Kagoshima-Chuo Station is the southern terminus of the Kyushu Shinkansen line making it the primary point of entry and exit, for most international visitors, to the attractions in the south of Kyushu. The beautiful Sengan-en Garden is a notable feature of the city but for many headed to Kagoshima, the real attractions lie outside the city itself including the volcanic island of Sakurajima, Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, Satsuma Peninsula and the World Heritage-listed island of Yakushima.

The area around the station has plenty of large to mid-sized Western-style hotels. Prices are reasonable and given the easy access they provide to the station, staying in this area is always a convenient option. Alternatively, the Tenmonkan area of the city has the largest concentration of accommodation along with the best dining, shopping and entertainment options.