it shortens travel time, it's recommended for those who want to efficiently visit Fukuoka and Kagoshima, or those who want to enjoy a Kyushu trip on a limited schedule.
*Currently, due to the effects of the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, the Kyushu Shinkansen line between Kumamoto and Shin- Minamata is suspended. Once service resumes, you will be able to comfortably access Kagoshima-Chuo Station from Hakata Station by Kagoshima . Please check the JR Kyushu official website for the latest service information.
| Itinerary | means of transportation | Estimated time required |
| Fukuoka sightseeing, including the area around Hakata Station, Canal City Hakata, and Fukuoka Tower. | - | Half a day to one day |
| Hakata Station → Kagoshima-Chuo Station | Kyushu Shinkansen "Mizuho" and "Sakura" | Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes |
A journey across Kyushu by JR train | From Fukuoka to Miyazaki via Kagoshima
Enjoy a leisurely train journey through Kyushu, taking in the beautiful scenery of various regions.
The route from Fukuoka to Miyazaki via Kagoshima offers a unique JR train journey, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the coast and the rich natural beauty along the way.
In Miyazaki, you can enjoy tropical scenery such as Aoshima Island and the Nichinan Coast, and then take the limited express "Kirishima" to Kagoshima. This model route allows you to experience the charms of two prefectures at once while traversing Kyushu.
| Itinerary | means of transportation | Estimated time required |
| Hakata Station → Miyazaki Station | JR Limited Express trains such as "Sonic" and "Nichirin" | Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours |
| Miyazaki sightseeing including Aoshima Island, Miyazaki Shrine, and Sunmesse Nichinan. | - | Half a day to one day |
| Miyazaki Station → Kagoshima-Chuo Station | JR Nippo Main Line Limited Express "Kirishima" | Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes |
| Kagoshima sightseeing spots such as Tenmonkan, Shiroyama Observatory, and Sengan-en Garden. | - | Half a day to one day |
Rent a car and drive around Kyushu at your own pace.
With a rental car, you can enjoy a free and easy trip, stopping at tourist spots along the way.
On the route from Miyazaki to Kagoshima , you can enjoy scenery unique to Minamikyushu , such as the Nichinan Coast with its expansive blue ocean and the Kirishima Shrine, which is associated with mythology.
Recommended for people like this
• I love nature • I love taking pictures • I enjoy traveling with family and friends
A scenic road trip by rental car | From Miyazaki to Kagoshima
A drive from Miyazaki to Kagoshima offers a chance to enjoy the spectacular scenery, history, and nature unique to Minamikyushu. At Aoshima Island and Aoshima Island Shrine, you can admire the beautiful coastline surrounded by the nationally designated natural monument, "Oni no Sentakuita" (Devil's Washboard), while at Sunmesse Nichinan and Nichinan Coast, you can enjoy a refreshing seaside drive while gazing at the blue ocean. If you have time, we also recommend extending your trip to Cape Toi Misaki, where wild Misaki horses live.
Before heading to Kagoshima , be sure to visit Kirishima Shrine, one of the most representative power spots in Minamikyushu . This shrine boasts a history of approximately 1,400 years and is known as a venerable shrine dedicated to Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the protagonist of Japanese mythology. Surrounded by abundant nature, the majestic grounds will soothe your travel fatigue and make your trip to Kagoshima even more special.
| Itinerary | means of transportation | Estimated time required |
| Miyazaki Station / Miyazaki Airport | Rental car | - |
| Aoshima Island, Aoshima Island Shrine | Approximately 30 minutes | |
| Sunmesse Nichinan/ Nichinan Coast | Approximately 40 minutes | |
| Kirishima Shrine | Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes | |
| Kagoshima -Chuo Station | Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes |
Convenient access from any route | JR KYUSHU HOTEL Kagoshima, directly connected to Kagoshima -Chuo Station
Many guests at JR KYUSHU HOTEL Kagoshima arrive using a variety of transportation methods, including not only the Shinkansen (bullet train) but also airplanes and rental cars. The ability to choose your access method according to the traffic situation and your travel style is one of the attractions of traveling to Kagoshima.
The hotel is directly connected to JR Kagoshima Chuo Station, offering excellent access to the Kyushu Shinkansen, local trains, streetcars, and buses. It's conveniently located as a base for sightseeing not only in Kagoshima City but also in various parts of the prefecture, including Sakurajima, Sengan-en Garden, Ibusuki, and Kirishima.
Additionally, guests arriving by car can use the multi-story parking garage directly connected to the station. This is ideal for those traveling around Kyushu by rental car, as you can access the hotel regardless of the weather.
After checking in, you can enjoy shopping and dining at Tenmonkan and Amu Plaza Kagoshima, ensuring a comfortable stay even for first-time visitors to Kagoshima.
Embark on a journey to discover the charms of Kyushu, following your own unique route.
A trip to Kagoshima isn't just about the Shinkansen (bullet train).
Whether it's an efficient trip by plane to explore cities, a ferry ride to enjoy the sea voyage itself, a scenic train journey on the JR line, or a free-spirited trip with a rental car to stop at breathtaking locations and hot springs, each mode of transportation offers its own unique charm beyond simply getting to your destination.
Kyushu boasts a diverse array of attractions, including magnificent natural landscapes, beautiful coastlines, historic townscapes, hot springs, and regionally distinct food cultures. One of the greatest joys of traveling in Kyushu is discovering new sights and experiences simply by changing your mode of transportation.
Currently, some transportation services are experiencing changes in their operating status, but many tourist facilities and accommodations throughout Kyushu, including Kagoshima, are operating as usual. Choose the route that best suits your travel style and enjoy your trip around Kyushu, and the unique charm of Kagoshima.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to get to Kagoshima by means other than the Shinkansen (bullet train)?
It is accessible by airplane, ferry, rental car, and conventional express train.
How long does it take to get from Kagoshima Airport to the city center?
It takes about 40 minutes to get to Kagoshima Chuo Station by airport limousine bus.
Is it possible to travel around Kyushu and then go to Kagoshima?
Tour routes that pass through Miyazaki and Kumamoto are also popular.
If I'm going to Kagoshima for the first time, what mode of transportation would you recommend?
I recommend taking either an airplane or the Kyushu Shinkansen (bullet train).
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