Kagoshima can be reached via Kagoshima Airport (KOJ), which is located about 29.6 kilometers (about an hour's drive) northeast of the city center. The airport is well-served by numerous domestic flights from cities such as Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Itami and Kansai), Nagoya (Chubu), and Naha (Okinawa). International travelers typically connect through these major hubs after arriving in Japan.
From the airport, visitors can take the Kagoshima Airport Limousine Bus to reach the city center. Taxis and car rentals are also available at the airport.
For a scenic route, travelers can use Japan's extensive rail network. Visitors coming from Tokyo would take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Shin-Osaka and then transfer to the Sakura Shinkansen which goes to Kagoshima-Chuo Station in Kagoshima city. The journey by train from Tokyo can take approximately seven hours.
Kagoshima is also accessible by ferry. There are regular services connecting the city with other parts of Kyushu, as well as the nearby Sakurajima island and the more distant Yakushima and Tanegashima islands, both known for their natural beauty.
Long-distance highway buses connect Kagoshima with various cities in Kyushu, including Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki. While bus travel is typically slower than trains, it can be a less expensive alternative.
Renting a car can be an option for those who prefer driving. Kagoshima is connected to Japan's highway network, which allows for relatively easy travel between cities. Please note that while driving in Japan is safe, visitors must have an international driving permit (IDP) to rent and drive a car.
