Kagoshima Private & Custom Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

Sengan-en is a Japanese style stately home and landscape garden along the coast north of downtown Kagoshima.　 Sengan-en was built in 1658 as one of the residences of the powerful Shimadzu clan. One of the garden's most striking features is its use of active volcano Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay as borrowed scenery. The gardens cover 50,000 square meters and include calming ponds, bubbling streams, mysterious shrines, a bamboo grove, and a mountain hiking trail. Visit Tsurugane Shrine and pray to become more beautiful, or the unusual Cat Shrine and pray for the health and longevity of your feline friend! The expansive house provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of Japan’s most influential feudal lords, and hosted Edward VIII of the UK and Nicholas II of Russia among others. See the rooms that the lord spent his daily life in and enjoy the view of the gardens and scenery beyond as only a samurai lord could.

Kyu Shuseikan Kikai Kojo(Shouko Shuseikan) The extant oldest western-style factory building in Japan. The exhibits currently showcase items related to the Satsuma domain's modernization projects.

Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks・Iso Kogei-kan You can watch the manufacturing process of Satsuma Kiriko Cut-glass here as well as buy pieces at the neighboring Iso Kogei-kan. Chinese overlaying coloured glass techniques were fused with European glass cutting methods to produce this delicate and graceful cut glass masterpiece. Developed by the 28th lord of Satsuma, Shimazu Nariakira, the technique faded out with his death for a period. However, more than a hundred years later, the mysterious and beautiful sparkle was revived and came to be known nation-wide as a representative craftwork of Kagoshima.

Foreign Engineer's Residence (Ijinkan) A residence for the foreign engineers who began the operation of the first Western-style spinning mill in Japan. Films and exhibits in the facility present the interesting features and importantance of World Heritage.

Shiroyama ("Castle Mountain") is a 107-meter hill located in the center of Kagoshima city. Its name comes from the fact that it was once the site of a castle. The 2-kilometer promenade to the observatory is filled with more than 600 species of plants. Though located in an urban area, it is a treasure trove of nature populated by many birds and insects. The observatory located at the end of the promenade is a magnificent photo spot overlooking Mt. Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.

Satsuma domain. This castle gate, thelargest one of this kind in Japan with itsheight and width of 20 meters, was restored in 2020 for the first time inabout 150 years.

Sakurajima Visitor Center Learn the history of Sakurajima's volcanic　eruptions through films and dioramas. A base facility of the Geopark. You can shop a diverse lineup of specialty goods and souvenirs.

"Sakurajima" Yougan Nagisa Park Public Footbath A 100 meters long footbath, one of the biggest in Japan. Enjoy the all-natural hot spring while gazing up at Sakurajima.

Yunohira Observatory is the highest point on Mt. Sakurajima open to the general public. From the observatory, you can see a rough lava field and, at times, rising plumes of volcanic smoke. This spot commands a picturesque view of Kagoshima City and the calm waters of Kinko Bay. The night brings a beautiful view in which the pitch dark of Mt. Sakurajima contrasts with the lights of Kagoshima City. Taking inspiration from the name Sakurajima (cherry blossom island), the roof over the observation deck is shaped like a cherry blossom petal.

The observatory is located along a 1-km trail on a small hill in the lava field created by the great 1946 eruption. From here there is a clear view of impressive Sakurajima, the world famous active volcano, and Kinko Bay. As the observatory is close to the crater of the steep, cone shaped South Peak, you may hear roaring or explosive sounds from the crater that give quite a different impression of Sakurajima.

The name "Tenmonkan" comes from an astronomical institute called Meijikan built by the Satsuma domain in the Edo period. Today Tenmonkan is Kagoshima's central shopping district where you can enjoy shopping and eating out.

The greatest shrine in Kagoshima with an enormous Torii gate. A popular sightseeing spot especially during the new years and Rokugatsudo Lantern Festival. Admission to the shrine is free of charge

Attractive exhibitions with various themes such as the Kuroshio Current and “Sea of Nansei Islands” The aquarium boasts a great location with Sakurajima directly in front. The main attraction is 30,000 marine creatures of approximately 500 species. The Gigantic Kuroshio Fish Tank, 25-m wide and containing 1,500 tons of water, is overwhelming. It exhibits fish such as whale sharks and tuna that migrate with the Kuroshio Current. There are many other exhibitions under different themes such as “Sea of Nansei Islands,” where you can see colorful tropical fish and live corals, and “Deep Sea of Kagoshima,” the aquarium has Vestimentiferan tube-worms/Lamellibrachia Satsuma (tube-worms), a rare creature found only in Kagoshima. There are other attractions including events to learn about dolphins and the diet of whale sharks, harbor seals and electric eels.

Museum of the Meiji Restoration A history museum where visitors can learn everything about the Meiji Restoration. Don't miss the displays and movies that reproduce the past!

