20 Museums in Kagoshima worth your time

Learn about Saigo Takamori and the Meiji Restoration at this museum next to his grave.

What it is

• A museum in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
• Opened in July 1978, renovated in April 2010.
• Dedicated to Saigo Takamori, Okubo Toshimichi, and the Meiji Restoration.
• Located next to Saigo Takamori's grave in Nanshu Park.

What to see

• First floor diorama of Saigo Takamori's life.
• Second floor displays Saigo Takamori's clothes and relics.
• Second floor displays Saigo Takamori's handwritten calligraphy.
• Second floor displays Southwest War related materials.
• Annex has a bronze statue prototype.
• Annex displays calligraphy by Nanshu and Okubo Koto.

Address

鹿児島県鹿児島市上竜尾町2-1 Map

Official site

saigou.jp

Read more about Saigō Nanshū Memorial Museum

This art museum showcases French and Japanese modern paintings, plus local crafts, in a notable building.

What it is

• Founded in April 1983 as Iwasaki Museum.
• Later added Iwasaki Yoshie Craft Museum in 1998.
• Dedicated to art and crafts.
• Building designed by architect Fumihiko Maki.

What to see

• Exhibits French modern paintings.
• Displays Japanese modern paintings.
• Houses Satsuma ware in the craft museum.
• Collects calligraphy by historical figures.
• Building received the JIA 25 Years Award.

When to go

• Open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
• Open every day of the year.

Getting there

• Located within Ibusuki Iwasaki Hotel grounds.

Read more about Iwasaki Art Museum

A museum dedicated to Kamikaze pilots, offering a poignant look into their personal stories.

What it is

• A history museum in Minamikyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture.
• Exhibits materials related to Imperial Japanese Army Air Force special attacks.
• Established in 1975 as the Chiran Special Attack Museum.
• Current museum built in 1987, part of Chiran Peace Park.

What to see

• Artifacts from the Chiran Special Attack Base.
• 14,000 items, including wills, photos, and personal effects.
• Actual Zero Fighter Type 52 aircraft.
• Actual Type 4 Fighter 'Hayate' aircraft.
• Replica Type 1 Fighter 'Hayabusa' aircraft.
• Replica Special Attack Boat 'Shinyo'.

Address

鹿児島県南九州市知覧町郡17881番地 Map

Official site

www.chiran-tokkou.jp

Read more about Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots

Explore Kagoshima's literary heritage, from renowned authors to local figures, all within historic castle grounds.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to Kagoshima's modern literature.
• Opened in January 1998.
• Located on the Tsurumaru Castle ruins.
• Adjacent to Kagoshima Marchenkan.

What to see

• Permanent exhibits for five writers on the first floor.
• A library with related books and magazines.
• Displays on 22 literary figures on the second floor.
• Permanent exhibition on Kuniko Mukoda.
• A hall for special exhibitions.
• An attached restaurant called Shionkan.

When to go

• Closed on Tuesdays.
• Closed from December 29 to January 3.

Address

〒892-0853　鹿児島県鹿児島市城山町5-1 Map

Official site

www.k-kb.or.jp

Read more about Kagoshima Modern Literature Museum

Kishinkan is a museum showcasing Bōnotsu's trade, Buddhist, and folk history.

What it is

• A museum in Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
• Exhibits trade materials from Bōnotsu.
• Exhibits Buddhist materials.
• Exhibits folk materials like fishing gear.

What to see

• Replica of the Silk Honchakushoku Hasso Nehan-zu.
• Sugido, a Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• Hengaku, a Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• Bōnotsu Ichijō-in Shōgyō-rui, a Tangible Cultural Property.

When to go

• Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Original Silk Honchakushoku Hasso Nehan-zu shown in November.

Address

鹿児島県南さつま市坊津町坊9424番地1 Map

Read more about Kishinkan, Bōnotsu Center for Historical Material

Explore the history of a defunct railway line at this museum, featuring locomotives and unique artifacts.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to the former Kagoshima Kotsu railway line.
• Opened in 1994 on the site of Kaseda Station.
• Displays materials from the defunct railway.
• Located within the Kaseda Bus Center grounds.

What to see

• An old stone warehouse houses railway materials.
• Exhibits include diagrams, photographs, and station signs.
• Original railway operating licenses are on display.
• Preserved diesel locomotive and a steam locomotive.

When to go

• Closed on Wednesdays.
• Closed during New Year holidays.

