Famous for the magical landscape of Mt. Sakurajima, natural hot springs and unique gastronomic culture, Kagoshima is endlessly fascinating. This southern Japanese city boasts a rich culture and history, and one can spend days learning about the Samurai lords who once presided over the Satsuma Domain.
Vacationing in Kagoshima is all about picnics in enchanting Japanese gardens, shopping for artisanal fares in local markets, feasting on colorful Kaiseki-style buffets, and hiking through Mount Sakurajima, one of the world’s active volcanoes.
A well-rounded vacation demands a central location that offers proximity to all the fun and excitement Kagoshima holds. From boutique hotels and resorts to modern vacation rentals and quirky inns, here are our favorite cool and unusual hotels in Kagoshima, Japan (in no particular order)…
1. SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima – a tranquil, Insta-worthy and trendy boutique hotel featuring a hot spring and spa center with breathtaking views overlooking the city
Perched 108 meters above sea level on Shiroyama Hill, this boutique hotel offers a romantic setting overlooking Sakurajima, Kinko Bay and Kagoshima’s central attractions. The views are spectacular, and Shiroyama Hotel has a homely vibe that appeals to couples and families.
Travelers can explore 27 guest rooms in multiple categories, including Club Room, Sakurajima View, Japanese Modern, and Universal. All rooms are equipped with high-speed WiFi, flatscreen TVs, and in-room appliances. The hotel offers a free shuttle bus service to the Kagoshima Chuo Station.
I was overjoyed by the variety of in-house dining options offered by Shiroyama. I truly enjoyed dining at Kappo Shisui, serving Cantonese-Chinese fares, and Le Ciel, a French restaurant.
2. Remm Kagoshima – a charming, modern and stylish hotel in a location perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Travelers seeking proximity to entertainment venues, dining spots and retail districts will find Remm ideally suited to support their travel plans. Located in Tenmonkan, Remm is surrounded by Kagoshima’s busiest quarters with shopping outlets, restaurants and major landmarks like Saigo Takamori Statue and Terukuni Shrine.
Remm features 251 guest rooms in a variety of types, such as Single, Double, Twin and Universal. All rooms are equipped with comfort-enhancing amenities like high-quality bedding, massage chairs and glass partitions dividing lounging and sleeping areas.
Guests typically start their day with some freshly baked bread and cappuccino at the onsite Tully’s Coffee. Remm also offers a buffet featuring Japanese delicacies prepared with locally farmed ingredients.
To book, check prices or availability for Remm Kagoshima
3. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan – a sleek, bright and urban accommodation steps away from an array of shopping, restaurants and activities
Situated in the heart of the city center, Daiwa Roynet is 460 meters from the majestic Sakurajima, and within walkable distance of the Museum of the Meiji Restoration, Terukuni Shrine, Shiroyama Observatory, and Amu Plaza Kagoshima.
Guests staying at the Daiwa Roynet enjoy personalized services with impressive onsite amenities, including a laundromat, luggage storage facility, daily housekeeping, and designated smoking areas. The comfortable rooms are well-appointed with soothing colors, simple furniture, and in-room appliances, including TVs, coffee and tea-making equipment, and refrigerators.
The property also offers a 24-hour front desk, and an onsite restaurant, where a continental breakfast is served each morning.
4. FAV HOTEL KAGOSHIMACHUO – a spacious, trendy and chic accommodation within walking distance to local popular attractions
A 4-star hotel located in the center of Kagoshima, FAV Hotel serves as an ideal base to explore popular attractions like the Kagoshima City Museum of Art, Minato Odori Park and Reimeikan. The Kagoshima Chuo Station is within walking distance, allowing guests easy access to the best dining and recreational sites.
The variety of accommodations is quite impressive, featuring multiple categories like Executive Bunk Beds with a capacity of 6 people, and Room B with 3 single beds and 1 daybed to accommodate a group of 4.
I had the pleasure of staying in Room C, a spacious Japanese-Western unit with 2 queen beds and 2 futons, ideal for 6 guests.
5. Henn na Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan – one of Japan’s most popular boutique accommodations providing guests with a tech-savvy, stylish and cool stay
Situated 500 meters from St. Xavier Church, Henn naattracts tech-savvy travelers with its state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated team of multilingual staff and robots. This boutique hotel offers an extensive lineup of air-conditioned rooms with ensuite bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, and workstations.
