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
- 8:30-8:40 Meet the guests. Celebrate the birthday. 8:40-9:10 Marine Port → Sakurajima Ferry 9:20-9:35 Sakurajima Ferry 9:35-9:45 Move to Sakurajima Visitor Center 9:45-10:30 Sakurajima Visitor Center and footbath 10:30-11:25 Went to Yunohira Observatory but fog set in on the way and the mountain became invisible, so returned to the port 11:25-11:40 To Kagoshima by Sakurajima Ferry 11:40-12:00 Move 12:00-15:05 Sengan-en. Garden stroll, armor and kosode dressing experience, cat shrine, light meal 15:05-15:15 Move 15:15-15:40 Ishibashi Memorial Park 15:40-16:05 Return to Marine Port
Title: What Is a Private Kagoshima Tour with a Birthday Celebration Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The evening before the tour, a request came in saying that one of the guests in the group had a birthday and asking whether something could be prepared to celebrate. I immediately went to a 100-yen shop and got a few items. After meeting the guests at the terminal building, I had them wear the birthday goods right away, and together with the volunteers we sang "Happy Birthday to You" and celebrated. It was very lively and fun. Also, since the guest kept wearing a sash reading "Happy Birthday" all day, people passing by noticed it, and many strangers called out "Congratulations." The guest was smiling all day long. At Sengan-en, the guests enjoyed a dress-up experience wearing samurai armor and kimono. When it rains, the photos are taken in the studio, but the Sengan-en staff took photos outside during a brief break in the rain. They were truly kind and thoughtful people. I believe everyone enjoyed the day very much.
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!