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.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:30 Depart from Marine Port
- 9:00 Kagoshima Port (Sakurajima Ferry Terminal)
- 9:30 Sakurajima Visitor Center
- Lava Nagisa Park
- 10:20 Arimura Observatory
- 11:00 Sakurajima Port (Ferry Terminal)
- 11:40 Sengan-en
- 12:30 Tenmonkan
- 14:30 Marine Port
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Kagoshima Port (Sakurajima Ferry Terminal) at 9:00, Sakurajima Visitor Center at 9:30, Arimura Observatory at 10:20, Sakurajima Port (Ferry Terminal) at 11:00, Sengan-en at 11:40, Tenmonkan at 12:30 and Marine Port at 14:30.
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kagoshima and Sakurajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
We first took a ferry across to Sakurajima and visited a museum and a foot-bath park. As early-season mandarin oranges were in season, I handed one to each person, and the guests enjoyed the oranges while soaking in the hot spring.
The sky was cloudy that day, and Sakurajima appeared hazy from the city and was not very clearly visible, so we headed to the Arimura Observatory, where we were able to see the overall shape of the mountain and enjoy the scenery.
Returning to the city, I gave a brief tour of Sengan-en and then we had lunch in Tenmonkan. When I asked about their lunch preferences, the guests showed me a note that read "kibinago and satsuma-age," so I took them to a restaurant serving local cuisine. They mentioned that "a hearty dinner would be served on the cruise ship, so we cannot eat too much," so I explained the situation to the restaurant staff and the guests shared two course meals among the group. With sweet potato shochu, kibinago, bonito, tonkotsu, chawanmushi, miso soup, and more, everything seemed delicious to those visiting Japan for the first time. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also like a traditional Japanese house, which made for a wonderful experience.
Click here for more details: Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with 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!