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
- 11:00 Meet at Marine Port Kagoshima
- 12:00 Board the ferry to Sakurajima
- 12:20 Arrive at Sakurajima
- Sakurajima Visitor Center
- Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Park
- Yunohira Observatory
- 13:25 Board the ferry to Kagoshima City
- 14:00 Lunch
- 15:00 Shopping at Tenmonkan and Yamakataya
- 18:00 Disband at Marine Port Kagoshima
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 11:00 at Marine Port Kagoshima and ended at 18:00. The day ran to 7 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 14:00.
Over the course of the day the route took in Board the ferry to Sakurajima at 12:00, Sakurajima at 12:20, Board the ferry to Kagoshima City at 13:25 and Shopping at Tenmonkan and Yamakataya at 15:00.
Title: What Is a Private Food-Focused Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were fascinated by the vending machines, noting that in their home region such machines are not placed on the streets for safety reasons. At every parking lot, on the ferry, and wherever there was a vending machine, they got off to buy drinks.
The guests had been traveling around Japan, taking two consecutive cruise ship tours. Since breakfast and dinner were provided on the cruise ship, they only had lunch locally, and they had been eating mostly cold dishes or fast dishes such as sushi and udon. So they requested to eat a Japanese cooked hot dish. When I took the guests to a wagyu yakiniku restaurant with gyudon, they were delighted and impressed that both the rice and the meat were delicious. Some of the guests finished three bowls of rice.
Click here for more details: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
I’m a national government licensed tour guide. I moved to Kagoshima from Osaka four years ago because I was amazed by its perfect blend of stunning nature beauty and rich culture. We can see the majestic Sakurajima volcano from the city, which reminds us the powerful natural forces. Kagoshima was home to major Meiji Restoration figures, so history lovers will find plenty to explore. And of course, the food is incredible—famous for Kurobuta (Berkshire pork), Satsuma-age (fried fish cakes), and Shochu (a local distilled spirit).
I’m passionate about history and love visiting historical sites all over Japan. I also like outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and camping. Kagoshima’s natural landscape is perfect for these adventures, so there’s always something new to discover.
I look forward to sharing wonderful Kagoshima with you and making unforgettable memories together!