Read more about Nansatsu Railway Museum

Explore Kagoshima's ancient past, from Jomon dwellings to geological layers, at this archaeological museum.

What it is

• A municipal archaeological museum in Kagoshima City.
• Also functions as an excavation research facility.
• Opened in 1996 on the former Jigenji temple site.

What to see

• Exhibits on Kagoshima's geological layers.
• Diorama of an early Jomon period site.
• Exhibit on the history of Hayato.
• N.G. Munro robot discusses Kagoshima archaeology.
• Outdoor experience zone with restored Jomon dwellings.
• Touch stone tools and pottery fragments.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Jigenji Station.

Address

鹿児島県鹿児島市下福元町3763-1 Map

Official site

www.k-kb.or.jp

Read more about Kagoshima City Museum of Archaeology

This museum showcases Tanaka Isson's vivid paintings of Amami's nature, earning him posthumous fame.

What it is

• Museum dedicated to painter Tanaka Isson (1908–1977).
• Opened in 2001.
• Showcases his vivid depictions of Amami’s flora and fauna.

What to see

• Stylish museum building, based on traditional takakura storehouses.
• Revolving exhibitions of Tanaka Isson's paintings.
• Four rooms dedicated to different periods of his life.
• Displays of sketches, his hut layout, and paintbrushes.
• Short film about his life screened regularly.

Getting there

• Located in northern Amami Oshima.

Address

鹿児島県奄美市笠利町節田1834 Map

Official site

amamipark.com

Read more about Tanaka Isson Museum

Explore Kagoshima's natural history and historic buildings, including dinosaur skeletons and a planetarium.

What it is

• A natural history museum in Kagoshima City.
• Founded in 1914 as a permanent committee.
• Comprises a main building, an annex, and an archaeological museum.

What to see

• Main building, formerly a prefectural library built in 1927.
• Archaeological museum, completed in 1883.
• Annex with a planetarium and fossil exhibition room.
• Skeletons of Allosaurus and Camptosaurus in the annex.
• Museum buildings are registered tangible cultural properties.
• Located on the site of Tsurumaru Castle.

Address

鹿児島県鹿児島市城山町1番1号 Map

Official site

www.pref.kagoshima.jp

Read more about Kagoshima Prefectural Museum

Explore ancient ruins and the Hayato people at this archaeological museum, a short walk from Ibusuki Station.

What it is

• Archaeological museum, also known as Jiyukan Cocco Hashimure.
• Opened April 20, 1996.
• Focuses on Hashimuregawa ruins and Hayato people.

What to see

• Permanent exhibits on Hashimuregawa ruins.
• Exhibits on the Hayato people.
• Special exhibitions are held regularly.

When to go

• Open 9:00 to 17:00.
• Closed Mondays and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Ibusuki Station.

Read more about Ibusuki Archaeological Museum

Satsuma Denshōkan is a museum showcasing Satsuma and Chinese art, worth visiting for its unique collection.

What it is

• A museum in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
• Opened on February 11, 2008.
• Exhibits art from Satsuma and China.
• Displays items from the late Edo to Meiji periods.

What to see

• Exhibition rooms with art.
• A restaurant is on site.
• A shop is on site.

When to go

• Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
• Open every day of the year.

Getting there

• 7-minute taxi ride from Ibusuki Station.

Address

〒891-0404　鹿児島県指宿市東方12131-4 Map

Official site

www.satsuma-denshokan.com

Read more about Satsuma Denshōkan

Learn about volcanic disaster prevention at this free center in Kagoshima.

What it is

• A display and awareness center in Kagoshima City.
• Opened in 1999, renovated in 2006.
• Operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

What to see

• Volcanic disaster prevention exhibits on the second floor.
• The building is a strong emergency evacuation structure.
• An emergency shelter is housed on the second floor.

When to go

• Open daily from 9:30 to 17:00.
• Admission is free.

Official site

www.qsr.mlit.go.jp

Read more about Sakurajima International Volcanic Sabō Center

Explore space and enjoy nature at this museum and observatory in Kagoshima.

What it is

• A science exhibition hall and observatory.
• Basic concept formulated in 1995.
• Construction began in 1997.

What to see

• Rooftop observatory with a sliding roof.
• Main telescope has a 50cm aperture.
• Elevator to the rooftop observatory.
• Flower gardens in the surrounding park.
• Go-karts in the surrounding park.

When to go

• Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00.
• Observation meetings held every clear night.

