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Kagoshima Highlights, Sakurajima Volcano, etc.
5.0
4 Ratings
Kagoshima
Explore Sakurajima Volcano, savor local delicacies, and wander through historic Sengan-en gardens on a private Kagoshima tour.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Sakurajima Visitor Center - Watch a 13-minute film about real volcanic activities with English subtitles. The center also features panels explaining past explosive eruptions, vegetation recovery, and life with an active volcano.
- Sakurajima Nagisa Foot Bath Park - One of Japan’s largest footbaths, stretching 100 meters. It uses natural hot springs with a source temperature of 42 degrees, emerging from 1,000 meters underground. Soak in the reddish-brown footbath to warm and relax your body while enjoying views of Kagoshima Bay or the towering Sakurajima.
- Arimura Lava Lookout - Located on a small hill in the lava field from the 1946 eruption, this observation point is in the middle of a 1km-long lava promenade. It offers views of the imposing Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay. From here, Sakurajima appears different, with its steep triangular shape and the nearby active Minami-dake crater. On some days, you can hear rumbling sounds and explosions from eruptions, providing a unique experience.
- Yunohira Lookout - Climb to the highest point of Sakurajima Volcano, 373 meters above sea level, for views of the dynamic volcanic rock face and the peninsula across Kagoshima Bay.
- Tenmonkan - Enjoy lunch at the charming shopping area of Tenmonkan, with options like Wagyu Beef, Black Pork, Ramen, and more.
- Kagoshima St. Xavier’s Cathedral - Spanish missionary Francis Xavier landed in Kagoshima in 1549, introducing Christianity and foreign cultures to Japan. Father Laguet built Xavier Church in his honor, which was later rebuilt in modern Gothic style after being destroyed in WWII. The new cathedral, built in 1999, is a three-story reinforced concrete building modeled after a trading ship from the Age of Discovery.
- Terukuni Shrine - This shrine honors Shimazu Nariakira, the 28th head of the Shimazu clan. It is the largest shrine in Kagoshima City and was rebuilt in 1958 after being destroyed twice. The shrine features a museum with free admission and a bronze statue of Nariakira. The Rokugatsu-to summer festival is held here annually on July 15th and 16th, with colorful lanterns and various events throughout the year.
- Saigo Takamori Statue - This statue commemorates Saigo Takamori, a key figure in the Meiji Restoration. Created by sculptor Ando Teru, it stands 8 meters tall and depicts Saigo in the uniform of Japan’s first army general. A photo spot across the road allows for pictures with a statue of his beloved dog.
- Kagoshima (Tsurumaru) Castle Ruins & Goromon - The residence of the Shimazu clan, Kagoshima Castle was built around 1601. The Goromon Gate, destroyed by fire in 1873, was restored in 2020 as Japan’s largest castle gate. The gate and stone walls are illuminated daily from sunset to 10:00 p.m.
- Former Kagoshima Bosekijogishikan - This building housed British engineers invited by the Shimazu clan to build Japan’s first Western-style spinning mill. It features a mix of Japanese and Western architecture and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2015. It is close to Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan.
- Iso Kogeikan - The Satsuma cut glass factory, started in 1851, was revived 100 years after closing in 1877. The glass features a gentle gradation between colored and clear layers, known as bokashi.
- Sengan-en - A 12-acre traditional garden built in 1658, featuring ponds, streams, shrines, a bamboo grove, and a mountain hiking trail with panoramic views of Kagoshima Bay and the volcano. The house, made from 1,000-year-old Yakushima cedar, blends Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences. Admission is not included.
- Shoko Shuseikan Museum - The former Shuseikan Machine Factory, built in 1865, is Japan’s oldest existing Western-style factory building. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2015. The museum, which will be closed for renovations until September 2024, showcases the history of the Shimazu clan and its modernization efforts, with approximately 10,000 items on display.
What's Included
- Guide fee
What's Not Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private taxi or bus fares vary depending on group size
- Round trip fare for Sakurajima ferry: 500JPY per person, and 4,700JPY for cars depending on the size
- Senganen entrance fee 1,600 JPY per person
- Lunch
Additional Information
You can customize your tour by choosing the places you want to go within 7 hours. Below are some recommended spots
Sakurajima, a trapezoidal volcano towering over Kagoshima Bay, is a real active volcano that erupts an average of 200 times a year. Feel the wonder of nature while soaking in Japan’s longest 100-meter foot bath. Climb to the observatory, the highest point a person can reach and see the surface up close
Enjoy Japan’s best Wagyu beef yakiniku, black pork, ramen and more in Tenmonkan, the most lively shopping area
Sengan-en is a serene traditional garden of 12 acres built in 1658. A lord’s villa has been loved for generations. A world heritage site of modernization projects and a sophisticated crystal-cut glass factory
Whiskey Distilleries, Mars & Kanosuke. Japan produces some of the best whiskey in the world. The deep aroma wafting from the barrels filled with whiskey
Chiran Peace Museum, samurai residence & garden
Natural Artisan Amber Rice Vinegar, Sandbath & more
Location
Sakurajima Visitor Center
1722-29 Sakurajima Yokoyamacho,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
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(4 Ratings)
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Sarah92567
Jun 30, 2024
Wonderful experience and tour! - We had a wonderful tour and our guide Hitomi was full of information and we enjoyed learning about Kagashima. The lunch she booked was the best food we've ever had! Such a beautiful place. We were happy to see the volcano!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cindy_c
Jun 15, 2024
Excellent tour of gardens, volcano, and Japanese lunch! - Our guide was especially helpful before the tour communicating and answering all questions we had. We loved experiencing the volcano but perhaps the highlight for us was lunch where we cooked our own meat at our table! Overall excellent tour.
Review provided by Viator
Dganderson
Jun 3, 2024
Excellent planning! Excellent pre-tour communication! Excellent follow-through and more!! - My wife and I consider ourselves fortunate to have been able to tour with such an excellent guide and interpreter. Even though we booked at the last minute, Hitome was incredibly organized and forthcoming with the arrangements and what the tour would entail. We stayed on schedule, yet she was sensitive to our needs and also for making accommodations for our physical abilities. Her narrative was interesting and we learned and experienced things about the Japanese culture and way of life that was amazingly insightful! I can hardly wait for my next trip to Kagoshima and would recommend Hitome to anyone without hesitation. Be sure to book her early, though, so you don’t miss out!
Review provided by Tripadvisor