Kagoshima Airport Guide: The Gateway to Southern Kyushu
- Published on : 04/08/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Kagoshima Airport
@Alan Wilson on Flickr, Creative Commons
Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) is the second-busiest airport in Kyushu after Fukuoka and offers flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, as well as international flights to China and South Korea.
Terminals and Airlines
Opened in 1972 to replace the old airport located near downtown, Kagoshima Airport now serves nearly 6 million passengers a year. It has a single terminal, divided between domestic flights and international flights to Asia.
International Flights
The airport also serves several scheduled flights to East Asia.
The main destinations are:
- Seoul
- Shanghai
- Hong Kong
- Taipei
The number of flights varies by season.
Japanese Airlines
- ANA (All Nippon Airways): ANA operates several daily flights to Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Itami, Nagoya, and Okinawa, as well as to several regional destinations.
- Japan Airlines (JAL): JAL serves Tokyo Haneda, Osaka, and the main islands of Kagoshima Prefecture, such as Yakushima and Amami Ōshima.
- Solaseed Air: This airline specializes in routes between Kyushu and Tokyo.
- Skymark Airlines: Skymark offers several daily flights to Tokyo Haneda and Kobe.
- Peach Aviation: This low-cost carrier serves Osaka, among other destinations.
- Jetstar Japan: Jetstar operates several flights between Kagoshima and Tokyo Narita.
Major international airlines
The airport also serves several Asian airlines:
South Korea
- Korean Air
- Jeju Air
Destination:
- Seoul
Taiwan
- China Airlines
Destination:
- Taipei
China
Depending on the time of year, several airlines fly to:
- Shanghai
- Hong Kong
An ideal airport for exploring southern Kyushu
Kagoshima Airport is the main air gateway to southern Kyushu. Unlike Fukuoka Airport, it offers easy access to:
- Kagoshima
- Sakurajima
- Kirishima
- Ibusuki
- Chiran
- Yakushima
- Tanegashima
- Amami Ōshima
A great way to explore this part of the region, known for its hot springs (onsen), cuisine, and subtropical landscapes.
Kagoshima
@Unsplash
Access to and from Kagoshima Airport
How do I get to Kagoshima?
Unlike other major Japanese airports, Kagoshima Airport does not have a train station.
The most convenient way to get to or from the airport is therefore the limousine bus.
Travel time:
- Kagoshima-Chūō Station: about 40 minutes
- Tenmonkan: about 50 minutes
The fare is about 1,500 yen.
Buses run regularly throughout the day.
Kagoshima Airport Limousine Bus
@Japan Experience
Traveling to the Rest of Kyushu
Long-distance buses also provide service to:
- Kirishima Onsen
- Miyazaki
- Kumamoto
- Hitoyoshi
Getting to the Airport by Taxi
A taxi is especially convenient if you're traveling in a group or with a lot of luggage.
As a general guide:
- Kagoshima City Center: about 40 to 50 minutes
Expect to pay between 8,000 and 10,000 yen, depending on traffic.
Taxis in Japan
@Unsplash
Rent a Car
A car is often the best way to explore the region.
There are many rental agencies here:
- Toyota Rent a Car
- Nippon Rent-A-Car
- Nissan Rent a Car
- Times Car Rental
- Orix Rent a Car
- Budget Rent a Car
A car is highly recommended for visiting:
- Kirishima
- Ibusuki
- Chiran
- Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
- The Satsuma Peninsula
Need to have your driver's license translated? Japan Experience can help.
Airport Services
Dining
The terminal features several restaurants where you can sample local specialties.
Among the must-tries:
- Kagoshima ramen;
- Kurobuta black pork;
- Kagoshima beef;
- Kagoshima shōchū;
- Dishes made with free-range chicken (jidori).
Shopping
The airport is one of the best places to buy local specialties.
The shops offer, among other things:
- Shōchū;
- Chiran tea;
- Kagoshima sweet potatoes;
- Local sweets;
- Satsuma pottery.
Kagoshima Ramen
@jetalone on Flickr, Creative Commons
You'll also find several konbini—convenience stores like Lawson or Family Mart—that offer snacks, everyday essentials, and drinks 24 hours a day.
Duty Free
The international terminal has a duty-free shop offering:
- cosmetics;
- alcohol;
- regional products;
- souvenirs.
Lounges
The airport has several lounges that are accessible depending on the airline or for an additional fee.
They offer, among other things:
- Drinks;
- Free Wi-Fi;
- Power outlets;
- Rest areas.
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Luggage Storage and Delivery
Coin lockers (self-service storage lockers) are available in the terminal.
The airport also offers a baggage delivery service (Takkyubin) to hotels and many destinations throughout Japan.
Coin Lockers
Flickr haru__q
Hotels near the airport
For late arrivals or early departures, there are several hotels nearby.
Among them:
If you'd prefer to stay in a private rental, consider our vacation rentals!
Must-try experiences at the airport
Foot Bath (Ashiyu)
One of the unique features of Kagoshima Airport is its foot bath, fed by a natural hot spring and available free of charge in front of the terminal. It’s a pleasant way to relax before or after a flight.
Tasting Shōchū
Kagoshima is Japan’s leading producer of shōchū (distilled spirit)! The airport shops offer several hundred local varieties.
Ashiyu at Kagoshima Airport
@Wikimedia, copyright-free
Viewing Sakurajima
On a clear day, you can see the Sakurajima volcano from the area around the airport.
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Things to Do Near Kagoshima Airport
Kirishima
About a 30-minute drive away, Kirishima is known for its mountains, shrines, and numerous hot springs.
Sengan-en
Located across from Sakurajima Volcano, this historic garden once belonged to the Shimazu family. It offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Kagoshima.
Sakurajima
Accessible by ferry from Kagoshima, this active volcano is the symbol of the region. Several trails, observation decks, and foot baths allow visitors to explore this unique landscape.
Ibusuki
Renowned for its hot sand baths by the sea, Ibusuki is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts.
Sakurajima
@Unsplash
Visiting Kagoshima? Discover the region in a whole new way with our activities and excursions!
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