Traveling from Okayama to Kagoshima is serviced primarily by the Shinkansen, particularly the Sanyo Shinkansen line. The fastest option is the Mizuho train, which reaches speeds of up to 285 km/h (177 mph) and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes for the journey. The Mizuho makes limited stops, allowing for a quicker transfer from Okayama to Kagoshima.
An alternative service is the Sakura train, which travels the same route but does so with additional stops, extending the travel time to around 4 hours. This can be advantageous for those looking to visit other cities along the way, such as Kumamoto.
Both train types offer both Ordinary and Green class seating, catering to varying comfort preferences. The onboard experience includes amenities such as spacious seats and food options, making for a comfortable trip regardless of the service chosen.