Major Events & Festivals in Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan
1. Satsumo Festival (Satsuko Matsuri)
Annual event held in Kagoshima city, featuring traditional dances, parades, and the famous Satsuma-guruma carts.
- Historical Significance: Originates from the Edo period, showcasing longstanding traditions
- Unique Performance: Satsuma-guruma carts are massive and elaborately decorated
- Community Involvement: Local groups, schools, and businesses participate in the event
2. Yakushima's Tanabata Festival
Celebration of the Star Festival on Yakushima Island, featuring tanabata decorations and star-themed dances.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage forests
- Star-themed Activities: Includes star gazing, decorating stars with wishes
- Island Experience: Explore the unique culture and natural wonders of Yakushima Island
3. Kagoshima City Lantern Festival
Beautiful event with thousands of lanterns illuminating Kagoshima's night sky during the Obon season.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a serene and tranquil experience for visitors
- Local Culture: Reflects the spiritual significance of Obon in Kagoshima culture
- Photography Opportunities: Offers stunning visuals for photography enthusiasts
4. Ibusuki Hot Sand Bath Festival
Unique event where participants bathe in hot sand near Ibusuki Beach.
- Relaxation and Wellness: Provides a therapeutic and rejuvenating experience
- Cultural Experience: Incorporates traditional methods of using hot sand for healing
- Spa-like Atmosphere: Relaxing and peaceful environment with spa-like facilities nearby
5. Tarumae Fire Festival (Tarumae no Hi)
An ancient event held on Tarumae Mountain where participants walk through fire to purify themselves.
- Spiritual Experience: Provides a deeply spiritual and cultural experience
- Unique Tradition: One of the few remaining fire festivals in Japan
- Adventure Seekers: Attracts thrill-seeking travelers looking for unique experiences
6. Kagoshima Shrine's New Year Celebration
Grand celebration at Kagoshima Shrine featuring traditional music, dances, and prayers for the new year.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture
- Peace and Harmony: Offers a peaceful start to the new year
- Traditional Performances: Features traditional kagura performances
7. Kagoshima International Balloon Festival
Annual event showcasing hot air balloons of various shapes and sizes.
- Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of Kagoshima Bay
- Photography Opportunities: Provides unparalleled photography opportunities
- International Participation: Features teams from around the world
8. Amami Oshima's Whale Festival (Kujira Matsuri)
Celebration honoring whales and traditional fishing methods on Amami Oshima Island.
- Marine Life Appreciation: Promotes awareness and appreciation for marine life
- Cultural Preservation: Highlights the island's fishing culture and traditions
- Island Exploration: Offers a chance to explore Amami Oshima Island's unique beauty
9. Kagoshima's Cherry Blossom Festival
Beautiful event featuring cherry blossoms in full bloom across the city.
- Natural Beauty: Provides a stunning display of cherry blossoms
- Photography Opportunities: Offers unforgettable photography opportunities
- Cultural Experience: Incorporates traditional customs and food during the festival
10. Sakurajima Summer Festival (Natsu Matsuri)
Annual event on Sakurajima Island featuring fireworks displays and cultural performances.
- Fireworks Enthusiasts: Attracts fireworks enthusiasts from around the world
- Cultural Immersion: Provides a chance to immerse in local culture and traditions
- Stunning Landscapes: Takes place against the backdrop of an active volcano
11. Kagoshima's Yosakoi Soran Festival
Annual dance festival featuring teams performing energetic and colorful dances.
- Energetic Performances: Features lively and vibrant performances
- Community Spirit: Brings together participants from various communities
- Entertainment Value: Provides a fun and entertaining experience for visitors
12. Yakushima's Shishiai Festival
Celebration honoring the deity that protects Yakushima Island, featuring traditional dances and prayers.
- Spiritual Experience: Provides a deeply spiritual and cultural experience
- Island Exploration: Offers a chance to explore Yakushima Island's unique beauty
- Cultural Preservation: Highlights the island's religious traditions and customs
13. Kinko Bay Fireworks Festival
One of Japan's largest fireworks festivals, held over several nights in Kinko Bay.
- Fireworks Enthusiasts: Attracts fireworks enthusiasts from around the world
- Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of Kinko Bay during the displays
- Community Spirit: Brings together communities in a shared celebration
14. Kagoshima's Tanabata Festival (Amu Plaza Fes)
Large-scale festival featuring dance performances, food stalls, and decorative star lanterns.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture
- Food and Shopping: Offers a variety of delicious local foods and shopping opportunities
- Entertainment Value: Provides a fun and entertaining experience for visitors
15. Ibusuki's Mud Bath Festival (Ibusuki Dangosyo)
Celebration of Ibusuki's famous mud baths, featuring music, food, and performances.
- Relaxation and Wellness: Provides a therapeutic and rejuvenating experience
- Cultural Experience: Incorporates traditional methods of using mud baths for healing
- Spa-like Atmosphere: Relaxing and peaceful environment with spa-like facilities nearby