Address

〒895-0005　鹿児島県薩摩川内市永利町2133-6 Map

Official site

sendaiuchukan.jp

Read more about Sendai Space Museum

A museum showcasing Japan's naval aviation history, from WWII to modern JMSDF.

What it is

• A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force air museum.
• Opened in December 1973.
• Reopened as a new museum in July 1993.

What to see

• Photos and documents from the Imperial Japanese Navy era.
• Restored aircraft are on exhibit.
• Approximately 5500 items in the collection.
• Special attack unit corner on the second floor.
• Equipment and activities of the JMSDF on the first floor.
• A restored Zero Fighter Type 52 Hei is displayed.

Official site

www.mod.go.jp

Read more about Kanoya Air Base Museum

This museum by Miyanoura River preserves Yakushima's history and culture, featuring local artifacts and a traditional house replica.

What it is

• Museum about the history and culture of Yakushima.
• Aims to preserve culture for future generations.

What to see

• Permanent exhibition of artifacts from ancient to present.
• Prehistoric pottery, local textiles, and old fishing tools.
• Real-scale replica of a pre-WWII traditional house.
• Bamboo structure of the house can be entered and viewed.

When to go

• Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Address

鹿児島県熊毛郡屋久島町宮之浦1593 Map

Official site

www.town.yakushima.kagoshima.jp

Read more about Yakushima History and Folk Museum

Explore Kagoshima's history, folklore, and art at this museum built on a castle site.

What it is

• A historical material center in Kagoshima City.
• Opened in October 1983.
• Stands on the site of Tsurumaru Castle.
• Renamed in April 2020.

What to see

• Permanent exhibitions on four historical periods.
• Special exhibitions.
• Exhibits on history, folklore, art and crafts.
• Free zones on the third floor.
• A museum shop and a restaurant.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from the City Hall bus stop.

Address

鹿児島県鹿児島市城山町7-2 Map

Official site

www.pref.kagoshima.jp

Read more about Reimeikan, Kagoshima Prefectural Center for Historical Material

Observe stars through Kagoshima's largest telescope at this mountaintop astronomical museum.

What it is

• Astronomical museum in Kihoku Uwaba Park.
• Opened August 10, 1995.
• Commemorates the former Kihoku Town's star-filled sky.

What to see

• 65 cm Cassegrain reflecting telescope, largest in Kagoshima.
• Four-story reinforced concrete building.
• Building designed by architect Masaharu Takasaki.
• Views from an altitude of about 550 meters.

Getting there

• Access primarily by private car.

Official site

www.kihokuuwaba.jp

Read more about Kihoku Astronomical Museum

Hands-on science exhibits for all ages, conveniently located near public transport.

What it is

• A municipal science museum in Kagoshima City.
• Offers interactive exhibits for learning about science.

When to go

• Open 9:30 to 18:00, last admission 17:30.
• Closed Tuesdays and December 29 to January 1.
• Closed on public holidays if they fall on a Tuesday.

Getting there

• 1-minute walk from Kamoike Shiei Pool-mae bus stop.
• 5-minute walk from Korimoto or Kamoike streetcar stops.

Address

〒890-0063　鹿児島県鹿児島市鴨池2-31-18 Map

Official site

www.k-kagaku.jp

Read more about Kagoshima Municipal Science Hall

This museum, a World Heritage site, showcases Japan's early industrialization and the powerful Shimazu family.

What it is

• A museum in Kagoshima City.
• Established in 1923 to honor the Shūseikan project.
• Dedicated to the history of the Shimazu family.
• Registered as a World Heritage site.

What to see

• Exhibits on the Shimazu family and industrialization.
• The main building, constructed in 1865.
• Japan's first stone Western-style building with arches.
• The main building is a National Important Cultural Property.

Address

〒892-0871 鹿児島県鹿児島市吉野町9698-1 Map

Official site

www.shuseikan.jp

Read more about Shōko Shūseikan

Kagoshima's oldest public art museum, showcasing local artists and diverse collections.

What it is

• Kagoshima City operates this art museum.
• Opened in 1954, the first public art museum in Kagoshima.
• It is the oldest public art museum in Kyushu.
• The current building was completed in 1985.

What to see

• Approximately 4500 art pieces are housed here.
• About 740 oil paintings by Kagoshima-born artists.
• The building has three stories above ground.
• One basement floor is part of the building.

Address

鹿児島県鹿児島市城山町4番36号 Map

Official site

www.city.kagoshima.lg.jp

Read more about Kagoshima City Museum of Art