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
- 10:20 Meet at Marine Port Kagoshima
- 11:10 Shiroyama Park Observation Deck
- 11:50 Sengan-en
- 12:20 Lunch at Gozensho Oukatei (inside Sengan-en)
- 13:20 Kagoshima Port Sakurajima Ferry Terminal
- 14:10 Yunohira Observatory
- 14:50 Sakurajima Visitor Center
- 15:25 Sakurajima Port Ferry Terminal
- 15:50 Tsurumaru Castle Goromon Gate
- 16:00 Statue of Saigo Takamori
- 16:50 AEON Kagoshima Store
- 18:00 Disband at Marine Port Kagoshima
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kagoshima began at 10:20, when the guide met the guests at Marine Port Kagoshima, and finished at 18:00. The day ran to 7 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at Gozensho Oukatei (inside Sengan-en) at 12:20.
From there the group visited Shiroyama Park Observation Deck at 11:10, Sengan-en at 11:50, Kagoshima Port Sakurajima Ferry Terminal at 13:20, Yunohira Observatory at 14:10, Sakurajima Visitor Center at 14:50, Sakurajima Port Ferry Terminal at 15:25, Tsurumaru Castle Goromon Gate at 15:50, Statue of Saigo Takamori at 16:00 and AEON Kagoshima Store at 16:50.
Title: What's a Private Cruise Port Tour of Kagoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. They arrived in Kagoshima on a 12-day cruise tour that departed from Yokohama and passed through Hokkaido, Korea, and other destinations. Because the cruise ship carried a very large number of passengers, immigration procedures took some time, and our departure was 20 minutes later than originally scheduled. In the morning, due to unfortunate rain, we were unable to see Sakurajima from the Shiroyama Observatory, but at Sengan-en the guests appeared deeply impressed by the beautiful Iso Goten residence and garden of the Shimazu family. In the afternoon the rain stopped, and the guests fully enjoyed the majestic view of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay from the Yunohira Observatory on Sakurajima. The guests expressed a wish to shop for clothing and other items, so instead of the originally planned visit to the Reimeikan (museum), I guided them to the AEON Kagoshima store. Since I accommodated their request as they wished, I believe they were satisfied. As this tour used a chartered vehicle, there were no advance transportation expenses to be reimbursed.
Click here for more details: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
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
Jul 10, 2026
surferbikerdude1
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Seizo Kamiuto was out guide for this wonderful and beautiful area of Kamakura. He was full of cultural and historical knowledge and provided valuable context during our walks and visits. Makes me want to visit again hopefully in the near future.
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stacy_grana
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…
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stacy_grana
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing. He was informative without being overwhelming, matched
our pace, and offered recommendations at each location. Highly recommended!
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…
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Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a great personality, kept us on
schedule, and knew what we would like! He was receptive to our needs at every moment.
May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
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Tokio in de zon
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May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
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Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende gids. De metro van Tokio is een doolhof en zonder hem zou ik een hoop tijd verloren hebben, we bezochten de highlights en Seizo wist overal wat te vertellen. Het tempo lag wel hoog en het was warm maar Seizo wist ook waar we een frisse pint konden drinken. Kortom ik ben zeer tevreden.
太陽の下の東京
Seizo Kamintoさんは素晴らしいガイドです。東京の地下鉄は迷路のようですが、彼がいなければ多くの時間を無駄にしていたと思います。私たちは見どころを巡り、Seizoさんはどこでもいろいろと説明してくれました。ペースはやや速く、暑さもありましたが、Seizoさんは冷たいビールを飲める場所も知っていました。
要するに、とても満足しています。