Kagoshima Local Guide — Gardens, Shrines & Calligraphy

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

Mobile ticket

“Experience Kagoshima’s serene gardens, sacred shrines, and a moment of crystal bowl meditation.”

Discover Kagoshima’s calm and timeless side on a small-group tour that blends nature, history, and local insight.

Guided by a local host, you’ll stroll through serene gardens once cherished by the Shimadzu family and visit shrines that still carry centuries-old traditions.

Travel is by local bus, giving you a genuine glimpse of everyday life in Kagoshima while moving between sights.

At one of the gardens, you’ll also enjoy a short crystal singing bowl meditation — a peaceful moment to relax and connect with nature.

More than sightseeing, this experience invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel the quiet spirit of Kagoshima through its hidden cultural gems.

Notice

Participants are required to arrange their own insurance. The decision to purchase insurance is entirely at your own discretion and responsibility.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

The bus stop where we will board is located just steps away from the tourist information center, our meeting point.

Guide

Lunch is not included, but you can add it as an optional extra to your tour

If you feel insurance is necessary, please arrange your own, as it’s not included in the tour.

What To Expect

Tamazato House Gardens of Shimazu

Our first stop is a hidden gem garden about 30 minutes by bus and foot from the meeting point: the former Tamazato Residence Garden of the Shimadzu clan. This daimyo garden was created in 1835 by Shimadzu Narioki, the 27th head of the family. We'll explore the garden, the teahouse (veranda seating available, no entry), and a bamboo grove. Enjoy a short meditation with healing instruments and a restroom break during our visit

40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Kagoshima Shrine

The current main shrine was rebuilt in 1758 through a donation by Shimadzu Shigetoshi. It's about a 10-minute walk from our first stop. Here, I'll explain the sacred trees, how to pass under the Torii gate, the hand-washing ritual, and how to pray.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

The Tour in Kagoshima city

Japanese Calligraphy Lesson

Japanese Calligraphy Lesson: Experience the art of Japanese calligraphy—learn basic brush techniques and create your own piece on a fan or a special paper

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Wonderful Tour
109jojod,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an absolutely lovely tour around Kagoshima. Hitomi was a wonderful guide and explained the history and traditions behind each location we went to. We also had a meditation session in the garden which was so peaceful with the sounds of nature and water running in the background. We also stopped by two shrines where Hitomi explained the customs there and how to pray. Overall this was great experience where i got to learn a lot about Kagoshima!
Hidden gen tour was the highlight of my trip to Kagoshima!
river raft,
May 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The hidden gems tour was truly the highlight of my trip to Kagoshima! The Japanese gardens and temples were breathtakingly beautiful. The tour guide, Hitomi is personable and a wealth of knowledge about the history and culture of the area. She is a wonderful guide and expert level English speaker. I feel like I got to experience a part of Kagoshima only known to the locals. The visit to the Japanese gardens and temples left me in a meditative state of mind. Book this tour IMMEDIATELY if you have the chance.
Hidden gems in Kagoshima
wannagetaway626,
May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour with Hitomi to the garden and temples was one of the highlights of my month long Japan Trip. The meditation with sound crystals and hearing the water flowing in the garden was serene and peaceful. The garden was beautiful and felt like our private oasis as we were the only visitors at that time. The temples were interesting and I appreciate Hitomi’s guidance on temple etiquette including how to rinse hands and mouth and how to pray. I loved the 600 year old tree that was next to one of the temples. The tour was informative, enjoyable and I would take tour again next time I visit Kagoshima. Thanks Hitomi!
Unique and Memorable Experience!
uniquefp,
May 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was the best tour of the many great ones we've taken in Japan and Europe. We are interested in learning about interesting areas and culture often overlooked by tour guides who focus on pretty but over visited places that become inauthentic. Hitomi asked about our preferences and incorporated them as we walked around interesting and picturesque sites. For instance, we appreciated learning more about basic shrine conduct. We tend to visit many in Japan and it is important to understand and respect the culture. We were impressed by Hitomi's knowledge of the area and the many references to history and normal life in Kagoshima. What a memorable experience.