This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:00 Depart from Marine Port Kagoshima
- 8:30 Terukuni Shrine
- 8:50 Goromon Gate
- 9:10 Shiroyama Observatory
- 10:00 Board Sakurajima Ferry
- 10:35 Yunohira Observatory
- 11:10 Arimura Observatory
- 11:45 Board Sakurajima Ferry
- 12:00 Kagoshima Aquarium
- 13:00 Lunch (Yakiniku Nabeshima)
- 14:30 Arrive at Marine Port
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Terukuni Shrine at 8:30, Goromon Gate at 8:50, Shiroyama Observatory at 9:10, Board Sakurajima Ferry at 10:00, Yunohira Observatory at 10:35, Arimura Observatory at 11:10, Board Sakurajima Ferry at 11:45, Kagoshima Aquarium at 12:00 and Marine Port at 14:30.
Kagoshima Private Tour Report: What Can You See on a Family-Friendly Day Trip Including Sakurajima and an Aquarium?
The guests were a group visiting Kagoshima. One member of the group left the tour at 9:30 to head to Kagoshima Airport. They had planned to arrange a taxi from the port to the airport, but since the waiting time at the airport would have been long, we enjoyed a little sightseeing in the city of Kagoshima first. At Goromon Gate in particular, lotus flowers that can only be enjoyed early in the morning at this time of year were in bloom, which delighted them greatly.
Afterwards, while on the ferry heading to Sakurajima, I mentioned that "there is a whale shark at the aquarium," and one of the guests said, "I absolutely want to go see it!" so we decided to add the aquarium to the itinerary on the spot. (We had suggested the aquarium and museum in advance as a way to cope with the extreme heat, but it seemed this had not been passed on from the person who made the booking to the rest of the group.)
For lunch, since they wanted to eat beef, I took them to a yakiniku restaurant. They were given a private room and enjoyed delicious wagyu beef in a relaxed setting.
Click here for more details: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
I have been living in Kagoshima since 2019. I love talking with people, and I look forward to guiding you around this beautiful city.
Kagoshima has many attractions: the active volcano Sakurajima rising right before your eyes, the lively atmosphere of the city, its rich history, and its delicious local cuisine. I hope you will be able to feel the charm of this place through the many stories it has to offer.
I will do my best to share the wonders of Kagoshima with all who visit, and to provide a special experience with heartfelt hospitality.
Jul 23, 2026
Dawnery_V
Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Delightful guide and very fun day.
Mio was delightful. She was…
Jul 23, 2026
Dawnery_V
Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Delightful guide and very fun day.
Mio was delightful. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. She also made such an effort to learn all of our names, and she was great with my daughter. The entire family had a great day touring Kagoshima. I would highly recommend this to her.
Jul 17, 2026
Amanda_Q
Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Super city and great & driver!
What an intriguing city! Our…
Jul 17, 2026
Amanda_Q
Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Super city and great & driver!
What an intriguing city! Our guide was super proactive about learning about our group (family of 4, two teenagers) and interests to plan a great day. The driver could not have been nicer or more professional. It was super hot, so we revised our plans midday without any issues. Our guide was really knowledgeable about her city, and the culture of Japan. We learned a lot and truly enjoyed her company!
May 25, 2026
Stephen_D
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
Thoughtful, knowledgeable and excellent tour
Mio was awesome! She took…
May 25, 2026
Stephen_D
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
Thoughtful, knowledgeable and excellent tour
Mio was awesome! She took care to bring us little presents from Kagoshima and had an English book for us to read about the Meiji Restoration. She was very knowledgeable and had excellent English. An awesome and excellent experience. Only downside was we didn’t have as long in port as we originally thought. So she couldn’t take us everywhere!