Kagoshima

Kagoshima sits across the bay from Sakurajima, an active volcano that occasionally drops ash on the city. The comparison to Naples gets made often, partly for the volcanic backdrop and partly for the subtropical climate and palm-lined streets. The port is near Nagisa Park, and the city's main attractions are reachable by tram, bus, or the Kagoshima City View loop bus. A ferry to Sakurajima takes 15 minutes and runs frequently. The Yunohira Lookout gets you close to the crater, and the lava fields from past eruptions are scattered across the island. Back in the city, Sengan-en Garden is a traditional Japanese landscape garden with views of the volcano across the water. For food, try kurobuta (Kagoshima black pork) at one of the Tenmonkan district restaurants. Shirokuma, a shaved ice dessert topped with fruit and condensed milk, is the local sweet specialty.