Name
Aira
Description
Nearby attractions
Sengan-enKagoshima City AquariumShiroyama Park Observation DeckYunohira Observation DeckSakurajima Visitor CenterKagoshima ShrineEbino PlateauKurokami Buried Shrine GateShiroyama ParkMt Kirishima Foothill Spring Water PondNearby restaurants
Kuraraざぼんラーメン スカイロード溝辺店TentenyuMakoto RamenMarutake HonkiRamen TohgeiYamakataya Co., Ltd.Airport Restaurant.OhkusuteiSakurajima Service Area Southbound RestaurantsRamen WakadaiNearby localities
NagasakiKagoshimaKumamotoBeppuDazaifuSaseboOitaKirishimaYufuTakachihoRelated posts
Keywords
Aira tourism.Aira hotels.Aira bed and breakfast. flights to Aira.Aira attractions.Aira restaurants.Aira travel.Aira travel guide.Aira travel blog.Aira pictures.Aira photos.Aira travel tips.Aira maps.Aira things to do.Aira things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Basic Info
Aira
Aira, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Ratings & Description
Info
attractions: Sengan-en, Kagoshima City Aquarium, Shiroyama Park Observation Deck, Yunohira Observation Deck, Sakurajima Visitor Center, Kagoshima Shrine, Ebino Plateau, Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate, Shiroyama Park, Mt Kirishima Foothill Spring Water Pond, restaurants: Kurara, ざぼんラーメン スカイロード溝辺店, Tentenyu, Makoto Ramen, Marutake Honki, Ramen Tohgei, Yamakataya Co., Ltd.Airport Restaurant., Ohkusutei, Sakurajima Service Area Southbound Restaurants, Ramen Wakadai

Plan your stay
Reviews
Things to Do in Aira, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan - Aira Attractions & Activities
Attractions of Aira
Sengan-en
Kagoshima City Aquarium
Shiroyama Park Observation Deck
Yunohira Observation Deck
Sakurajima Visitor Center
Kagoshima Shrine
Ebino Plateau
Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate
Shiroyama Park
Mt Kirishima Foothill Spring Water Pond

Sengan-en
4.3
(5.1K)
Open until 5:00 PM
Click for details

Kagoshima City Aquarium
4.3
(3.1K)
Open until 6:00 PM
Click for details

Shiroyama Park Observation Deck
4.3
(2.1K)
Open until 12:00 AM
Click for details

Yunohira Observation Deck
4.2
(2.2K)
Open until 12:00 AM
Click for details
Things to do nearby

Private calligraphy experience for up to 2 people | Peaceful time in Kagoshima
Thu, Oct 9 • 10:00 AM
890-0055, Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan
View details
Restaurants of Aira
Kurara
ざぼんラーメン スカイロード溝辺店
Tentenyu
Makoto Ramen
Marutake Honki
Ramen Tohgei
Yamakataya Co., Ltd.Airport Restaurant.
Ohkusutei
Sakurajima Service Area Southbound Restaurants
Ramen Wakadai

Kurara
4.4
(385)
$$
Closed
Click for details

ざぼんラーメン スカイロード溝辺店
3.7
(406)
$$
Closed
Click for details

Tentenyu
4.2
(345)
$$
Closed
Click for details

Makoto Ramen
4.3
(324)
$$
Closed
Click for details
Sengan-en

Sengan-en
4.3Garden
Nicole KidmanNicole Kidman
Kagoshima's Sengan-en Garden 🌺
Quinn WatsonQuinn Watson
Kagoshima: Sengan-en (2)🌋
Grace KellyGrace Kelly
Kagoshima Travel
Jessica LangeJessica Lange
Japan | Kyushu Free Trip Day 2: Kagoshima Sengan-en(2)
Emma WatsonEmma Watson
Kagoshima One-Day Adventure(3) 🔥
Kagoshima City Aquarium

