TOUR OVERVIEW
Who This Tour Is For:
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Cruise passengers docking at Kagoshima Port seeking light adventure and cultural flavor
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Nature lovers eager to visit an active volcano without strenuous hiking
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Seniors, couples, and families looking for a gentle pace with scenic highlights
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Food enthusiasts excited to explore Kagoshima’s local street scene and unique desserts
FULL INITERARY
Port Departure - Meet Your Guide
Your licensed English-speaking guide will greet you at the port exit, holding a personalized welcome board. Begin your journey in a air-conditioned vehicle designed for comfort and convenience.
Ferry to Sakurajima
Depart Kagoshima port with the guide and driver, take a 15-minute ferry ride to the volcanic island of Sakurajima - one of the most active volcanoes of Japan and the symbol of Kagoshima dominating the sea with its mountain often topped by smoke. It was transformed from an island to a peninsula during an eruption in 1914.
Visit Sakurajima Visitor Center
Gain insights into Sakurajima’s eruptive history, lava flow zones, and how local residents coexist with an active volcano. Exhibits and videos offer an engaging look at the science and resilience of the island.
Visit Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Park & Footbath
Take a leisurely stroll along the lava trail, formed by the 1914 eruption. Relax your feet in the free open-air hot spring footbath, with ocean breezes and volcano views. A rejuvenating moment in nature.
Visit Arimura Lava Observatory
We then stop at the Arimura Lava Observatory that gives a view onto Sakurajima's craters from a slight elevation of about 75 meters and the rugged lava field dotted with pine trees. The observation area has a number of lookout points connected by paved walking paths. There are also nice views of Kagoshima Bay from this observation point. Later move to Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate almost completely covered by volcanic ashes during the 1914 eruption, leaving only the very top still visible above ground. This will help you get an idea of how much ash was spewed out of the volcano back then.
Stroll Tenmonkan Mujaki
Return to Kagoshima’s city center and explore the Tenmonkan shopping district, known for its nostalgic local vibe. Don’t miss Mujaki, birthplace of the beloved Shirokuma shaved ice dessert, topped with fruit and sweet beans. Enjoy some free time to walk, snack, or shop at your leisure.
Return by Ferry & Coach to Kagoshima Port
Board the ferry back to the mainland and transfer by coach to the cruise port. Arrive in time for your ship’s departure.
Note:The order of visits may vary depending on traffic and opening hours to ensure the smoothest experience possible.
Book tour now with Japan Shore Excursions – Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!
Real Guest Moments from Our Kagoshima Shore Excursions
Captured during our curated shore tours from Kagoshima port - Comfort, Culture and Connection.
Dave & Carol –
Excellent value for a 6-hour shore excursions. Sammy made sure to accommodate our gluten-free request. The guide made it easy to engage with local culture, and we loved the time in Tenmonkan shopping area.
Margaret –
Very comfortable transportation, especially important during a warm summer day. Our guide was funny and informative. The visit to the lava park was more impactful than we expected!
Erika H. –
We felt truly cared for throughout the tour. Our guide shared not just facts, but heartfelt stories about life in the shadow of Sakurajima. The comfort of the ride and the air-conditioned stops helped beat the July heat in Japan.
Janet & Steve –
Fiona handled everything quickly and professionally after our shore excursion booking. This tour had just the right amount of walking and sitting. Tenmonkan Mujaki’s dessert was a refreshing treat after the observatory!
Tomás –
A good mix of natural scenery and local culture. Appreciated that Thomas gave us a full itinerary and emergency contact in advance. Small group size meant we could ask questions freely.