• Sengan-en - Senganen Garden (仙巌園), also known as Isoteien (磯庭園), is a beautiful Japanese-style landscape garden located along the coast north of downtown Kagoshima. A standout feature of the garden is its use of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay as borrowed scenery. The garden also boasts small ponds, streams, shrines, and a bamboo grove.

Senganen was established in 1658 by the affluent Shimazu Clan, one of the most influential feudal clans during the Edo Period (1603-1867). The Shimazu governed the Satsuma domain (modern-day Kagoshima) for nearly 700 years until the end of the feudal era in 1868. They remained influential into the modern era as pioneers in adopting Western science and technology.

• Reimeikan - The Reimeikan Museum (黎明館) is dedicated to local history and culture. It spans three spacious floors and offers a wide array of exhibits covering Kagoshima’s history from ancient to modern times. Noteworthy models include a large diorama of downtown Kagoshima at the start of the Showa Period (1926-1989) and a small-scale model of a medieval village.

The museum is built on the former site of Kagoshima or Tsurumaru Castle and is surrounded by remnants of the former moat and stone walls. The museum and castle ruins are situated at the base of Mount Shiroyama, which translates to “castle mountain” in Japanese.

Nearby, there are several other museums and cultural attractions. A popular site is a statue of the local hero Saigo Takamori, a leader from the Meiji Restoration of the late 1860s. Saigo is believed to have died in combat on Shiroyama mountain.

• Terukuni Shrine - Terukuni Shrine, located at the base of Shiroyama, enshrines the spirit of the 28th head of the Shimazu clan, Shimazu Nariakira. Built in the mid-18th century, its impressive scale is sure to captivate visitors.

Visitors to the shrine might witness a Japanese wedding ceremony, and during the July event called Rokugatsuto, lanterns adorn the shrine grounds, making it a must-see if visiting Kagoshima in the summer.

• Saigo Takamori Statue - The Statue of Saigo Takamori, a short 10-minute walk from Terukuni Shrine, honors the samurai who helped usher Japan into the modern age. Erected in his hometown 50 years after his death, this impressive statue stands 8 meters tall.

This copper statue was crafted by the same artist who created the famous Hachiko statue near Shibuya Station in Tokyo. Saigo’s commanding presence, dressed in military attire, is further enhanced by the towering mountains behind him.

• Tsurumaru Castle Ruins - Kagoshima Castle (the Tsurumaru Castle Ruins) is located in a part of the city where the town’s castle once stood proudly. Originally known as Tsurumaru Castle, it was constructed in 1602 and burned down in 1873, though its stone walls and moat remain as a testament to the Shimazu clan’s strength.

Within the castle grounds is a statue of Princess Tenshoin Atsuhime, and the castle ruins house historical documents and artifacts, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

• Ishibashi Park - Ishibashi Park is a park located in Kagoshima City.

This park features the Ishibashi Memorial Hall, a museum showcasing the history and bridge-building technology of the stone bridges constructed during the Edo period, which line the Kotsukigawa River running through the city.

Among these bridges, the largest of the three remaining structures is the Nishidakyo Bridge, which served locals for 150 years before being relocated. The area beneath the bridge is now a playground for children and is cherished by locals as a place to relax.

• Xavier Park - Francisco Xavier, a Jesuit monk known for bringing Christianity and foreign culture to Japan, arrived in 1549 and spent nearly a year in Kagoshima. Xavier Park was established on the 400th anniversary of his arrival and features a statue of Xavier and a memorial plaque.

Interestingly, a Christian church was built during the Meiji period in the Terukunicho district in his honor. Although the church was destroyed during the war, parts of the sanctuary and some rebuilt sections still exist today.

• Museum of the Meiji Restoration - In 1868, the Tokugawa Shogunate, which had ruled for over 250 years, was overthrown, leading to the formation of the Meiji Government. The transition period is known as the Meiji Restoration, with Kagoshima playing a pivotal role.

The Museum of the Meiji Restoration is a must-visit for history enthusiasts interested in the events that marked Japan’s entry into the modern era. Inside, visitors can explore films, dioramas, and high-tech exhibitions. The Restoration Experience Hall on the 1st floor features a robotic performance of two key figures, Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi.

• Sakurajima - Sakurajima (桜島) is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes and a symbol of Kagoshima. The volcano constantly emits smoke, with minor eruptions occurring several times daily. Situated in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area’s most prominent geographic feature, standing at 1117 meters with a circumference of about 50 kilometers. Before a major eruption in 1914, Sakurajima was an island in the bay, but the lava flow from that eruption created a land connection to the Osumi Peninsula in the east. For most travelers, the volcano is best accessed by ferries running the 3.5 kilometers between Kagoshima Port and the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal.

• Private vehicle
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 4-5 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Ferry fares to Sakurajima
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

This tour is perfect for travelers arriving in Kagoshima by cruise ship. We offer pick-up services from Marine Port Kagoshima or nearby hotels. With a government-licensed, experienced English-speaking tour guide, this value-packed trip is an excellent and efficient way to discover Kagoshima!

Note1: Choose your must-see spots from the list provided in the tour information to create a personalized itinerary.
Note2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification, issued by the Japanese government, requires extensive knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

• You cannot make multiple bookings for this tour.
• There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.