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How to Get to Kagoshima

How to Get to Kagoshima

Kagoshima Japan Travel Guide

Understand Air Travel to Kagoshima

Kagoshima Airport KOJ Overview

Kagoshima Airport serves as the main air gateway to the region for both domestic and limited international flights into the prefecture.

Domestic Airlines & Routes

  • JAL, ANA, Skymark, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan offer frequent domestic services.
  • Connects from Tokyo (Haneda, Narita), Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Yakushima.
  • Find flight deals on Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

International Flights & Airport Services

Limited direct international flights operate. Airlines like Asiana Airlines (Seoul-Incheon), China Airlines (Taipei), and Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong) have served Kagoshima (availability changes). Most international visitors connect via major Japanese hubs.

Facilities & Transfers

  • Airport features restaurants, souvenir shops, duty-free.
  • A unique onsen foot bath (Ashiyu) near domestic terminal.
  • Airport Limousine Bus: most convenient to Kagoshima-Chuo Station (40-50 min, ¥1,300-¥1,400).

No Direct Global Flights

No direct flights from North America or Europe. Connect through Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka.

Seasonal Price Increases

Flight prices increase during Japanese national holidays (The Golden week holidays, Obon, New Year) and peak seasons.

Airport Amenities

Kagoshima Airport has an unique onsen foot bath, a relaxing pre- or post-flight experience.

Transfer Options from Kagoshima Airport

Airport Limousine Bus

  • Most convenient transfer option.
  • Direct to Kagoshima-Chuo Station (40-50 min).
  • Fare: ¥1,300-¥1,400 one-way.
  • Also serves the Tenmonkan area.

Other Transfer Methods

  • Rental Car: Agencies operate counters at the airport.
  • Taxi: Available, but pricier than the bus.
  • No mass train connections directly from the airport.
  • Plan for travel time, particularly during rush hour.

Departure Procedures

Exit Fees

Japan does not specific exit fees. A "Sayonara Tax" (International Tourist Tax) of ¥1,000 is incorporated in airline and boat tickets for international departures.

Timing

Arrive at Kagoshima Airport at least 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights and 2-2.5 hours before international flights.

Facilities

Kagoshima The airport provides souvenir shops, restaurants, plus lounges. Kagoshima-Chuo Station has vast retail (Amu Plaza), plenty of dining places.

Consider Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Japan's efficient land transport network connects Kagoshima extensively. Kagoshima-Chuo Station serves as the southern terminus of the Kyushu Shinkansen line.

Shinkansen Bullet Train

  • Direct Shinkansen services run to Kumamoto and Hakata (Fukuoka).
  • From Hakata, connect to Sanyo Shinkansen (Hiroshima, Osaka) and Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo).
  • Kagoshima-Chuo to Hakata takes about AN hour 20 minutes.

Long-Distance Buses & Driving

Various bus companies operate long-distance routes, connecting Kagoshima City to major cities in Kyushu and beyond, including Fukuoka, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, and Osaka. Buses typically a lower cost but slower alternative to the Shinkansen.

Self-Driving Considerations

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) required (1949 Geneva Convention).
  • Roads well-maintained, drive on the left side.
  • Expressways have tolls; ETC card Recommended (DiscoverCars.com).

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads are generally safe. Be aware of slim streets in older city areas and rural roads. Volcanic ash sometimes visibility plus road quality near Sakurajima.

Driving Points

  • Parking available in cities, often requiring payment.
  • Volcanic ash impacts visibility near Sakurajima.
  • GPS navigation highly advisable.

Local & Limited Express Trains

These services connect Kagoshima-Chuo to other parts of Kagoshima Prefecture and southern Kyushu.

Regional Connections

  • Access different local destinations.
  • Convenient for exploring smaller towns and scenic routes.
  • Tickets purchased at depots.

International Land Borders

  • This section is not applicable for Kagoshima.
  • Kagoshima is on Kyushu island within Japan.
  • It does not international land borders.
  • No border crossings to manage.
  • No customs checks for land entry.
  • Focus on domestic travel connections.

Plan Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Kagoshima's port is the starting point for its remote islands and a make a stop for cruises. Kagoshima New Port is the main port for ferry travel services. Regular ferry services connect Kagoshima City to various remote islands of Kagoshima Prefecture, including Yakushima, Tanegashima, and Amami Oshima, plus Okinawa.

Ferry Routes

  • Yakushima: High-speed ferries (2-4 hours), slower car ferries (4-12 hours).
  • Amami Oshima: Approximately 11-13 hours.
  • Okinawa: Be ready for a journey of about 25 hours.

Immigration & Connections

Standard immigration procedures apply for international arrivals via cruise ship. No additional immigration checks for domestic taking the ferry. Kagoshima The Cruise port serves international cruise ships. Significant public river transportation is not applicable in Kagoshima City.

Port Access

  • Kagoshima New Port accessible by city bus or taxi.
  • From Kagoshima-Chuo Station or Tenmonkan area.
  • River transport not a factor in Kagoshima.

Island Access

Ferries connect to remote islands like Yakushima, Tanegashima, Amami Oshima, and Okinawa.

Cruise Terminal

Kagoshima Where The sea voyage ships dock serves international cruise ships with standard immigration.

Port Accessibility

Kagoshima New Port is reachable via city bus or cab from central city locations.

Prepare for Departure

Departure Formalities

Japan does not specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers. A "Sayonara Tax" (International Tourist Tax) of ¥1,000 is included in airline and tickets for the ferry for international departures.

Check-in Timing

  • Domestic flights: 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • International flights: 2-2.FIVE hours ahead of departure.
  • Follow standard airport or port check-in procedures.

Airport/Station Facilities

Kagoshima The airport provides souvenir shops, restaurants, and waiting areas for departing travelers. Kagoshima-Chuo Station features wide-ranging shopping (Amu Plaza), numerous restaurants, and local stores, amenities for departing travelers.

Conveniences Before You Go

  • Last-minute souvenir shopping.
  • Dining options for a final Japanese meal.
  • Charging stations for electronic devices.

Travel Checklist for Departure

Documents

Passport, boarding pass, any necessary travel documents.

Baggage

Check baggage allowance. Pack according to airline rules.

Currency

Convert remaining Yen or prepare for next destination's currency.

Final Departure Note

Allow ample time for transfers to the airport or port, particularly during busy travel periods. Enjoy a smooth departure from Kagoshima!