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
- Departure from Marine Port Kagoshima 7:45 => Departure by Sakurajima Ferry 8:20 => Arrival at Yudaira Observatory 8:55 => Arrival at Lava Trail 9:30 => Nagisa Park Foot Bath 9:45 => Arrival at Sakurajima Visitor Center 10:05 => Departure by Sakurajima-side Ferry 10:40 => Arrival at Kagoshima City-side Ferry 11:00 => Arrival at Shiroyama Observatory 11:10 => Arrival at Saigo Takamori Statue 11:35 => Arrival at Yakiniku Nabeshima Yojiro Store 11:50 => Departure from Yakiniku Nabeshima Yojiro Store 12:50 => Arrival at Satsuma Kiriko Workshop 13:20 => Arrival at Sengan-en 13:35 => Departure from Sengan-en 14:50 => Arrival at Marine Port Kagoshima 15:30
What Is a Private Guided Tour of Kagoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sakurajima and Local Highlights
The guests had originally made a reservation last November, but due to a mix-up it was cancelled in January of this year. They booked the tour again, and I had prepared an itinerary incorporating all of their requests and received their approval. When they rebooked, they requested me specifically as their guide. Today we were able to depart earlier than planned, so we managed to add stops that were not originally scheduled, including the foot bath at Sakurajima, the Shiroyama Observatory, and the statue of Saigo Takamori, where we took a group photo. In addition, the wagyu beef lunch, which had been their top request, was delicious, and the guests seemed very pleased.
Click here for more details: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
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 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 very good, well prepared knew his
material and adapted to our needs and requests
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…
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 guide. He met us at our hotel bearing day use transport cards meaning cheap transport for the day and no messing around with change for the bus, train and ferry. He organised a bright sunny day to view Sakurashima volcano which had been obscured by clouds the day before. At least he said he did. And he timed the boarding onto the ferry to the island to the second.
We toured the highlights of the island before returning to the mainland for a visit to Sengan-en and more views of Sakurashima. The history and gardens at Sengan-en are well worth a visit and a guide just adds to the experience.
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…
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 of his way to accommodate all are requests. Also
was very knowledgeable
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…
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 planning of our excursion. He tailored our day to what we wanted to do.
The morning of the tour he was waiting for us! He is such a nice man! Very funny wonderful personality. Our driver was very nice as well, and the van was very roomy!
We visted the Yunohira observatory and the geo park at Sakurajima. The volcano was smoking, it was a clear day so we had great views. We also saw the Saigo Takamori Statue and had a Quick Look at the Kagoshima Castle ruins.
He arranged a private room for us at lunch for a Wagu Beef experience. Delicious !!
We also saw where Satsuma glass was made! Really beautiful!
We then went to SENGAN-EN gardens and spent time there walking around and visited the House of the Lord. A very nice way to end the day!
We were back on board the ship in plenty of time.