Kagoshima City Aquarium
4.3Aquarium
SeraphineSeraphine
🌄 Japan ~ Kyushu & Kagoshima Pure Travel Guide 🌇
Federico VarasFederico Varas
Kagoshima city aquarium offers a nice cultural adventure to get rid of routine. It obviously has all the educational aspect that can offer to young audiences an adult alike, and it is very nice to walk every little corner amazing yourself with fantastic animals. The Whale Shar is perhaps the biggest attraction but in my personal opinion the dolphin shows spectacular, very different to the shows offered in north America showing the audience a bit more in detail the capacity of reasoning and communicating that these gorgeous marine mammals have. There is a souvenir store, clean toilets, and vending machines on the last floor where the main attraction is the view of Sakurajima volcano. The day I went was very active and so a larger than wanted amount of ashes were falling from the sky causing some eye irritation and making the hair extremely dirty, so heads up with that if you are a bit picky on dirtiness. While that is not very related to the aquarium operation it does affect the visit as the parkade depending on the spot you get can be a couple of hundred meters away from the entrance. Leaving the ash aside I can conclude that the overall experience of the Volcano is really good and that is a nice excuse to spend some quality time with the family. Price wise is reasonable for your first time. Might be expensive for your second visit as it is relatively small and you can finish looking at everything in a small period of time.
IV SauccyIV Sauccy
Kagoshima City Aquarium, also known as Io World, is a renowned attraction in Kagoshima located along the Kinko Bay. The aquarium is celebrated for its focus on marine life from Kagoshima’s local waters, particularly the creatures that inhabit the nearby Kuroshio Current, one of the world’s strongest ocean currents.
Highlights:
1. Main Tank (Kuroshio Tank): The centerpiece of the aquarium, it holds about 1,500 tons of water and houses a variety of large marine species, including whale sharks, the star attractions. Visitors can observe the ecosystem of the Kuroshio Current through a giant glass viewing panel.
2. Dolphin Pool: Located outside the main building, this area allows visitors to watch dolphins perform, play, and swim in an open-air tank with views of Kinko Bay. Scheduled shows highlight the dolphins’ agility and intelligence.
3. Local Marine Life Exhibits: The aquarium showcases aquatic species native to Kagoshima, including sea turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish. Interactive exhibits offer hands-on learning for kids.
4. Seasonal Events: The aquarium hosts special exhibitions and feeding sessions, providing deeper insights into marine biology and animal behavior.
The facility is easily accessible, just a short walk from Kagoshima Port, making it an ideal stop for families and marine enthusiasts  .
Alexia GroisardAlexia Groisard
I was lucky enough to visit this place for free, using tickets given by the city hall.
As a foreigner, it is always interesting to go to aquariums around the world since we can see species we are not used to, and this place wasn't an exception : I was delighted to see their famous (and very cute !) whale shark. Kagoshima's aquarium also provides a dolphin show, a seal show, and some feeding shows (eletric eel, whale shark, pirarucu, ...).
Unfortunately, most of the tanks are really small, too small for their well-being. The dolphin show took place outside, but the dolphins were trapped in what looked like a very narrow tunnel. Even the whale shark, on which all the advertising relies, was put in a tank ridiculously small compared to its size. The place is easily reachable, filled with very fancy and practical amenities (lockers, nursing rooms, free wheelchairs/baby strolls rentals, ...) but the admission fee felt too expensive for the time I spent there (less than two hours)... and, once again, the tanks are really small. Keep those negative points in mind if you want to visit !
Zantyn TeoZantyn Teo
A great experience that features myriad fauna of the ocean surrounding Kagoshima, among others.
The main attraction was the whale shark exhibit, which is a large tank containing one whale shark and many other fishes like lemon sharks, mackerels, yellow fin tuna, guitar sharks, and others that I couldn't remember off the list at the side of the tank stating the names of each animal inside the tank.
There are many other exhibits as well, such as corals, anemones, jellyfish, juvenile sea turtles, all in their respective enclosures. Other exhibits include animals of mangrove swamps like the electric eel and mudskippers. There are also seals and dolphins, the latter of which are also presented by a dolphin show which occurs a few times each day.
All in all a pretty cool experience. There are souvenirs at the end of the experience could be purchased, albeit rather expensive (some more than the cost of the ticket to enter itself).
Shiroyama Park Observation Deck

