Private Tour
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kagoshima!
Of the many options for tourists to Kagoshima, perhaps the most unique is getting up close and personal with live volcanoes--some so active that certain hiking trails are closed. Expect to hear a rumble and to feel the ground shake from the daily eruptions.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kagoshima
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private transportation
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Select a pickup point
Mount Sakurajima
Sakurajima (桜島) is one of Japan's most active volcanoes and the symbol of Kagoshima. The volcano smokes constantly, and minor eruptions often take place multiple times per day. Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area's most prominent geographic feature, having an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers. Before a powerful eruption in 1914, Sakurajima used to be an island in the bay, but the massive lava flow from that eruption created the volcano's current land connection to the Osumi Peninsula in the east. For the majority of travelers, however, the volcano is still most easily accessed by the ferries that run the 3.5 kilometers between Kagoshima Port and the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal.
Sengan-en
Senganen Garden (仙巌園), also known as Isoteien (磯庭園), is a Japanese style landscape garden along the coast north of downtown Kagoshima. One of the garden's most striking features is its use of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay as borrowed scenery. The garden also includes small ponds, streams, shrines and a bamboo grove. Senganen was constructed in 1658 by the wealthy Shimazu Clan, one of the most powerful feudal clans during the Edo Period (1603-1867). The Shimazu ruled the Satsuma domain (present day Kagoshima) for almost 700 years until the end of the feudal age in 1868. They continued to be influential into the modern era as some of the earliest adopters of Western science and technology.
Pickup included
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
ginarJ6677YE,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
As someone who does not speak the Japanese language, it was extremely helpful to work with my guide, Hoshie! She communicated ahead of time to find out my likes and dislikes, suggested a perfect itinerary, and handled guiding me through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the city of Kagoshima, and we enjoyed a regional meal together at a fantastic restaurant. Her knowldege of the English language along with her enthusiasm for Japanese history, culture and art made this experience spectacular. I would recommend Hoshie to anyone seeking a guided tour as she is a true delight!








Alexis T,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
Very nice day in Kagoshima where we could easily visit the main points of interest of the city.
Reynaldo G,
Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
Had a really great time with a wonderful guide, Tachi, who worked around our port times for the best experience possible.
Carl C,
Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
4 of us really enjoyed our tour with Tachi. His English is good. I don't really recommend going to Sakuarajima Island--we had to hire a car to get there which, with the ferry, tripled the cost of our tour. The island is interesting for its park with hot springs, but you don't really get any better views of the crater. If we had it to do over, I'd just spend the day at the Senga-en garden and Shiroyama Observatory. We would use Tachi again.

William P,
Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
Good tour for us as first time visitors. Saw several Temples and Shrines, went on the car ferry to the volcano, walked thru a beautiful garden, and visited a glassmaking shop. After viewing the volcano we stopped at the foot bath, which was a great experience with a nice view back to Kagoshima. The dedicated driver and van was really helpful, as the sites are spread out. The guide spoke good English and was able to explain the sites and answer our questions easily. A very good tour overall.
PHILLIP E,
Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
Fantastic day spent with Jiejie. She made our tour so personalised and enjoyable with her knowledge of Kagoshima. We had a fabulous time and have made many photo memories. Thank you again.
754patrickf,
Apr 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Jiejie was a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide for us in Kagoshima. We also had a private vehicle and dedicated driver that made it very easy to access many different sites. Jiejie gave a good background and history for each site, as well as recommendations for the best sites at each location. Her English skills were good. At the end, we had a fun quiz about the day, with Japanese treats as prizes! Our only small issue was that the people in the back row of seats sometimes had difficulty hearing while riding from site to site. She and the driver went above and beyond to recover a cell phone lost on the ferry while we were at the volcano viewing area. Overall a good day and we recommend Jiejie.



Diane P,
Feb 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Excellent guide! Knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Was in time with our name displayed . Great time visiting Kagoshima!
Sherpa57852297896,
Dec 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an exceptional experience with Kiyoko as our tour guide during our trip to Kagoshima! She took us to some of the most beautiful and historically significant spots in the area, including Sengan-en Garden, where she exemplified extended knowledge of garden’s history and its connection to the Shimadzu family. One of the highlights of our trip was the sushi lunch Kiyoko arranged for us. She took us to a local restaurant and made sure we tried a variety of regional specialties. Throughout the day, Kiyoko was incredibly thoughtful and attentive. She took the time to answer all our questions, and we appreciated her detailed explanations of the history and culture behind each location we visited. Her warm, polite, and welcoming personality made us feel so comfortable, and she went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable experience. If you're visiting Kagoshima, we can't recommend Kiyoko enough. She showed us the best of the city, and made our time there truly special. Thank you, Kiyoko!
Inspire546044,
Nov 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Tachi has made our trip more confortable and interesting with his experience in Kagoshima. Funny, friendly and kind gave us some tips of the town. An overwhelming amount in history since Meiji era while seeing Sakurajima in the ferry was one of the highest points Thank you Tachi
Operated by Japan Guide Agency