How to travel between Kagoshima and Tokyo
By train
Take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Fukuoka's Hakata Station (5 hours by nozomi or 6 hours by hikari with a transfer at Shin-Osaka). At Hakata Station, transfer to the Relay Tsubasa limited express for Shin-Yatsushiro Station (100 minutes) and then take the Kyushu Shinkansen from Shin-Yatsushiro to Kagoshima Chuo Station (40 minutes).
The one way trip costs around 28,000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Along the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen the Japan Rail Pass is valid on hikari trains, but not on nozomi trains.
By air
JAL, ANA and Skynet Asia Airways are operating over a dozen round trips per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Kagoshima Airport. Flight time is 55 minutes.
The regular one way fare of JAL and ANA is around 39,000 yen, but discount tickets are usually available for around 15,000 to 31,000 yen. The fares of Skynet Asia Airways are typically 20 percent lower than those of JAL and ANA. With an air pass, foreign tourists can fly for even less.
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 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.
Tram lines connect the two stations and the city center, while the "Kagoshima City View", a circular bus line for tourists, connects all main attractions, including Senganen and the ferry pier to Sakurajima.
