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The popular sightseeing spot “Shiroyama Observatory” sits atop a small hill of Shirasu plateau at an elevation of 107 m and is beloved for its superb view of Sakurajima.
This article explains how to get to Shiroyama Observatory from Kagoshima Airport and Kagoshima-Chuo Station.
If you want to walk from central Kagoshima to the observatory, we cover that in detail here:
Read more about How to Reach Shiroyama Observatory on Foot
For highlights of Shiroyama Observatory itself, see the guide below.
Read more about Highlights of Shiroyama Observatory
In downtown Kagoshima, the tourist loop bus called “Kagoshima City View” circulates around major sights.
Riding the City View is the easiest way to reach Shiroyama Observatory.
| Departure | Approx. Time | Route | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kagoshima Airport | About 1 hr 20 min | 1. From stop No. 8, board the Kagoshima Airport Shuttle Bus 2. Get off at Tenmonkan 3. From the adjacent stop, board the Kagoshima City View 4. Arrive at Shiroyama Observatory | ¥1,730 (Airport Shuttle ¥1,500 + City View Adults ¥230 / Children ¥120) |
| Kagoshima - Chuo Station | About 25 min | 1. From the East Exit Bus Rotary East 4, board the City View 2. Arrive at Shiroyama Observatory | Adults ¥230 / Children ¥120 |
From Kagoshima-Chuo Station, board the City View at the East Exit bus rotary (East 4) and you’ll arrive at Shiroyama Observatory in about 25 minutes.
There’s some distance from Kagoshima Airport to the city center. First, ride the Kagoshima Airport Shuttle Bus into town.
Map of the airport (1F) exits and bus stops
If you arrive at the Domestic Terminal, exit through Door 3 and the Bus Information Desk is right there. From the International Terminal, walk straight toward the Domestic Terminal after exiting; you will find the Bus Information Desk.
Buy a ticket for the Kagoshima Airport Shuttle at the ticket machine by this desk. (¥1,500)
After purchasing your ticket, line up at Stop No. 8. It’s directly in front of the Bus Information Desk (ticket machines), so it’s easy to find.
The Kagoshima-bound Airport Shuttle has several stops:
For Shiroyama Observatory, get off at Tenmonkan.
You can also board the City View from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, but transferring there takes more time. More on that below.
The Airport Shuttle has arrived. Hop on and head into the city.
The interior and seat size are the same as standard buses running in Japan.
Off we go—leaving the airport and heading toward downtown Kagoshima. It’s about 40 minutes to the next stop.
About 40 minutes after departure, the first stop is Kagoshima-Chuo Station.
As mentioned, you can catch the City View from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, but the transfer takes time.
Although there is a City View stop in the station’s rotary, the Airport Shuttle does not stop inside that rotary.
The shuttle drop-off area and the City View stop at Kagoshima-Chuo are about 260 m apart—around a 4–5 minute walk.
So don’t get off at Kagoshima-Chuo Station; instead, get off at the next stop, Tenmonkan. The transfer there is much smoother.
You’ve arrived at Tenmonkan.
Centerrace Tenmonkan is right in front of you, and the City View stop is just next door. From where you alight, it’s only a few steps—barely three seconds—to the City View boarding point.
Board the Kagoshima City View here to reach Shiroyama Observatory.
Because it’s a sightseeing loop, the City View’s interior differs from a regular bus. The decor has a retro feel, and the rear layout is unique.
The rear section is a free-standing area, letting you enjoy the scenery from multiple angles while on the move.
You’ll also find a free sightseeing map rack at the back—very handy for exploring downtown Kagoshima. Be sure to grab one.
You’ve reached the “Shiroyama” stop for the observatory. It’s just under 15 minutes from Tenmonkan to Shiroyama Observatory.
From here, enjoy your time at Shiroyama Observatory.
If you’re sightseeing around Kagoshima without a rental car, you’ll mainly rely on trains, buses, and walking.
The Kagoshima City View loops around the downtown area, giving you convenient access to major attractions and smooth connections to stations—very practical for travelers.
Make good use of public transport and enjoy exploring Kagoshima.
