All Kagoshima Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Izumi town, located at the west side of Kagoshima prefecture, is a well-known area for the biggest migration of cranes in Japan and the number can be over 10.000 at the peak in January. Even if you are not a birder, it’s a must-see symbolic thing in winter in Kagoshima!!

Uncover the best of southern Japan on a flexible, private tour through Kagoshima — a land of volcanoes, samurai legends, and unforgettable landscapes. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique adventure, this custom-tailored experience offers something for everyone. Travel in comfort with your personal guide as you explore iconic sites like Sakurajima Volcano, the peaceful Chiran Samurai District, and the beautifully preserved Sengan-en Gardens. Relax in a volcanic sand bath in Ibusuki, sip award-winning whisky at Mars Tsunuki or Kanosuke Distillery, or stroll through mystical spots like Lake Ikeda and Kiyomizu Magaibutsu. Each tour is designed around your interests and schedule — whether you prefer stunning coastal views, immersive cultural stops, or delicious local cuisine like Kagoshima’s famous black pork. Fully private and customizable Comfortable transport and flexible pickup options Local English-speaking guide with insider knowledge

Discover Kagoshima’s dual soul on an exclusive insider journey. Step into the 17th century at Sengan-en Garden to experience the samurai lifestyle, industrial legacy, and majestic volcano views of the powerful Shimadzu Samurai clan. Then, pull back the curtain on Meizanbori, a hidden labyrinth of narrow, nostalgic wooden alleyways frozen in 1950s Showa-era charm. Missed by most tourists, this retro neighborhood is where historic architecture meets modern galleries, cafes, art and local life

Because Kagoshima is the southernmost prefecture of Japan except for Okinawa, the region has been open toward the south and the west outside of the country and accepted different culture from oversea since long ago. That’s why a variety of unique culture was developed in Kagoshima, and the craftsmen and the artisans of the region have been conserving their traditions for generations. On this tour, we will visit Satsuma Kiriko glasswork factory for the traditional glasswork from 1800s, Miyama village for the world-famous Satsuma ware, and a local soy sauce shop "Sakura Kaneyo" for tasting a variety of soy sauce as well as soy sauce ice cream! Let’s take a glimpse of the unique culture while you are in Kagoshima!!

Wear Oshima tsumugi, a traditional Japanese silk fabric, and take a stroll through the streets of Kagoshima. Choose the quick plan and enjoy dining and sightseeing in your traditional outfit. Oshima tsumugi is a traditional Japanese silk fabric. The production process involves about 30-40 steps, from making the yarn to extracting the dye solution, and only after many years are they born. The delicate kasuri (pattern) dyed threads are woven one by one by the hand of weavers. With the quick plan, you can dress up and enjoy commemorative photos in the store with your camera before exploring the city in your elegant attire.

Travel by private vehicle through southern Kagoshima and discover a unique blend of samurai heritage, wartime history, and scenic beauty. Visit the Chiran Peace Museum, located on the site of a former military airbase, to learn about the young pilots of Japan's Special Attack Corps during World War II through letters, photographs, and historical exhibits. Then, explore the beautifully preserved Chiran Samurai District, often called the "Little Kyoto of Satsuma." Stroll along historic streets lined with stone walls and traditional residences, and admire its renowned samurai gardens. Finish at Kinkodai Observatory, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kinko Bay and the surrounding landscape. This tour offers a memorable journey through Japan's history while showcasing the natural beauty of southern Kagoshima.

Shochu is a traditional Japanese hard liquor, a distilled spirit made from grains and vegetables. The most common ingredients are sweet potatoes, barley, rice, buckwheat, and sugarcane. You can tour a shochu factory and enjoy tastings in Kagoshima, one of Japan's leading shochu producers. Since the shochu factories are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, the tour includes a Japanese whiskey factory tour and tasting. Discover the sights of Kagoshima that interest you the most on this customizable sightseeing tour. Alongside your private driver and guide, make an itinerary of your desired attractions or get recommendations to create your perfect day. Whether you want to focus on samurai, culture, shopping, or Japanese history, this tour has everything covered for you. You can’t visit every place on your “What to Expect” list in six hours.

