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Shiroyama Observatory sits atop Shiroyama, which rises to an elevation of 107 m.
With sweeping views that take in Sakurajima and the Kagoshima cityscape, it ranks among the most popular sightseeing spots in Kagoshima.
Although the elevation is not high, the observatory is on a hill, so most visitors go by car or bus. That said, there are walking routes to reach Shiroyama Observatory.
This article explains the on-foot routes to the observatory and the key points to know if you choose to walk.
For highlights of Shiroyama Observatory itself, see the article below.
Read more about Highlights of Shiroyama Observatory
Before introducing the walking routes to Shiroyama Park, there’s something important to say first.
We do not recommend walking to Shiroyama Park, where the observatory is located, just because the bus timetable doesn’t line up.
The walking options described below are viable only if you fully understand that you’ll be “climbing a 107 m hill” and still want to go on foot.
If you’re not confident in your fitness, or you’re wearing heels or dressed up, opt for the bus or a taxi rather than walking to Shiroyama Park.
From downtown Kagoshima, the sightseeing bus “Kagoshima City View” runs about twice an hour and will take you to Shiroyama Park. A taxi takes around 10–15 minutes and costs roughly ¥1,000–¥1,500.
For details on getting there by public transport, see the guide below.
Read more about How to Get to Shiroyama Observatory
There are two walking routes to Shiroyama Observatory:
The Shiroyama Nature Trail is a course of about 2 km that leads to the observatory while you enjoy nature along the way.
It takes about 30 minutes to reach Shiroyama Observatory.
Popular as a hiking course in its own right, this trail is great fun if your goal is the walk itself. Lush greenery lines the path, and the chance to appreciate a variety of plants all the way to the observatory is the biggest appeal of this route. The trail is well paved, making it comfortable to walk.
That said, it is a hiking route—a modest mountain climb. If you choose it simply because the bus timing isn’t convenient, expect a fair amount of effort.
There is a pedestrian route that leads from the Kagoshima Castle Otemon Gate Ruins to the Shiroyama Park parking lot.
On Google Maps and other map apps, the distance looks short, so it’s tempting to think this is the obvious route to walk.
However, this route is in fact a long sequence of stairways. If your legs aren’t strong, it will be very tough.
Let’s actually walk this route to Shiroyama Park.
The starting point is beside Terukuni Shrine, at the Kagoshima Castle Otemon Gate Ruins.
A sign reads, “Shiroyama Observatory is at the top of these stairs,” confirming that climbing here will get you to the observatory.
At the top of the first set of stairs, looking back, you can still see the starting point—we’ve already gained some elevation.
But we’re only getting started. Time for the next staircase—this one is longer.
Photos don’t fully convey the gradient, but when you reach the top and look back, you realize it’s fairly steep.
Facing toward the observatory again, yet another staircase appears.
We tackle the third staircase without giving up. This time the steps curve.
At the top of the third staircase, another flight awaits.
On the fourth staircase—wide-angle photography hides some of the slope, but it’s actually quite steep.
And then, another staircase.
Let’s keep going and climb the fifth staircase.
The fifth flight is also fairly steep.
Beyond the curve, the stairs continue—the sixth flight.
The sixth staircase is steep as well, though by now it’s hardly surprising.
“Do these stairs ever end…?”
Your resolve may start to waver.
But just as you set your sights on the seventh flight, you notice the view opening up ahead.
At this point, the finish feels close—you find new energy. Keep climbing.
The view fully opens—and the stairs end.
To be clear, there are still more steps ahead, but the path is level for a while from here.
The outlook is already rewarding—you may feel it was worth the effort even before reaching the observatory.
Sakurajima comes into view beyond the open vista.
With only a little farther to go, enjoy the scenery as you head along the promenade toward the observatory. The path is well paved and easy to walk.
Below lies downtown Kagoshima. The starting point now feels far below—at 107 m, you can tell you’ve climbed a good distance.
We’ve reached the end of the promenade.
Finally, the seventh—no, the eighth—and last staircase.
This is truly the final flight. Gather your strength and keep a steady pace—there’s still a decent gradient, so take it one step at a time.
At last, you arrive at the Shiroyama Park parking lot.
Beyond the parking lot is a shop, and past that is Shiroyama Observatory.
Continue through the parking lot and you’ll reach the Shiroyama Park bus stop and the cluster of shops. From there, the observatory is to the right along the walkway.
Many people take this route beside Terukuni Shrine without realizing how demanding it can be.
When I tried it myself, I passed several people whose faces—and outfits—said, “This isn’t what I expected,” as they struggled upward.
If your main purpose is sightseeing at Shiroyama Observatory rather than hiking, the bus or a taxi is the better choice.
Shiroyama Observatory rewards you with superb views—choose the access that suits you and enjoy your visit.
