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
- 8:30 Meet at Toyoko Inn Tenmonkan 2
- 8:40 View the Ogion-sa portable shrine at Sentera
- 9:00 Terukuni Shrine
- 9:30 Tsurumaru Castle Ruins
- 9:46 Bus to Sengan-en
- 10:20 Sengan-en, archery experience
- 11:57 Train to Central Station
- 12:15 Sushi restaurant
- 13:00 Shopping near Central Station
- 13:30 Farewell (guests take a taxi to the port)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:30 at Toyoko Inn Tenmonkan 2 and ended at 13:30. The day ran to 5 hours from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in View the Ogion-sa portable shrine at Sentera at 8:40, Terukuni Shrine at 9:00, Tsurumaru Castle Ruins at 9:30, Bus to Sengan-en at 9:46, Sengan-en, archery experience at 10:20, Train to Central Station at 11:57, Sushi restaurant at 12:15 and Shopping near Central Station at 13:00.
What's a Private Family Walking Tour of Kagoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group who enjoyed walking. Since some of the guests would get bored without activities, we did an archery experience at Sengan-en. The group enjoyed taking photos and were delighted to take pictures at many photo spots, such as Terukuni Shrine and Sengan-en. The group had dietary restrictions: vegetables OK, fish OK, but no shellfish, no crustaceans, and no meat. Since they liked sushi, I looked for a sushi restaurant in advance. Lunch sets were likely not suitable, and because they relied only on public transportation, conveyor-belt sushi shops that require ordering individual items were difficult to reach. Today there was a large festival in Kagoshima, so the Tenmonkan area was extremely crowded and it was a struggle to find a place. I was able to make a reservation at "Sushikoto Katsuo" near Chuo Station, which was not crowded, served quickly, and allowed ordering individual items — it was perfect.
Click here for more details: Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
I’m a national government licensed tour guide. I moved to Kagoshima from Osaka four years ago because I was amazed by its perfect blend of stunning nature beauty and rich culture. We can see the majestic Sakurajima volcano from the city, which reminds us the powerful natural forces. Kagoshima was home to major Meiji Restoration figures, so history lovers will find plenty to explore. And of course, the food is incredible—famous for Kurobuta (Berkshire pork), Satsuma-age (fried fish cakes), and Shochu (a local distilled spirit).
I’m passionate about history and love visiting historical sites all over Japan. I also like outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and camping. Kagoshima’s natural landscape is perfect for these adventures, so there’s always something new to discover.
I look forward to sharing wonderful Kagoshima with you and making unforgettable memories together!