Kirishima (Kagoshima)
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If you are visiting Kagoshima City and Kirishima, this is the place to go. 6 recommended sightseeing spots for families with children.

Kagoshima Prefecture, famous for the active volcano Sakurajima, is dotted with sightseeing spots and parks that blend with nature. These include a zoo where you can meet the only koalas in Kyushu, and an aquarium that exhibits creatures from the three seas surrounding Kagoshima (the Pacific Ocean, the East China Sea, and Kinko Bay), which is rare even on a national level. Every spot offers valuable learning and experiences, and is overflowing with charms that can only be enjoyed in Kagoshima, starting with its magnificent scenery. In this article, we will introduce 6 sightseeing spots in Kagoshima City and Kirishima that are perfect for those with children.

A charming tourist farm where you can interact with animals while gazing at the Kirishima mountain range.

A popular free milking experience available only on Sundays and holidays. Numbered tickets are distributed to the first 30 people at the general information desk.
A popular free cow milking experience available only on Sundays and holidays. Numbered tickets are distributed to the first 30 people at the general information center.

A sightseeing ranch located at the foot of the Kirishima mountain range on the border with Miyazaki Prefecture. Within its vast 42-hectare grounds, there are plenty of exciting experiences to enjoy all day long. In addition to touring the cattle and sheep barns, you can also interact directly with fluffy, adorable sheep at the "Animal Interaction Land."
Also, you can experience making butter by hand (for a fee) with an advance reservation. There are four horse-riding courses available for children from 3 years old, ranging from lead-line courses to photography courses, allowing you to interact with horses according to your age and skill level.

Enjoy farm-fresh gourmet food while taking in the superb view.

The "Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) hot pot set" can be ordered for 2 or more people (2,000 yen per person).
The "Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) Pot Set" can be ordered for 2 or more people (2,000 yen per person).

After playing to your heart's content, grab a bite to eat at the "Makiba Restaurant" or the food court. There are children's menus and soft-serve ice cream that is popular within the ranch.
The recommendation at the restaurant is the authentic beef kalbi yakiniku or Genghis Khan (mutton barbecue). In particular, the Genghis Khan is cooked in a dome-shaped iron plate style that is rare in Kyushu, allowing you to enjoy an authentic taste with a special sauce that coats the meat well, with no gamey odor. The recommendations at the food court are the pizza topped with plenty of mozzarella cheese and the cubed steak, which are popular menus for both adults and children. Both restaurants have extensive menus, so parents and children alike are sure to be satisfied.

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It is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing during the blooming season and is also recommended for picnics. You and your children can refresh both your minds and bodies while taking in the superb view.

Takachiho Farm
  • Address5265-103 Yoshinomoto-cho, Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10 minutes by car from JR Kirishima-Jingu Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kirishima-Jingu Station, transfer at Kirishima-Jingu (bus bound for Kirishima-Jingu to Miyakonojo Station), and get off at "Takachiho Farm"
  • Business hoursApril–October 9:00–17:30, November–March 9:00–17:00
  • ClosedIrregular holidays (*Please check the official website for details)
  • Admission FeeFree admission
  • TEL0986-33-2102
  • ParkingFree

The only zoo in Kyushu where you can meet koalas.

The "African Savanna Zone," where Sakurajima is likened to Mount Kilimanjaro. You can see zebras, rhinoceroses, and giraffes living in the savanna.
The "African Savanna Zone" features Sakurajima standing in for Mount Kilimanjaro. You can see zebras, rhinoceroses, and giraffes living in the savanna.

A lush, green zoo located about a 35-minute drive from Kagoshima-Chuo Station. The African Savanna zone has no fences to obstruct your view, allowing you to observe the animals up close for a truly impressive experience.
It is also the only zoo in Kyushu where you can meet koalas, and it boasts the largest number of them in Japan. You can observe them closely in a space without glass windows or other barriers, while smelling the scent of eucalyptus. We recommend visiting during the 11:00 feeding time. There are plenty of other highlights, such as the king vulture, which can only be seen here in Japan, and the "World Crane Zone," where you can see 11 different species of cranes, the largest number on display in Japan.

