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

  • 9:30 Meeting at the lobby of Hotel, where we explained the route and how to use the 1-day common ticket, and headed to Sakurajima Ferry Terminal by train and on foot
  •       
  • 10:00 The Sakurajima Ferry departed toward the island
  • 10:30 After arriving on the island, we took the Sakurajima Island View Bus to Arimura Observatory, and 30 minutes later took the bus back to the port
  • 12:05 We headed to central Kagoshima City by the Sakurajima Ferry, and after arriving, went to Tenmonkan by train and on foot
  • 12:40  After having lunch at Fukiagean in Tenmonkan, we walked around Terukuni Shrine, the statue of Saigo Takamori, and the Gyoromon Gate
  • 15:15 Near the Saigo statue, we took the Kagoshima City View Bus toward Sengan-en
  • 15:49 We arrived at Sengan-en, explained how to buy admission tickets and the time of the last bus, and dispersed here

What Is a Private Kagoshima and Sakurajima Ferry Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from South America, and one of them spoke a little Japanese. The tour had been booked with a strong wish to cross to Sakurajima by ferry, and thanks to the fine weather they were able to see the smoking crater up close, which delighted them. They were a bright and cheerful group who enjoyed a Japanese lunch, and they liked the restaurant so much that they mentioned wanting to return in the evening to have tonkatsu and pork shabu-shabu on the second floor of the same place. The tram, bus, and ferry all ran as planned, so we were able to get around smoothly. I was also allowed to take photos and received consent for their use in advertising.

Dear Guest

I am Guide for your Kagoshima Tour.
My nickname is Tachi, short hair, 69 years old, wearing glasses and quite small.

In Kagoshima, we can see many things in “What to expect”, like Sengan-en, Reimeikan, Terukuni Shrine, etc.
Could you please select must-see spots from the list and let us know, we will create your customised itinerary.

in addition, Could you please advise what kind of food/materials you want to eat for lunch?
and also if you have, what food/materials you can not eat, or what food/materials are prohibited to eat ?

thank you for your request
best regard

Hideto Tachimoto

Apr 4, 2026
Giovanni_M
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
Fantastic
Our experience was great and our guide Tachi was…

Apr 3, 2026
V2097LInickd
Tripadvisor review: Kagoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Enjoyable Guide around Kagoshima
Tachi is an experienced, helpful and well organised…

Mar 28, 2026
James_M
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
Great tour guide
Great tour guide. Friendly and went out…

May 8, 2025
Louann710
Great day in Kagoshima!
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
Tachi was very responsive during the…