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
- 10:20 Meet at the terminal building of Marine Port Kagoshima 10:25 Departure 10:50 Arrival at Xavier Church (only the grandmother prayed. Guided the other 3 people to Shiroyama Observatory) 11:30 Departure from Xavier Church Went around Terukuni Shrine by car and took photos at the Saigo statue 11:50-12:05 Loft at Maruya Gardens (looked for a heat-insulating trivet but couldn't find a good one) 12:10-12:30 Don Quijote Tenmonkan store (bought Kit Kats as souvenirs) 12:35-13:20 Kagoshima Aquarium 13:30-14:05 McDonald's 14:10-14:35 Ishibashi Memorial Park 15:00-15:45 Don Quijote Usuki store (bought cute T-shirts and socks as souvenirs) Took commemorative photos with Sakurajima in the background at Marine Port 16:10 Disbanded
What Is a Private Kagoshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Visiting a Church, Aquarium, and Sakurajima
The guests were a group visiting Kagoshima. In the prior arrangements, the plan was to visit Sakurajima and Sengan-en Garden. However, an email arrived the day before with several requests: first, they did not want to use the foot bath at Sakurajima in the heat, and wished to avoid the volcanic ash; second, some of the guests had been unable to pray at a church elsewhere and asked whether they could pray at a Catholic church; and third, they wanted to know where they could buy a variety of Kit Kat flavors as souvenirs. In addition, since one of the guests used a cane, it seemed best to avoid walking long distances under the strong sun, so we decided to skip Sengan-en Garden as well, and I quickly recommended the Xavier Church and the aquarium instead. At the Xavier Church, a staff member lit a candle for us, and the group was able to pray quietly. At the aquarium, we were able to borrow a wheelchair, so everyone could take their time enjoying the exhibits. The visit was especially delightful for the group. Because I had scouted the Don Quijote store the day before, the shopping went smoothly, and since the guests wanted to visit again on the way back, we stopped by a branch near the port. I believe they were very satisfied with the tour.
Click here for more details: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
I worked as a producer at a TV company for over 40 years and moved from Tokyo to Kagoshima in the spring of 2024. I lived in Kagoshima in my 20s and married a Kagoshima woman, so Kagoshima is my second home. My strength is my familiarity with Tokyo and Kagoshima. If you are interested in Japanese people, especially our culture, traditions, history and food, why not contact me? Kagoshima has a unique charm that Tokyo does not have. You will be fascinated not only by the famous tourist spots, but also by walking through the downtown area and back streets. Let’s explore!
Jul 15, 2026
diane_w
Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day…
We had a wonderful day with…
Jul 15, 2026
diane_w
Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day…
We had a wonderful day with Shinju! He was so knowledgeable and well prepared. Immediately upon our disembarkation he led us to a map of the area we were to tour and explained our route. Along the way Shinju continued to educate us about Kagoshima. Additionally he had a book he made with photographs and maps relating to our tour. We were all very impressed. I would highly recommend this tour and guide
May 26, 2026
Companion12422328239
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
Kagoshima was a highlight of our Japan trip
Kagoshima was…
May 26, 2026
Companion12422328239
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
Kagoshima was a highlight of our Japan trip
Kagoshima was an unexpected highlight of our trip to Japan. We were so impressed with the city. Shinju was our tour guide, and he arranged samurai armor wearing and bow and arrow experiences for our kids. It was one of our favorite experiences of our entire trip to Japan. Shinju was very informative and spoke excellent English. We had a fantastic time and learned so much. This was a great tour!
May 4, 2026
Jackim2009
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
Our Day in Kagoshima
We had a wonderful time in…
May 4, 2026
Jackim2009
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
Our Day in Kagoshima
We had a wonderful time in Kagoshima. Shinju was an excellent tour guide and we loved all the places he took us. I especially loved visiting the samurai village in Chiran. It was so interesting to learn about them and see how they lived. We took the fairy over to the active volcano and got a good view from the observatory. Then, we went to a park where they have foot baths and dipped our feet in the hot baths. We also visited the kamikaze museum where they pay tribute to all the young men who died in a one way mission during WW II.
Apr 3, 2026
Wolfgang_B
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
Our host and tour guide…
Our host and tour guide…
Apr 3, 2026
Wolfgang_B
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
Our host and tour guide…
Our host and tour guide SHINJU was just fantastic, starting with the pick-up at the cruise terminal and then taking us to the interesting sites in Kagoshima – including the volcano, the exciting Senganen garden and the observatory overlooking Kagoshima and the opposite volcano. Very interesting history, culture and city life. Thank You Shinju for such a great day, and also the flexibility on accomodating our wishes. We loved it!