How to travel between Kagoshima and Tokyo
By train
Tokyo and Kagoshima are connected with each other by the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. One transfer of trains is required along the way, typically at Shin-Osaka or Hakata Station. The one way trip takes about seven hours and costs around 29,000 yen. Japan Rail Pass holders will require an additional hour, because they cannot use the faster Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
By air
JAL, ANA, Skymark and Solaseed Air are operating frequent flights between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Kagoshima Airport. Flight time is around two hours. The regular one way fares by JAL and ANA are around 39,000 yen, but discount tickets are usually available for between 15,000 and 31,000 yen. The fares by Solaseed Air are roughly 20 percent lower than the ones of JAL and ANA, while the fares by Skymark Airlines are even cheaper.
Kagoshima Airport is a 40-60 minute bus ride outside of the city center. The one way fare for the bus between the airport and various stops in the city center is 1200 yen. Many rental car outlets are located at Kagoshima Airport.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.
Orientation
Kagoshima's main train station is Kagoshima Chuo Station (formerly known as Nishi Kagoshima Station), while Kagoshima Station is a smaller station on the opposite side of the city center. There are two tram lines which serve both railway stations and provide quick and convenient service in the downtown area. One ride costs 160 yen regardless of the distance traveled.
Kagoshima also has an extensive bus network, providing access to sites that are not served by trains or trams. The City View Buses connect Kagoshima's most popular sightseeing spots and are particularly useful for tourists. There are three lines, which all begin at Kagoshima Chuo Station and pass by sites such as Senganen Garden, Shiroyama Park and the ferry terminal to Sakurajima. A single ride costs 180 yen, while a pass for unlimited rides on one calendar day is available for 600 yen.
There are also a few sightseeing bus tours that take take 3-6 hours to explore Kagoshima City, Sakurajima or both for 2000 to 4000 yen. Tour guides in the buses give explanations in Japanese.
Kagoshima Airport is located quite far outside the city center, and is most easily accessed by airport buses that stops at a number of locations within the city, including Kagoshima Chuo Station. The one way ride takes about an hour and costs 1200 yen.
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