Henn na curates an exceptionally comfortable experience by incorporating advanced technologies to simplify check-ins, room service and in-room amenities. The Standard Double Rooms are ideal for singles and couples, while the Connecting Rooms can accommodate 4 guests comfortably.
The onsite Solfa Restaurant is a meat bar serving a wide range of Western favorites like hamburgers, pasta, pizza and steak.
6. JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima – a unique, contemporary and traditional hotel with a cool concept offering guests access to anywhere in the city
JR Kyushu Hotelis directly connected to the JR Kagoshima Chuo Shinkansen Station, making it an excellent choice to reduce commuting expenses without compromising one’s comfort. The hotel offers well-equipped guest rooms, an onsite restaurant, and impressive services, including in-room massages.
JR Kyushu features 9 types of rooms divided across the North and South buildings. The categories include Single, Ladies’ Single, Standard Double, Standard Twin, Deluxe Double and Universal Twin.
The onsite Ekitei Satsuma Restaurant offers a hearty Japanese buffet at breakfast, and 4 types of indulgent gozen-style dinners. I strongly recommend their Katsuo Belly and Kurobuta Shabu-Shabu – hearty treats for meat lovers.
7. Art Hotel Kagoshima – a bright, vibrant and hip hotel where guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast and gourmet delights
Art Hotelis a popular choice for business travelers and sightseers, given its proximity to Kagoshima Prefecture’s government buildings and business district. The hotel offers a wide selection of Single and Double Rooms with sweeping views of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima Island.
Standard Rooms are designed to accommodate singles and couples, while the Superior Rooms are suitable for families and groups of 3. All units are equipped with ensuite bathrooms, fine linens and in-room appliances, including TVs and refrigerators.
Art Hotel is also home to two onsite restaurants: the Kagoshima Bold Kitchen overlooking Sakurajima, and Japanese Cuisine Teppanyaki Minato – an elegant venue famous for serving the finest eel dishes in Kagoshima.
8. Hotel Fukiageso – a traditional, business-friendly and spacious hotel located in the heart of Kagoshima
Hotel Fukiagesopositions sightseers in the heart of Kagoshima City, right in front of Terukuni Shrine and within proximity to the downtown district. One couldn’t ask for a more convenient location to explore the main attractions and markets on foot.
Fukiageso is home to 30 Japanese Rooms, 18 Single Rooms, and 6 Twin Rooms, a relaxation area, and an onsite restaurant, Kanon. Guests can explore packages and plans that include meals and recreational facilities.
Kanon Restaurant is one of Kagoshima’s finest dining spots to feast on Satsuma Kaiseki cuisine, prepared with fresh seafood and locally sourced produce. The onsite spa offers separate facilities for men and women, with multiple baths to enjoy the healing powers of the natural hot spring.
9. Dormy Inn Kagoshima – a petite, charming and upscale hotel ideal for a relaxing getaway
Dormy Innoffers 87 guest rooms, open-air baths, massage services and an onsite restaurant with a convenient location within proximity to Iso Beach and Sakurajima. This upscale property features a variety of accommodations, including Single Rooms, Double Rooms and family-friendly Twin Rooms.
Travelers wanting to take advantage of the natural hot springs will find Dormy Inn well-equipped with separate open-air baths for men and women. The rooms feature simple furniture and an assortment of appliances, including air conditioners, TVs, and refrigerators.
Guests speak highly about the colorful breakfast served at Dormy Inn, offering a wide selection of local specialities such as Satsuma black pork shabu-shabu.
10. PERCH Apartments – a contemporary, sleek and upscale accommodation well equipped for a great group vacation
An excellent choice for vacationers and large groups seeking independence and privacy, Perch Apartments offer a variety of accommodations in a central location. Situated 200 meters from St. Xavier Church, these independently-owned rentals position guests in the center of Kagoshima’s historic quarters and entertainment districts.
The apartments are designed to support a home-like environment with 2-bedroom units for families and one-bedroom options for singles and couples. The apartments feature spacious bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, dining spaces, and living areas.
Guests enjoy access to a range of smart appliances, including a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, tea and coffee-making equipment, stovetop, and washing machine.
Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fuelled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organisations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specialising in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find him on Instagram @garynansome, Twitter @garynansome and his website https://garynunn.co.uk/
