When you come to Mojiko Port, be sure to check out this distinctive drawbridge. From the bridge, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Kanmon Strait. When the bridge slowly rises and boats pass underneath, the sight is truly spectacular!
If you want to see the “bridge opening show,” remember to check the opening times in advance〜 Plan your time well so you can see the entire bridge-raising process.
Former Moji Mitsui Club
Built in 1921, it served as a social club for Mitsui Bussan. The building showcases the half-timbered style, a traditional European wooden architectural technique, where the wooden structure, like beams and pillars, are exposed on the exterior. This design, combined with the dark brown wooden elements emphasizing its vertical and horizontal lines against the contrast of the white window frames, characterizes its distinctive appearance.
When visiting Mojiko, don’t miss this beautiful Western-style building full of historic charm! The Former Moji Mitsui Club blends retro and modern architectural styles, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into the elegance of a bygone era. Every corner has a charming nostalgic atmosphere, and whether you’re admiring the architecture or taking photos, it’s well worth a visit.
There’s also a restaurant inside where you can sit down and enjoy Mojiko’s famous baked curry, as well as local fugu dishes. Although the food isn’t exactly cheap, dining in a historic Western-style building and enjoying both the food and the unique charm of the retro setting is still highly recommended! If you’re taking a walk around Mojiko, consider stopping by to experience a different kind of nostalgia!
Shiroyama Park (Kagoshima City)
Perched atop Shiroyama, a small hill rising some 107 meters in the heart of Kagoshima City, Shiroyama Park is a natural sanctuary offering stunning panoramic views of Kagoshima’s iconic Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay. Reach this spot with easy access by bus or on foot before heading up to the summit observation deck, complete with sweeping city views and a breathtaking nightscape after dark.
When visiting Kagoshima, don’t miss this scenic park where you can take in the city and natural beauty all at once! From the Shiroyama Park observation deck, you can see downtown Kagoshima, Kinko Bay, and majestic Sakurajima in the distance. On a clear day, the view is especially expansive, and the whole scene really looks like a postcard.
It’s easily accessible by sightseeing bus, making it very convenient to get to. There are also some shops along the way where you can buy souvenirs and browse local Kagoshima products. Sakurajima × Kinko Bay × downtown Kagoshima—you can enjoy Kagoshima’s most iconic scenery all at once. It’s well worth adding to your itinerary when visiting Kagoshima!
Shiroyama (Kagoshima)
Shiroyama is located at an elevation of 107 meters, offering an expansive view of the city, Kinko Bay, and Sakurajima Mountain. The surrounding area was the site of the last fierce battle of the Seinan War, where various places are related to the prominent local figure, Takamori Saigo.
After finding the sign for the trail next to Terukuni Shrine, walk slowly along the mountain path, and you'll reach the observation deck in about 20 minutes. Although it requires a short walk, the route is surrounded by greenery and is very pleasant.
The moment I reached the observation deck, the view was truly stunning. Kagoshima City, the deep blue waters of Kinko Bay, and majestic Sakurajima all came into view at once.
Especially on a clear day, Sakurajima stands clearly across the bay, and the whole scene looks as beautiful as a Japanese travel postcard. Standing here in the breeze and slowly taking in the scenery made me feel that coming to Kagoshima was truly the right choice.