There is also an amusement park where you can see animals and Sakurajima from the Ferris wheel.

A full lineup of playground equipment that parents and children can enjoy together. You can play using ride tickets that cost 100 yen each.
A full lineup of playground equipment that parents and children can enjoy together. You can play using ride tickets that cost 100 yen each.

The park also features an amusement park that is very popular with families. It is well-equipped with everything from small rides to large attractions, and the merry-go-round and flying tower are so popular that they attract about 100,000 visitors annually. From the Ferris wheel, you can see giraffes and zebras in the African Savanna zone, and on clear days, you can enjoy views of Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, and even the Kirishima mountain range.
In addition, there are diaper-changing stations, nursing rooms, rest areas, and shops located throughout the park, so you can feel at ease even when visiting with small children. When getting around the zoo, we also recommend using the park bus, which runs every 15 minutes. You can even bring your stroller on board.

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There are zookeeper talks (on the fourth Sunday of every month) and feeding observation events for omnivores and carnivores (on the 29th of every month). The "touching corner," where you can interact with animals while listening to detailed explanations from the zookeepers, is also recommended. (Please check the official website for details.)

Kagoshima City Hirakawa Zoological Park
  • Address5669-1 Hirakawa-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 35 minutes by car from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Goino Station (Fukuhira Nokyo-mae) and get off at "Hirakawa Zoological Park" (immediately accessible).
  • Business hours9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
  • ClosedDecember 29 to January 1
  • Admission FeeGeneral: 500 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students: 100 yen *Preschoolers are free
  • TEL099-261-2326
  • ParkingLarge vehicles/buses: 400 yen per entry, Standard/light vehicles: 200 yen per entry

The impressive Kuroshio Sea tank, where whale sharks swim leisurely.

The Kuroshio Sea tank, with a water capacity of 1,500 tons, is truly impressive. It is the only place in Kyushu where you can see the world's largest fish, the whale shark.
The Kuroshio Great Tank, with a water capacity of 1,500 tons, is truly impressive. It is the only place in Kyushu where you can see the world's largest fish, the whale shark.

An aquarium with a panoramic view of Sakurajima, located about a 15-minute walk from Kagoshima Station. It exhibits approximately 10,000 creatures of 800 species from Kinko Bay to the Nansei Islands. You can encounter creatures that live in the seas around the Kagoshima mainland, as well as coral and tropical fish that inhabit the Nansei Islands extending south of the mainland, and the rare "Lamellibrachia satsuma" found in Kinko Bay.
Furthermore, the "Sea Slug Research Institute," the first permanent exhibition facility for sea slugs in Japan, is a must-see. You will be soothed by their colorful and cute appearance.

Create unforgettable memories by watching dolphin shows and interacting with the animals.

The "Dolphin Time" corner, which introduces the abilities and physical mechanisms of dolphins, is held daily (may be canceled depending on the dolphins' health).
The "Dolphin Time" corner, which introduces the abilities and physical mechanisms of dolphins, is held daily (may be canceled depending on the dolphins' health).

In addition to just watching the creatures in the tanks, there are plenty of fun and educational activities for parents and children, such as the "touch pool" (an outdoor facility) where you can actually interact with the animals, and events with detailed explanations from the keepers.
Events such as "Blue Sky Dolphin Watching," as well as opportunities to see seals being fed and electric eels catching their prey using electricity, are held daily. You can only see the impressive feeding time of the arapaima, said to be one of the world's largest freshwater fish, on Saturdays. Please check the daily schedule, as events may be cancelled depending on the animals' health.

