Hiking in Kagoshima: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You
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Discover the immaculate beauty and varied terrains that compose one of Japan’s southernmost prefectures!
Explore islands, mountains, rugged coastline and national parks when you head out into the wilderness of Kagoshima on foot. Marvel at ancient forests on Yakushima and climb on the flanks of an active volcano, among many other amazing natural adventures when you head here. Compare and book a certified guide for your trip on Explore-Share.com: 1500+ guides, 70+ countries and more than 8000 different programs to choose from. Take a pick from our selection of Hiking trips in Kagoshima. The mountains are calling!
Top hiking trips | Kagoshima
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FAQs: Hiking in Kagoshima
What should I know about Hiking Kagoshima?
Kagoshima offers a plethora of hiking opportunities for those willing to come and explore the southerly Japanese prefecture. Outside of the aforementioned locations, there are plenty of other incredible sights to visit and trails to hike.
Kirishima-Kinkowan and Unzen-Amakusa National Parks both boast excellent hiking opportunities. Located in the north of the prefecture, Krishima-Kinkowan boasts thick forests and some rugged mountain terrain. Hiking to the top of Mount Karakuni and Mt Takachiho are among the favourite activities.
Situated on the western coastline, Unzen-Amakusa also offers some incredible mountain terrain and the chance to hike around an active volcano. Heading up to Mt Unzen is an especially popular activity in the park.
Outside of these national parks, there are various other incredible hiking spots as well. Amami Guntō and Nichinan Kaigan are two quasi-national parks that offer plenty of excellent hiking and scenery too. Akune, Bōnoma, Fukiagehama, Imutaike, Koshikijima, Ōsumi Nanbu, Sendaigawa Ryūiki, Takakumayama, and Tokara Rettō are all natural parks in the prefecture that live up to their designations.
Why should I choose Kagoshima for my Hiking adventure?
Stunning scenery
Kagoshima is easily among Japan’s most beautiful regions. Nearly 10 percent of the entire prefecture is made up of natural and national parks. Thick green forests, a spectacular coastline and some low-lying mountains provide the area with great walking terrain and stunning views at every turn. The various islands that compose the prefecture are also especially beautiful.
Yakushima Island
A little bit less than four hours to the south of Kagoshima sits the pristine island of Yakushima. The small and circular island is also a hiker’s paradise offering the opportunity to hike through incredible old-growth forest. Shrouded in mist, you will feel like you’re on another planet as you hike through the ancient trees. Coastal walks and hikes up to the island’s highest peak also present immaculate views.
Climb Sakurajima
The prefecture’s semi-active volcano is among the most popular hiking destinations in the prefecture. Boasting three summits, the tallest of which is 1,117 meters high, volcanic ash continues to spew out of its caldera to this day. While exercising a bit of caution, not much compares to climbing up to one of its summits and enjoying the incredible views of the bay and the rest of the prefecture as well.
What can I expect from the weather during my Hiking trip in Kagoshima?
During the summer, average daily temperatures in Kagoshima range from 20 ºC to 28 ºC. During the autumn and spring, average temperatures are closer to 15 ºC. Summer is the wettest season of the year, but the area does not receive a lot of rainfall.
How can I get to Kagoshima?
Any trip to Kagoshima begins with a flight into its regional airport (KOJ), which can be reached directly from Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Shanghai. Many guides will opt to meet you here, but the area is also well-connected by bus, rail and ferry.
Which language is predominantly spoken in the Kagoshima region?
Japanese
What's the country code for the Kagoshima region?
+81
What currency is accepted around Kagoshima?
Yen (JPY)
When is the best time to travel to Kagoshima for Hiking?
April to November
What people are saying about Hiking | Kagoshima
Samantha
Here, you can find several hiking trails of different lengths, that will lead you to some of the most impressive cedars in this primeval forest. This time, I propose to go on a short hiking trip: 1 or 2 hours of hiking in a completely safe environment. Even if it rains, you can take your umbrella and walk in the rain! After this short walk, we can go sightseeing for the rest of the tour day. However, you can stay longer in the forest if you want to, exploring deeper areas in a wilder hiking trail. The total length of the tour will be between 3 and 6 hours, depending on your wishes.
Micke
Junichi is the perfect guide to the magical forests of Yakushima. He is fun to be with and very educational about the nature and the geology of the island. All in perfect English. Also the sightseeing around the island is fascinating with close encounters with monkeys and deer in the forests. He also provides great lunch-bentos and also a vegetarian alternative. Highly recommended!!!
Diane
Junichi was an incredible guide who had answers for all of my questions about Yakushima! So friendly and patient. The hike to Yamato-Sugi was so special, and I'm so glad to do that one and have some time with the amazing tree and in the quiet of the forest.
Kamil
The trip with Junichi was a great and fully personalised experience. Yakushima is such an an amazing island! The guide takes care of absolutely everything - choosing the best spots, taking you there, telling you the story surrounding those locations, taking photos and even organising catering. Junichi is a very passionate and friendly guide - we enjoyed our time with him immensely. Thank You!
Erik
We had *such* a good time with Junichi. The morning started with some light kayaking on the beautiful Anbo River with a stop for some tea before hiking in the cedar forests. Junichi speaks perfect English and is an excellent tour guide who taught us about the local plants and animals in Yakushima. Highly, highly recommend this, it was one of our favorite parts of our entire trip to Japan.
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