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

  • 09:00 Meet up @ Kagoshima-Chuo Station
  • 10:00 Shiroyama Observatory
  • 11:00 Sengan-en
  • 11:45 Lunch @ Oukatei (inside Sengan-en)
  • 13:30 Sakurajima Visitor Center & Foot Bath
  • 15:15 Disband @ Kagoshima-Chuo Station

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The tour started at 09:00 at @ Kagoshima-Chuo Station and ended at 15:15. The day ran to 6 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Oukatei (inside Sengan-en) at 11:45.

Over the course of the day the route took in Shiroyama Observatory at 10:00, Sengan-en at 11:00 and Sakurajima Visitor Center & Foot Bath at 13:30.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kagoshima to Sakurajima Port by ferry (250JPY); Sakurajima Port to Kagoshima by ferry (250JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 1,100JPY per person.

What Is a Private Day Tour of Kagoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Japan Guide Agency

The guests were a group visiting Kagoshima for the first time. They had arrived in Kagoshima by cruise ship from Tokyo, stopping at several ports along the way. After Kagoshima, they planned to continue their travels. At the Shiroyama Observatory, they enjoyed taking photographs of the magnificent Sakurajima and the Kagoshima cityscape. At Sengan-en, they seemed impressed by the splendid residence of the Shimazu family and its beautiful garden. At Sakurajima, they enjoyed a hot spring foot bath. Since I attended to their wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassKagoshima-Chuo Station~Kagoshima-Chuo Station600JPY
Section 2FerryKagoshima~Sakurajima Port250JPY
Section 3FerrySakurajima Port~Kagoshima250JPY
Total1,100JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Kagoshima tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at @ Kagoshima-Chuo Station at 09:00, and the tour finished at @ Kagoshima-Chuo Station at 15:15.

How long does the tour last?

About 6 hours and 15 minutes in total, from 09:00 to 15:15.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Shiroyama Observatory, Sengan-en and Sakurajima Visitor Center & Foot Bath.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 1,100JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.

Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?

Seizo is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?

Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kagoshima itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.

I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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