Kagoshima

Japan

Kagoshima is a city on the southern tip of Kyushu, Japan, on a bay facing the active Sakurajima volcano. Seat of the powerful Shimazu clan, it shaped Japan's modernization. Attractions include views of Sakurajima across the bay — reachable by ferry to its lava fields — the Sengan-en garden and Shimazu villa, the castle ruins, the Meiji Restoration museum, and excursions to Ibusuki's sand baths, Chiran's samurai district and peace museum, and Kirishima's mountains.