Kagoshima

Kagoshima is the capital of Kagoshima prefecture on the island of Kyushu, JapanSprawled around the Sakurajima Volcano, the birthplace of the Meiji Restoration, Kagoshima is home to many of Japan's historical heroes. The reminants of samurai strongholds (Bukeyashiki), which are still lived in today, lay scattered throughout the mountains. With few foreign chains, no cable TV, this is a chance to see what Japan was like before the invention of concrete

Sightseeing:
Sakurajima, Kagoshima's temperamental (and active) volcano can be reached by ferry in a matter of minutes. Face your fear and get up close and personal - just don't wear too much white, as the ash will leave you looking slightly grey. Yunohira Lookout is a two hours hike or 15 minutes drive from Sakurajima harbor and gives you a good view both to Kagoshima harbour and Sakurajima volcano.
There are also a couple of other lookout points, where you can take a closer look at the volcano. Because Sakurajima is essentially an active volcano, remember that tourists are forbidden to go within 2 km of the crater.