When you visit Kagoshima like we do, you have to go to Ibusuki first.

The train to Ibusuki from Kagoshima Chuo Station is about 1hr15mins. We got a group discount for the ticket. Once you come in through Ibusuki station, you may get a one day bus pass at the tourism information desk to allow you to visit the entire area which has nice facilities like Cape Nagasakibana, the Nagasakibana Parking Garden (which has a number of animal, and a great petting zoo for children), the Flower Park Kagoshima (which is truly someplace you have to go to fully appreciate the "zen-ness" of it all), Lake Ikeda (where you can eat noodles spinning in circle, really fun!!!), and Healthy Land (which offers the famous sand bath, and other onsen experiences). Most of these can be rushed through in one day, but if given the choice, I would prefer spending the weekend in Ibusuki, just to be able to take my time and enjoy each experience as they were meant to be appreciated. One must bear in mind that the last bus leaves most locations at about 17:00 and accordingly, most of the places close around the same time. Once you're done and you are ready to head back to Kagoshima city, feel free to dip your feet into the foot onsen before boarding your train.

Located at the tippiest tip of Kagoshima (or perhaps Kyushu), not only can you see the lighthouse at Cape Nagasakibana but you will also see a lovely view of Mt. Kaimon. Buy some trinkets at nearby stores, chat with locals and explore Ryugu shrine.

Walk up from Cape Nagasakibana to Nagasakibana Parking Garden. It is a very kid-friendly petting zoo that allows you to get up-close and personal with many animals, including goats, monkeys, flamingos, parrots, swans, and ducks.

Catch another bus to the Flower Park Kagoshima. It is such a lovely place with thousands of plants and flowers. There, you can either rent a cart to tour the area, or you can wait on the bus. If you want to stretch your legs, you may walk around the park. Easily expect to spend 2-3 hours like we did. It is especially nice during the Christmas season, when they decorate the park with illuminations that would make your head spin.

While in Kagoshima, feel free to visit the lovely town that hosts a historical museum called the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots.

This museum was set up to honor the pilots that died in World War II. There were no pictures allowed inside. However there were nice displays outside, and even a traditional bell that we were able to ring (twice). Within the museum, there were letters by the kamikaze pilots, written before they went on their missions. Kamikaze actually means "divine winds". Their mission was to fly their planes straight into the enemy's ships. It was an honor for them to die for their country and for this reason, the museum commemorates this.

To get there, we caught a bus from Kagoshima Chuo Station, it left every hour. The ride was about 1hr30mins and cost about 950-1000 yen.

Want to visit a museum like no other? Hop on another train, then a bus to Kirishima Art no mori (Open-air museum). This is a perfect spot to go as a family and spend a half-day, then enjoy one of the many glorious onsens in Kirishima.

Ever had to urge to dress as a Samurai? My husband got a chance to dress as one at Senganen, which is one of the loveliest gardens that we have ever seen. Especially beautiful during Cherry blossoms season. We got there by catching the tour bus from Kagoshima Chuo Station.

While on the tour bus, stop by the Kagoshima Aquarium. There, you can watch dolphin shows, and you can even touch starfishes and sea urchins.

If you happen to be in Kagoshima during the summer (July-August), you may be able to catch the ferry and witness the lovely sunset surrounding Sakurajima, while being serenading by the sound of taiko drums. End the evening on the summer cruise by watching fireworks that shoot out of (what seems to be) the sea.

If you happen to go on Sakurajima, your children will love the Dinosaur Park which is a 15 mins walk from the ferry port. The entrance is free and it offers a lovely view of the volcano. There is also a gigantic slide that children will want to go on multiple times, so bring a picnic basket and just enjoy!

Cherry blossoms in Japan, while pretty, can be very crowded, but Cherry blossoms viewing in Kagoshima was peaceful and serene. We got to experience the trees at their glory at Yoshino Park, one of the best spot to get the perfect pictures.

Another summer festival in Kagoshima city is the lantern festival. It is the perfect time to adorn a yukata, like our daughter and walk with family and friends. Enjoy awesome street foods and watch fireworks when it turns dark.

At the Ogionsaa, which is usually held in July in Tenmonkan, Kagoshima, men were dressed in nothing but loincloths. While women wore happi. Both groups marched separately for the most part, carrying around shrines called mikoshi. They did in hopes of protecting themselves from plagues and to bless their businesses. And of course, a festival is not a true festival if traditional eats are not sold, as expected, there were yummy treats all throughout Tenmonkan streets.

There you can see our daughter was able to partake in the celebrations. What a great experience!

Most likely held in November, the Ohara matsuri is one of the largest festival that I have seen in Kagoshima. Tens of thousands of persons walked in groups to a traditional tune. We experienced extreme kindness with some persons posing for the camera and hailing us.

Missed all the festivals held in Tenmonkan? No worries, there is usually weekly/monthly events that you can catch. We took a stroll and found amazing arts and statues on displays.

If you can, be apart of the audience of the Junior Japanese Dance Contest Kyushu Meeting at Kagoshima. It is a lovely spectacle with children and teenagers displaying their love for Japanese traditions.

Dress up in kimonos like we did in Izumi, and partake in a traditional tea ceremony in authentic samurai homes. Get a guided tour of the open Samurai homes!

Talk with locals in Izumi like we did, and have them educate you about their past. From this, you can make once in a lifetime experiences!

Travel the countryside of Kagoshima, like we did and explore less frequented areas of Minamikyushu, where there are lovely parks to experience your perfect zen moment.

Relax like we do almost every week at the Kotsugikawa riverside. With amazing views of Sakurajima, and the ferris wheel of Amu Plaza (near Kagoshima Chuo Station).