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
- 1. Marine Port Kagoshima Depart 08:15
- 2. Sakurajima Ferry Terminal Arrive 08:45 Depart 09:00
- 3. Sakurajima Visitor Center Arrive 09:25 Depart 10:00
- 4. Arimura Lava Observatory Arrive 10:15 Depart 10:45
- 5. Convenience Store LAWSON Sakurajima Arrive 11:00 Depart 11:15
- 6. Sakurajima Ferry Terminal Arrive 11:20 Depart 11:25
- On the way to Sengan-en, taking a route where you can see from the car window ○Terukuni Shrine ○Statue of Saigo Takamori ○Goromon Gate
- 7. Sengan-en Arrive 11:50 Depart 15:00
- 8. Marine Port Kagoshima Arrive 15:35
What's a Private Kimono and Samurai Armor Photo Tour at Sengan-en in Kagoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
This tour was requested last November, with a wish for the entire group to wear kimono and armor together for a group photo, which was made possible through a special arrangement with Sengan-en. Although there were time constraints (partly due to a desired return time to the ship), the biggest concern was the weather. The rain that had continued until the previous day cleared up, and today's fine weather allowed us to take photos outdoors without any problem, with Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay in the background. They say it will rain for the next four days, so what a fortunate group they are. The guests were pleased that a wonderful memory of Japan had been made, and I felt a great sense of relief as well. I received permission to use just one of the photos I took for PR purposes, so I have attached it. The photos taken by the professional photographer have been sent directly to the guests as data from Sengan-en.
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.