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Kagoshima Highlights, Sakurajima Volcano, etc.
5.0
5 Ratings
Kagoshima
Explore Sakurajima Volcano, savor local delicacies, and wander through historic Sengan-en gardens on a private Kagoshima tour.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Sakurajima Visitor Center - Enjoy a 13-minute film showcasing real volcanic activities with English subtitles. Explore panels detailing past explosive eruptions, vegetation recovery, and life with an active volcano.
- Sakurajima Nagisa Foot Bath Park - Experience one of Japan’s largest footbaths, stretching 100 meters. The natural hot springs, with a source temperature of 42 degrees, emerge from 1,000 meters underground. The reddish-brown footbath will warm and relax your body. Take a break while admiring Kagoshima Bay or the towering Sakurajima.
- Buried Shrine Gate - The 3-meter (10-foot) torii gate of Kurokami Shrine was buried, leaving only its top beam visible. The village elder chose to leave it as a testament to the eruption’s power for future generations. An old Japanese sea fig tree, which survived the eruption, stands quietly next to the gate.
- Arimura Lava Lookout - Located on a small hill in the 1946 lava field, 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 active Minami-dake crater. On some days, you can hear the rumbling sounds and explosions from eruptions.
- Yunohira Lookout - Climb to the highest point of Sakurajima Volcano, 373 meters above sea level, and enjoy views of the dynamic volcanic rock face and the peninsula across Kagoshima Bay.
- Tenmonkan - Enjoy lunch at the attractive shopping area, Tenmonkan. Choose from a variety of options, including Wagyu Beef, Black Pork, and Ramen.
- Kagoshima St. Xavier’s Cathedral - In 1549, Spanish missionary Francis Xavier landed in Kagoshima, introducing Christianity and other foreign cultures to Japan. Father Laguet built Xavier Church in honor of Xavier’s achievements. Although it was burned down during World War II, part of the old stone church and a bust of Xavier remain in Xavier Park. The church was rebuilt in 1949 in modern Gothic style with a donation from the Pope. In 1999, life-size statues of Xavier and others were created. The new cathedral, built in 1999, is a three-story building modeled after a trading ship from the Age of Discovery.
- Terukuni Shrine - This shrine enshrines Shimazu Nariakira, the 28th head of the Shimazu clan. It is the largest shrine in Kagoshima City and attracts many worshippers. The emperor bestowed the divine title of “Lighting up the country” on Nariakira in 1863, and the shrine was built the following year. Although it was burned down during the Satsuma rebellion and again in 1945, it was rebuilt in 1958. The shrine now features a museum with free admission and a bronze statue of Nariakira. The largest summer festival in the prefecture, Rokugatsu-to, is held here every year on July 15th and 16th, with colorful lanterns decorating the grounds. Various events are held throughout the year, such as the “New Year’s Good Luck First Market.”
- Saigo Takamori Statue - Saigo Takamori made significant contributions to the Meiji Restoration, including the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle and the establishment of the new Meiji government. After returning to Kagoshima, he fought against the new government forces in the Seinan War and committed suicide on Shiroyama. This statue, created by Kagoshima-born sculptor Ando Teru, commemorates the 50th anniversary of his death. It stands 8 meters tall, depicting Saigo in the uniform of Japan’s first army general. There is a photo spot across the road where you can take pictures with the statue of his beloved dog.
- Kagoshima (Tsurumaru) Castle Ruins & Goromon - Kagoshima Castle, the residence of the Shimazu clan, began construction around 1601. It features a mountain castle at the rear and a residence at the foot of the mountain. The imposing Goromon Gate, destroyed by fire in 1873, was restored in 2020 as the largest castle gate in Japan. The gate and stone walls are lit up daily from sunset to 10:00 p.m.
- Former Kagoshima Bosekijogishikan - This building served as lodgings for British engineers invited by the 29th head of the Shimazu clan, Tadayoshi, when he built Japan’s first Western-style spinning mill. The building, a mix of Japanese and Western architecture, is preserved as a valuable heritage site. In July 2015, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the “Meiji Industrial Revolution Heritage Sites.” Inside, photographs and documents from the time are on display. It is also close to Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan.
- Sengan-en - Explore 12 acres of traditional gardens built in 1658. Discover peaceful ponds, bubbling streams, mysterious shrines, a bamboo grove, and a mountain hiking trail with panoramic views of Kagoshima Bay and the volcano. Visit the house of the Shimadzu family, featuring a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences. Learn about Japan’s first feudal domain that strived for modernization and admire Kagoshima’s crystal cut glass craftsmanship. Admission is not included.
- Shoko Shuseikan Museum - Opened in 1923, this historic museum was originally the “Shuseikan Machine Factory,” built in 1865 for metal processing. It is the oldest existing Western-style factory building in Japan and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2015. The museum, also known as “Stone Home,” introduces the history of the Shimazu clan and its modernization efforts. It houses approximately 10,000 items, including Satsuma Kiriko glass, the oldest daguerreotype photograph taken by a Japanese person (a replica), and machinery from the factory’s operational days.
- Iso Kogeikan - The Satsuma cut glass factory, started in 1851, was revived 100 years after closing in 1877. Cuts are made in thick layers of colored glass to reveal the clear glass below. The gentle gradation between the colored layer and the transparent glass is called bokashi, a defining characteristic of Satsuma Kiriko.
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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(5 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