Hot Sand Baths　　 One of the most unique natural health and beauty treatments in the world today! Loved by local people for over 350 years, our hot sand baths are great for body detoxification and increased circulation, which are now known to be 3-4 times greater than those of conventional hot-springs. Lying on the hot sand, with the sound of the sea in the background, is a relaxation that you will not soon forget. It will leave you feeling thoroughly refreshed, with body and mind cleansed and a smile on your face.

Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots　(Chiran Peace Museum) A Testament to the Importance of Worldwide Peace To tell a true story for future generations and to wish for eternal world peace, the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots collects, preserves, and displays the belongings, final letters, and documents which were left behind by the members of the army special attack corps, who died at the battle of Okinawa at the end of the Greater East Asia War (called the Pacific War after rhw war). Each of the farewell notes and relics displayed show the absurdity of war as well as the pilot's feelings, and make us recall the importance of peace, our lives, and family bonds. 　　Chiran is a town in which the army's special air attack base was located toward the end of the Pacific War. At the Chiran Peace Museum, valuable records and materials, such as deceased soldiers' portraits and their belongings, are collected, preserved and displayed.

Chiran Samurai Residence Complex Nicknamed the "Little Kyoto of Satsuma", Chiran is home to more than 500 samurai residences during the late Edo period (19th century). As the original buildings of the complex are well-preserved, one can get to witness a real, Edo Period Samurai settlement here. The charm of the Chiran Samurai Residence Complex lies in the 700m stonewall-lined paths, the scattered Samurai houses and the beautifully landscaped gardens within. Built with defense purposes in mind, the paths are neither too wide nor too narrow, and there are many corners and bents to reduce visibility (of potential invaders). Furthermore, the hedges (behind the stone walls of the houses) are pruned in such a way that one inside the house can see the outside clearly, but not the other way round. As such, it is possible to ambush invaders with arrows and spears without exposing one's location.

Kirishima Jingu Shrine’s Main Hall, Shinden Hall and Worship Hall were designated national treasures by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on February 9, 2022. This marks the first time a cultural asset in Kagoshima Prefecture has received a national treasure designation for its architecture. Located in Kirishima City, Kirishima Jingu Shrine sits on a slope on the hillside of Mt. Kirishima, its buildings facing the summit of Mt. Takachiho. The current shrine was built in 1715 by the feudal lord of the then-Kagoshima domain. In bestowing the recognition, the Japanese government’s Agency for Cultural Affairs praised the composition of the shrine buildings, which takes advantage of the difference in elevation, and the stunning decorations throughout the shrine complex. In front of the main shrine are ryubashira (dragons carved into pillars), which are known as “dragon pillars” and are unique to southern Kyushu.

Come use all five senses and enjoy the magnificent artwork enveloped in Kirishima's nature. The Kirishima Art Forest is a modern art museum surrounded by the rich nature of Kirishima. Not only are there exhibitions held within the museum but there is also a great variation of outdoor exhibitions offered, making good use of the extensive gounds area. Outside, the 13 hectares area (roughly 32 acres) is spotted with about 22 works of art. The works displayed outdoors are all original ideas and pieces from efforts made by domestic and international artists who actually visited this site. Further, while walking along a 2km-garden trail visitors may touch or even sit on the pieces and appreciate the art directly.

Marutake Armor Factory, which was renovated and reopened in 2018, is a beautiful location with a large Japanese castle and garden on the inside. In the workshop, you can see numerous armor and helmets used in movies and TV shows, as well as see the craftsmen at work! There are numerous photo opportunities throughout the park, and you can even borrow armor and pretend to be a great warlord from the Sengoku period. The park also has a classic cork gun game, souvenir stores selling Japanese Samurai products, and a restaurant, ensuring that you have many thrilling moments throughout your visit!

Kiln of the 15th Chin Jukan From the 1st Chin Jukan though the current 15th, this Satsuma ware kiln has kept its fire burning. The 15th Chin Jukan produces a wide variety of distinctive yet traditional Shiro Satsuma and Kuro Satsuma works ranging from everyday items to tea ceremony instruments. From the other side of a window, you can observe a room divided neatly for each part of the process of making Satsuma ware. The repository displays works handed down through the Chin family from the time they came from Korea to today. The Miyama area, which is home to the kiln, has a long history of producing Satsuma ware. Nowadays, the area is dotted with craftsmen's studios within walking distance of each other, making for a pleasant stroll through town.

The southern most whisky distillery on the main Japanese islands　 At the Mars Tsunuki Distillery you can see the old still tower buildings, and the stone barrel warehouse, as well as take a tour of the production process, and see the history of Honbo Shuzo's story of liquor making. At the old Honbo family guest house called 'Hojo' built in 1933, you can enjoy a traditional Japanese residence and its garden which changes its apperance season to seaon, day to day, moment to moment. Whisky and shochu tasing is availible for a fee, and liquor and a selection of orginal products, and local products are availible at the gift shop.　Does not include tasting fee.