Shiroyama Park Observation Deck
4.3Observation Deck
Alexia GroisardAlexia Groisard
A very nice place you should definitely visit, as it is near the city center and very close to Terukuni-jinja, one of Kagoshima city's biggest shrine.
The climb might take some time and be kinda difficult since Shiroyama Observatory is high, but it is worth the effort : you will find cats, moss, old trees and statues along the way, and catch one or two beautiful views over the city. Once arrived, if you come at the right time, you will be greeted by a volunteer who will be happy to take pictures of you in front of Sakurajima ! This person will most likely not speak any foreign langage, but they were very nice and super happy when I talked japanese to them :)
Kagoshima is a small city, far away from the agitation of the capital, still, Shiroyama observatory offers a very welcomed moment of peace and quietness. You will remember your climb and day for sure.
IV SauccyIV Sauccy
The Shiroyama Park Observation Deck, located in Kagoshima, Japan, is a popular scenic spot offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Kagoshima Bay, and the imposing Sakurajima volcano. Perched on Mount Shiroyama, the deck is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a peaceful ambiance. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunrises, sunsets, or simply admire the ever-changing face of Sakurajima, often shrouded in mist or emitting volcanic smoke.
The observation deck is equipped with railings and seating, making it a great spot to relax while taking in the sights. On clear days, you can see as far as Kinko Bay and the surrounding islands. The park itself is steeped in history, as it was a key site during the Satsuma Rebellion. Visitors often enjoy strolling through the trails leading to the deck, which are lined with seasonal flowers and shaded by trees.
lontongstroonglontongstroong
Visited in mid-July 2025
Kagoshima has one of the most unusual and stunning sceneries among major Japanese cities, and there's no better way to enjoy the view atop the Shiroyama hill. The location is accessible by a tourist bus running loop in and around the downtown. However, I chose the slightly harder way by taking the stairs and hiking course from the base of the cliff next to Terukuni Shrine.
Since it was during a weekday, the location was pretty deserted. This includes the small shopping area nearby (next to the car park and bus stop). It's a joy to enjoy the quaintness of the place and the crisp air a bit way from hustle and bustle below.
Zhi KaiZhi Kai
Was a very cloudy day with poor visibility of Sakurajimas peak. This is a free public viewing spot with open views of Kagoshima city against the background of Sakurajima. There are seats with shelter under the canopy, food and souvenir stalls, toilets around. Best to come on a clear day and early - before the hoard of tourists and tour groups arrive. Accessible by public bus, or about a 30min walk from Kagoshima city. The hike up is not exceedingly challenging, mostly comprising of gradual steps which should not be too difficult for the relatively fit.
クニヒロクニヒロ
【鹿児島市 城山公園展望台】桜島を望む絶景スポットへ早朝登山!
鹿児島に来たらぜひ訪れてほしいスポットのひとつが、城山公園展望台。
今回は宿泊先のホテルから徒歩で約20分、早朝の静けさの中、登ってきました。
もちろん車でもアクセス可能ですが、個人的には階段を歩いて登るルートがおすすめ!
じんわり汗をかきながら、一歩一歩登っていくその道のりには、「達成感」という名のご褒美が待っています。
途中の木々に囲まれた小道や鳥のさえずりも、旅の思い出に彩りを添えてくれます。
苦労して登ったからこそ味わえる、辿り着いたときの感動。
桜島に向かって突き出したような展望台からは、まるで絵画のような桜島と鹿児島市街の絶景が広がっています。
朝の澄んだ空気とともに、時間を忘れてしまうほどの美しさ。
これから行かれる方は、ぜひGoogleマップで「城山公園展望台」と検索して徒歩ルートをチェックしてみてください。
体力に自信がある方には、絶対に「歩いて登る」プランをおすすめします!
[Kagoshima City Shiroyama Park Observation Deck] Climbing early in the morning to a superb view spot overlooking Sakurajima!
One of the best places to visit when you come to Kagoshima is the Shiroyama Park Observatory.
"This time, about 20 minutes walk from the hotel where I stayed, I climbed up in the early morning silence."
Of course, you can access it by car, but I personally recommend a route to walk up the stairs!
A reward called "a sense of accomplishment" awaits you as you go up step by step, sweating little by little.
The path surrounded by trees along the way and the singing of birds add color to the memories of the trip.
You can enjoy it because you have climbed it so hard that you are impressed when you get there.
From the observatory, which looks like a projection toward Sakurajima, you can see the superb views of Sakurajima and Kagoshima City, which are just like pictures.
It's so beautiful that you forget the time with the clear morning air.
If you are going now, please search for "Sanseong Park Observatory" on Google Maps and check the walking route.
"For those who are confident in their physical strength, I definitely recommend the ""walking up"" plan!"