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 Marine Port Kagoshima
- 9:00 Board Sakurajima Ferry
- 9:30 Sakurajima Visitor Center
- 10:30 Yunohira Observatory
- 11:00 Arimura Observatory
- 11:40 Board Sakurajima Ferry
- 12:20 Lunch at "Kurobuta Fukuya"
- From the car window: Terukuni Shrine – Saigo Statue – Goromon Gate
- 13:40 Kagoshima Aquarium
- 15:00 Arrive at Marine Port Kagoshima
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Marine Port Kagoshima at 8:30, Board Sakurajima Ferry at 9:00, Sakurajima Visitor Center at 9:30, Yunohira Observatory at 10:30, Arimura Observatory at 11:00, Board Sakurajima Ferry at 11:40, Kagoshima Aquarium at 13:40 and Marine Port Kagoshima at 15:00.
What Is a Private Day Tour of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Kagoshima.
◉ Sakurajima Visitor Center They watched a film about the formation and history of Sakurajima, and surprisingly, they became very interested in the fact that the water reaches a depth of 200 meters. Afterward, they enjoyed the foot bath along the adjacent "Lava Nagisa Promenade."
◉ Yunohira Observatory They were surprised by the smell of sulfur.
◉ Arimura Observatory Since it was hot, we walked briskly along the lava path and moved on to the ferry terminal.
◉ Lunch They had black pork tonkatsu. The tonkatsu was of course delicious, but they were also impressed by the unfamiliar flavors, such as the shredded cabbage, the shiso dressing, and the tonkatsu sauce.
At this point, we were well ahead of schedule, so we visited Terukuni Shrine, the statue of Saigo, and the Goromon Gate. However, since the guests were tired, they stayed in the car and I guided them from the window only.
◉ Kagoshima Aquarium We had originally planned to visit "Sengan-en," but the previous day the guests suggested visiting the aquarium instead, so we went there. One of the guests had wanted to see the whale shark.
As we were more than an hour ahead of schedule, I offered to guide them to other places as well, but they asked to head straight to the port.
Click here for more details: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
I have been living in Kagoshima since 2019. I love talking with people, and I look forward to guiding you around this beautiful city.
Kagoshima has many attractions: the active volcano Sakurajima rising right before your eyes, the lively atmosphere of the city, its rich history, and its delicious local cuisine. I hope you will be able to feel the charm of this place through the many stories it has to offer.
I will do my best to share the wonders of Kagoshima with all who visit, and to provide a special experience with heartfelt hospitality.
Jul 23, 2026
Dawnery_V
Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Delightful guide and very fun day.
Mio was delightful. She was…
Jul 23, 2026
Dawnery_V
Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Delightful guide and very fun day.
Mio was delightful. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. She also made such an effort to learn all of our names, and she was great with my daughter. The entire family had a great day touring Kagoshima. I would highly recommend this to her.
Jul 17, 2026
Amanda_Q
Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Super city and great & driver!
What an intriguing city! Our…
Jul 17, 2026
Amanda_Q
Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Super city and great & driver!
What an intriguing city! Our guide was super proactive about learning about our group (family of 4, two teenagers) and interests to plan a great day. The driver could not have been nicer or more professional. It was super hot, so we revised our plans midday without any issues. Our guide was really knowledgeable about her city, and the culture of Japan. We learned a lot and truly enjoyed her company!
May 25, 2026
Stephen_D
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
Thoughtful, knowledgeable and excellent tour
Mio was awesome! She took…
May 25, 2026
Stephen_D
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
Thoughtful, knowledgeable and excellent tour
Mio was awesome! She took care to bring us little presents from Kagoshima and had an English book for us to read about the Meiji Restoration. She was very knowledgeable and had excellent English. An awesome and excellent experience. Only downside was we didn’t have as long in port as we originally thought. So she couldn’t take us everywhere!