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The Kuroshio giant tank is on an impressive scale! Part of the tank is a tunnel, so you can see the fish from various angles. The world of Kagoshima's sea spreads out before you, and it is so captivating that we recommend setting aside plenty of time for your visit.

Io World Kagoshima Aquarium
  • Address3-1 Honko-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10 minutes by car from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station and get off at "Kagoshima Suizokukan-mae" (immediately accessible).
  • Business hours9:30–18:00 (Last admission at 17:00) *Open until 21:00 during Golden Week, summer vacation weekends, holidays, and the Obon period.
  • Closed4 days starting from the first Monday of December
  • Admission FeeAdults 1,500 yen, elementary/junior high school students 750 yen, infants (4 years and older) 350 yen
  • TEL099-226-2233
  • ParkingFree for up to 1 hour

A nature park where you can play alongside life-sized dinosaurs.

A park rich in nature where you can play with Sakurajima right in front of you.
A park rich in nature where you can play with Sakurajima right in front of you.

This park is located on a hill about a 2-minute drive from the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal. In line with the rugged, primitive image of Sakurajima, the park features seven life-sized dinosaur models, including an Allosaurus, Brontosaurus, and Diplodocus. Some of the dinosaurs even have slides or small tunnels built into them, making them very popular with children. Near the models, there are detailed descriptions of their body length, the era they lived in, and their characteristics, allowing you to pick up a bit of knowledge.
You can also enjoy beautiful scenery from the observation deck, including views of Kagoshima city, Kinko Bay, and a panoramic view of Sakurajima.

Full of athletic facilities, including a long slide approximately 50 meters in length.

A slide approximately 12.5 meters high, equivalent to the height of a four-story building.
A slide approximately 12.5 meters high, equivalent to the height of a four-story building.

In addition to the dinosaur models, the park also has field athletics and a roller slide that is about 50 meters long. From the top of the slide, you can see not only Sakurajima but also the city of Kagoshima.
There is a wide variety of 14 types of playground equipment, including jungle gyms, monkey bars, Tarzan ropes, and swings. It is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, bustling with many families with children. It is a spot where adults can also enjoy the outdoors by taking in the forest air and enjoying the scenery.

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The vast park is equipped with restrooms, water fountains, and foot-washing areas. When visiting with children, we recommend bringing a leisure sheet to enjoy a picnic in the shade of the trees.

Sakurajima Dinosaur Park
  • Address79 Sakurajima-Yokoyama-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10-minute walk from Sakurajima Port Ferry Terminal
  • Business hoursOpen every day
  • Admission FeeFree
  • TEL099-216-1366 (Kagoshima City Parks and Greenery Division)
  • ParkingFree

Learn about Jomon culture from the nationally designated historic site, the Uenohara Site.

Exhibits include excavated items from the early Jomon period.
Exhibits include excavated items from the early Jomon period.

This facility preserves and utilizes the Uenohara Site, located at an altitude of 250 meters and surrounded by Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, and the Kirishima mountain range. The Uenohara Site is a nationally designated historic site and has been confirmed to be one of the largest and oldest permanent settlement ruins in Japan. Additionally, 767 excavated artifacts, including jar-shaped pottery, clay figurines, and earrings, have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
The vast park, which recreates an ancient forest, is divided into two areas: the observation area, where you can see excavated artifacts and what the village looked like approximately 10,600 years ago, and the experience area, where you can enjoy Jomon period activities and athletics.

A fire-making experience that parents and children can enjoy together.

The "Fire-making experience" (50 yen) is available for same-day registration (children in 4th grade or younger must be accompanied by a guardian).
The "Fire-making Experience" (50 yen) can be booked on the day (children in 4th grade or younger must be accompanied by a guardian).

