November - December Departures
Only a Few Spots Left for November & December Tours
Availability is limited. Send your request today to secure your place on a small-group Japan shore excursion with local guide.
Back at your ship in good time
This tour is planned to bring you back to the port 90 to 120 minutes before your ship departs. If traffic or opening hours require it, your guide may change the order of visits or the time at a stop.
Illustration only. The exact hours depend on your ship’s schedule and are listed per departure below.
Tour Overview
Uncover the beauty and geological wonder of southern Japan with this 6-hour Kagoshima Shore Excursion. This tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, natural scenery, and cultural exploration, all within easy reach from your cruise ship.
- Sengan-en Garden: The former residence of the Shimazu clan, with koi ponds, bamboo groves, historic buildings and viewpoints of Sakurajima.
- A 15-minute ferry crossing: Sweeping views of Sakurajima as it looms ahead.
- Sakurajima Visitor Center and lava footbath: Exhibits and short films on the eruptions, then warm volcanic spring water by the sea.
- Arimura Lava Observatory: Panoramic views of the smoking peak, the bay and the lava fields from an easy trail and elevated platforms.
Inquire about this tour now with Japan Shore Excursions - Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!
Who This Tour Is For:
- Cruise passengers docking at Kagoshima Port looking for a rich yet relaxed half-day experience
- Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts interested in volcanic landscapes and traditional Japanese gardens
- Seniors and families who prefer light walking and well-paced sightseeing
- Travelers curious about life on an active volcano and local Kagoshima culture
Full Itinerary
Meet Your Guide & Depart from Port
Upon arrival at Kagoshima Port, your English-speaking guide will greet you and accompany you on a comfortable ride to the city center.
Visit Sengan-en Garden
Start your tour at Sengan-en, a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden and the former residence of the Shimazu clan. Enjoy strolling through elegant pathways, scenic viewpoints of Sakurajima volcano, koi ponds, bamboo groves, and historical buildings. Perfect spot for photos and a peaceful beginning to the day.
Transfer to Ferry Terminal & Board Ferry to Sakurajima
A short coach ride takes you to the ferry terminal. Board a local ferry for a 15-minute scenic crossing of Kinko Bay, offering sweeping views of Sakurajima looming ahead.
Visit Sakurajima Visitor Center
Learn about Sakurajima’s powerful eruptions, geology, and its impact on local life. Interactive exhibits and short films tell the story of this living volcano and the people who live in its shadow.
Lava Nagisa Park and Footbath
Stroll along a coastal walking path covered in hardened lava flow from past eruptions. Sit down at the natural footbath (ashiyu), a soothing experience with warm volcanic spring water and ocean views.
Visit Arimura Lava Observatory
Drive to the observatory for spectacular panoramic views of Sakurajima’s rugged landscape. The easy walking trail and elevated platforms allow for unobstructed views of the smoking peak, the bay, and the surrounding lava fields.
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.
Upcoming Cruise Shared Tours You Can Join
Join other passengers from your ship on a small-group departure. Prices vary by date, group size and port timing. Choose your ship to see its dates.
| Date | Group Size (Pax) | Price | Booking Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Princess | |||
| Nov 19 2026 (08:00 - 14:00) | Small-group | $205 USD | Inquire Now Pay Deposit |
| Nov 27 2026 (10:00 - 16:00) | Small-group | $205 USD | Inquire Now Pay Deposit |
| Apr 01 2027 (08:00 - 14:00) | 14 - 16 | $202 USD
Early Bird Offer: $191 USD |
Inquire Now Pay at $191 |
Please Note:
- If you’re looking for other dates, simply complete the Inquiry Form below, and we’ll promptly send you clear, helpful information tailored just for you.
- The remaining balance for tours with a deposit (if any) is due closer to the departure date.
Tour Details
Guide
Licensed English-speaking guide.
Transport
Chartered car or coach, with highway and parking fees covered, plus the Sakurajima ferry.
Activity level: Easy
Light walking and well-paced sightseeing. Senior-friendly.
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
✓ Licensed English-speaking guide.
✓ Chartered car or coach, including highway and parking fees
✓ Entrance fees: Sengan-en Garden
✓ Ferry to Sakurajima
Not included
✕ Pre and post-tour accommodation
✕ Tips for guide and driver
✕ Meals & Drinks
Cancellation and Refund Policy
| When you cancel | What is charged |
|---|---|
| More than 40 days before | 10% of the deposit is non-refundable and kept as credit for your next trip. The rest is refunded (your bank may charge a fee). |
| 40 to 30 days before | 35% of the deposit |
| 29 to 15 days before | 50% of the deposit |
| 14 to 10 days before | 75% of the total booking value |
| Less than 10 days, or no show | 100% of the total booking value |
Refunds are usually processed within 2 to 4 working weeks after we receive your written cancellation request. After the trip has started, we cannot refund unused services, early departure, late arrival or missed days.
Return-to-Ship Policy in Short
When we step in
- Significant itinerary delays caused by poor tour management or scheduling by our operations team;
- Operational errors that are solely attributable to Shore Excursions Asia and directly result in the guest missing the vessel.
When we are not liable
- Heavy traffic, road closures, severe weather or natural disasters;
- Civil unrest, public demonstrations, strikes, or government/police restrictions;
- Customs or immigration delays, medical emergencies, third-party suppliers.
Guests Responsibilities
- Arrive on time at the meeting point and return on time after free time;
- Follow the guide’s instructions on departure times;
- Communicate requests for additional sightseeing, shopping stops, or itinerary modifications in advance.
FAQs about Sengan-en Garden & Sakurajima Tour
No. Sending a request is free. Some departures also offer a deposit link; the remaining balance is due closer to the tour date.
We recommend you to bring a small hand towel to dry your feet afterward and wear comfortable pants or skirts that can be easily rolled up above the ankles.
In the rare event of inclement weather or local safety advisories, the guide may adjust the order or itinerary of the tour stops to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Our shared departures are organized as Small-Group Tours (typically 14–16 guests). This ensures a comfortable vehicle, seamless boarding/disembarking, and personalized attention from your guide.
If your ship is forced to bypass Kagoshima due to weather, mechanical issues, or official itinerary changes, our shore excursion policies offer flexible arrangements or refunds tailored specifically to cruise passengers.
Real Guest Moments from Our Kagoshima Shore Excursions
Captured during our curated shore tours from Kagoshima port - Comfort, Culture and Connection.
Send Inquiry
Anne-Marie –
The tour was well-timed, and Thomas even reached out to confirm my mobility needs. The footbath experience was unexpectedly soothing, and the guide paced the day perfectly.
Peter Whitmore –
Booking through Felix was smooth and professional. Our guide, Hana, was full of energy and brought great historical insight at every stop. Sengan-en Garden was stunning, and the Arimura Lava Observatory gave us fantastic photos of Sakurajima. Highly comfortable and enjoyable.
Richard & Helen –
This Kagoshima tour was a relaxed yet educational experience for me at my 50s. The vehicle was luxurious with reclining seats, and we had water provided. Our guide even shared family stories related to the volcano.
Greg –
Seeing Sakurajima from multiple angles was a bucket-list moment. Sharing tour with a small group helped us connect better with the guide and made transitions smooth.
Patricia –
A high point of our trip. The comfort level, both physically and in the way we were treated by staff, was exceptional. Suri, our guide met us at the pier with a smile and check-in list, felt very well organized.