Very nice observatory, with a beautiful view over Kagoshima and a view of Sakurajima. Tip: DO NOT rely on Google maps to walk here. Depending on where you are, this would send you down the small (and especially VERY steep) mountain path. The hop-on-hop-off bus from Kagoshima stops at the observatory (I noticed when I arrived at the top completely exhausted)

From Shiroyama Observatory, you can enjoy a stunning view of the active volcano on the island off Kagoshima, as well as the city itself. If you opt to walk up to the platform—and back down again—the journey won't cost you a penny. It takes about 15 minutes each way. You can start by climbing the stairs at the end of the road to the left of Terukuni Shrine, then descend via a forest path named Shiroyama Promenade, leading down to Satsuma Retainers Monument. As mentioned, the round trip walk takes approximately 30 minutes in total. If you get thirsty along the way, you can purchase soft drinks at the top.

It is a short walk from the parking lot. The observatory itself is surrounded by trees and not very large. Many tourists come there, so I was waiting in line to take a picture with Sakurajima in the background. It may be because there were so many patrol buses from cruise ships on that day. Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy on Sakurajima, but I could see the cityscape and it was very popular.