Since you have come all this way, you should definitely try a Jomon experience. The experience area offers many activities that children will love, such as fire-making, bow and arrow making, and accessory crafting.
Among them, the "fire-making experience" is highly recommended. Using a maigiri (fire-making tool), tinder, and a board, you can complete the experience in about 30 minutes. There are also activities that even adults will find themselves absorbed in, such as "accessory making" by carving soapstone and "Mimishinju" (beautiful sea pearls) made by polishing turban shells. It is perfect for creating memories of your family trip.

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The precious exhibits that can only be seen here, such as Jomon pottery with different patterns and earrings, are a must-see. There are also dioramas and a mini-theater depicting life in the Jomon period, allowing both adults and children to learn while having fun.

Uenohara Jomon Forest
  • Address1-1 Uenohara Jomon no Mori, Kokubu, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 20-minute drive from JR Kokubu Station
  • Business hours9:00–17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
  • ClosedMondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), December 30th to January 1st, and 5 days in mid-February
    *Please check the official website for details
  • Admission FeeAdults 320 yen, High school/University students 210 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 150 yen, Infants/Toddlers free
  • TEL0995-48-5701
  • ParkingFree

Slide down the super slider while gazing at the Kirishima mountain range.

The "Super Slider" (600 yen, including lift fee) offers an exhilarating ride from the observation plaza. *Children in 2nd grade or younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
The "Super Slider" (600 yen, including lift fee) allows you to slide exhilaratingly from the observation plaza. *Children in 2nd grade or younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

This park is attached to the "Michi-no-Eki Kirishima," located about a 5-minute drive from Kirishima Jingu Shrine. It is well-equipped with facilities and playground equipment for parents and children to enjoy, such as putter golf, sledding, and a vehicle called a "Pokkar" for sliding down grass slopes.
A must-visit spot is the observation plaza at an altitude of about 670 meters, which offers a panoramic view of the great nature of Kirishima. You can walk or take a road train to the lift station and ride the sightseeing lift to get there. Don't forget to take photos at the photo spot in the observation plaza. On the way back, we recommend taking the 390-meter-long super slider to enjoy an exhilarating ride down.

A panorama park with a sweeping view of the great nature of Kirishima.

A magnificent view of the Kirishima mountain range, Sakurajima, and Kinko Bay.
A magnificent view overlooking the Kirishima mountain range, Sakurajima, and Kinko Bay.

After playing to your heart's content, head to the restaurant "Michi-no-Eki Kirishima Hot Kirishima-kan." In addition to local specialties like the "Saigo-don Gozen" (limited to 10 servings per day) packed with Kagoshima gourmet flavors and the "Kurobuta Shabu-shabu Set Meal," there is a wide variety of menu items including curry, udon, and soba.
For dessert after your meal, we recommend the "Sotto Kiri-mu" blueberry soft-serve ice cream from the "Yokamon Market" located on the premises. It is handmade using blueberries grown in the park's own farm, offering a refreshing taste with a subtle sweetness and tartness.

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With about 500 cherry trees, it is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. You can also experience blueberry picking from mid-July to late August. It is a park where you and your children can have fun while fully enjoying the nature of Kirishima in every season.

Kirishima Myth Park (Michi-no-Eki Kirishima)
  • Address2583-22 Kirishima-Taguchi, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 15 minutes by car from JR Kirishima-Jingu Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Kirishima-Jingu Station and get off at "Kirishima Shinwa no Sato Koen Iriguchi"
  • Business hours9:00–17:00
  • ClosedOpen every day (Temporarily closed on March 16 and 17, 2026. On March 18 and 19, 2026, only the restaurant and shops are open; park facilities are temporarily closed.)
  • Admission FeeSightseeing Lift (round trip): 600 yen (ages 4 and up)
    Super Slider: 600 yen (ages 4 and up; children under 6 must be accompanied by a guardian)
    Road Train (one way): 200 yen (ages 4 and up)
    *Please check the official website for other details.
  • TEL0995-57-1711
  • ParkingAvailable (free)

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
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*The information provided is current as of the date of the article's update. Please check in advance as it may be subject to change.