Experience one of Japan’s most unique natural spectacles on this 6.5-hour private tour from Kagoshima Cruise Port. From November to February, thousands of cranes migrate to Izumi town, creating a breathtaking sight found nowhere else in Japan. Travel in comfort by private car with your English-speaking guide to Izumi Crane Center, where you can observe over 10,000 cranes at their peak season, from hooded and white-naped to rare black-crowned and sandhill cranes. Later, stop at Imuta Lake, a Ramsar-listed wetland rich in birdlife, before returning to the port. Note: The tour is conducted November – February

- Private & Personalized: It's an exclusive tour just for you, allowing for a relaxed pace and tailored experience. - Iconic Train Ride: Enjoy a scenic journey on the famous "Tamatebako" sightseeing train. - Unique Sand Baths: Experience Ibusuki's therapeutic hot sand baths, a rare and relaxing detox. - Cultural & Culinary Insight: Discover the traditional art of katsuobushi (dried bonito) making with a factory tour. - Convenient Day Trip: Easily accessible for a full day of unique activities.

Delve into the art of traditional Japanese tea at the Kagoshima Tea Experience. This hands-on workshop, guided by a Grand Tea Master, allows participants to craft their very own matcha using authentic tools like the chasen and chashaku. After mastering the delicate process, enjoy your handcrafted matcha paired with premium local teas in a beautifully renovated café setting. Located conveniently in Tenmonkan, this cultural stop is perfect for both travelers and cruise guests seeking an enriching experience.

Explore the harmony between life and nature on Sakurajima, shaped by the blessings of the volcano, with a guide. Experience the unique crops, scenery, and lifestyle of Sakurajima, while learning about the energy of the volcano and its effects. Recommended for all nature lovers.

Our exclusive 1-day private tour to Kirishima is the perfect escape, designed for 2 to 7 guests seeking a unique blend of nature, myth, and volcanic wonders, all easily accessible from Kagoshima-Chuo Station. With a dedicated English-speaking guide and comfortable private charter vehicle, you'll discover Kirishima's hidden gems: the charming historic Kareigawa Station, the powerful Hachiman Daijigoku fumaroles, the unique milky-blue Maruo Falls, and the spiritual Kirishima Shrine, a national treasure nestled in a lush forest. Experience the raw beauty and ancient legends of Japan's first national park, a stark contrast to the urban landscape, all while enjoying the convenience of hotel drop-off back in Kagoshima City. Make your Kagoshima trip even more special with this comfortable, personalized, and truly immersive journey!

This ALL INCLUSIVE tour is only offered in the Hanami season. Wagyu, Cherry blossoms, foot hot springs, A Shinto shrine. and a volcano all in 6 hours!! We will see a breathtaking beach, natural wonders, and use the foot hot springs which many believe have healing properties. While on the Volcano we will visit a 1300 year old Shinto shrine with views of both the city and the volcano. Then lets have a drink together enjoying the amazing cherry blossoms along the reflective waters of the gorgeous riverwalk downtown. Don't forget about Kagoshima Wagyu? Sure, and if there is time, maybe a little shopping on the way back to the ship. Blooming varies by year and some may be a little early or late, fair warning.

Hill climb to get very close to the crater of Sakurajima, Kagoshima's landmark, by E-bike! What will you discover in the no-entry zone that can only be visited with a guide, offering unparalleled views of Japan's premier active volcano? (This tour is a tour to enter the restricted area and approach near the crater. We may decline your reservation due to the situation of the volcano. We appreciate your understanding in advance.)

Kagoshima is known across Japan for its shochu, and this private tour follows that story from field to glass. Ride the ferry across the bay, then meet farmers who fertilize their daikon fields with seaweed from Kinko Bay. Sit down to a lunch built around local produce, blend your own shochu at a distillery, and browse traditional Satsuma pottery.

Enjoy this early morning outdoor activity paddling on an SUP around the calm waters of Kagoshima's beautiful Kinko Bay while watching sunrise over Sakurajima volcano island. This exclusive package includes transport to and from the beach and a hotel breakfast.

Explore the stunning islands of Amami(Kagoshima) and Okinawa with a 14-Day Unlimited Ferry Access Pass. This pass allows you to hop on and off ferries connecting Amami Islands, and Okinawa at your leisure. Discover pristine beaches, unique island cultures, and breathtaking landscapes while enjoying the comfort of large ferries. With unlimited travel for 14 consecutive days, create your own itinerary and experience the true beauty of Japan’s southern paradise.

On this tour, we’ll take you to hidden spots that aren’t even marked on the map and can only be accessed by kayak. You’ll explore secluded gems that even locals in Kagoshima rarely know about. Led by one of Kagoshima’s top guides, you’ll embark on an extraordinary geological adventure along the stunning coastlines of Sakurajima. For lunch, we’ll land on a beach and prepare a meal together using local ingredients. And don’t miss the coffee—it tastes exceptional in this setting! Please inform us in advance if you have any allergies. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate vegan requests.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 4-hour private shore excursion from Marine Port highlights Kagoshima’s iconic scenery and history: explore Sengan-en, the refined garden of the Shimazu clan, visit the Shoko Shuseikan museum to learn about samurai-era modernization, then enjoy sweeping views of the city and Sakurajima from Shiroyama Observatory. End with a quick photo stop at the Saigo Takamori statue before returning to port on time.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour private shore excursion from Marine Port explores Chiran’s two powerful legacies: the moving wartime exhibits at the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, and the serene Edo-period samurai residence gardens of Chiran. Enjoy a local lunch in the area, then return to the port with time carefully managed.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 4-hour private shore excursion from Marine Port blends Kagoshima’s samurai-era legacy with its famous local spirit, shochu. Visit the Ishin Furusato-kan museum for an easy-to-follow introduction to the Meiji Restoration, take in the panoramic city-and-volcano views from Shiroyama Observatory, then stop at a shochu distillery (such as Satsuma Muso) for tasting and shopping before returning to port on time.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour private shore excursion from Marine Port blends coastal scenery and wellness in southern Kagoshima. Visit Nagasakibana Cape and Ryugu Shrine, enjoy lunch in the Ibusuki area, experience the famous geothermal sand bath (sunamushi onsen), then stop at Lake Ikeda for calm waterside views before returning to the port.

Let's enjoy the history, culture, and natural beauty of southern Kagoshima on a private shore excursion! Your National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter will meet you at Marine Port Kagoshima and accompany you by private vehicle. Visit scenic Lake Ikeda, stroll through the historic Chiran Samurai Residence Gardens, and explore the Chiran Peace Museum to learn about World War II history. Enjoy shopping for local green tea and souvenirs before returning to your ship. Ideal for travelers interested in Japanese history, culture, and beautiful scenery. As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your interests.

Delve into the rich flavors of Brown Sugar Shochu, a unique Japanese spirit exclusive to the Amami Islands. At a local specialty bar housing around 200 varieties, indulge in a flexible 3-hour tasting experience featuring approximately 16 servings. With the guidance of a knowledgeable local bar owner, learn about the history and nuances of each shochu while enjoying English or French interpretation. Engage with the vibrant atmosphere of a neighborhood bar, interact with locals, and savor the option of a traditional Shimauta (island song) performance to enhance your evening. [Optional Add-ons] - Shimauta live performance: JPY 10,000 per performance (not per person), split among participants. Advance reservation strictly required, payable on-site. - Ultra-rare shochu: Available by the glass, payable on-site based on your preference. - Additional food orders: Available upon request, payable on-site based on your choice.