【Exclusive Excursion】Sengan-en & Sakurajima Journey

Experience the very best of Kagoshima through a bespoke, private shore excursion designed for the discerning traveler. This premium experience seamlessly weaves together the aristocratic elegance of the Shimadzu clan with the raw, majestic power of one of Japan’s most iconic active volcanoes.

Highlight

• Chauffeured Luxury Transport: Step directly off your cruise ship into a private, premium vehicle for a seamless and comfortable journey throughout the day.
• Exclusive Sengan-en Access: Enjoy a privately guided stroll through the pristine Sengan-en gardens, culminating in a traditional matcha tea ceremony held in a private, historic pavilion.
• Gourmet Local Gastronomy: Savor an exquisite lunch featuring Keihan—a celebrated and highly refined regional specialty of tender chicken and delicate, colorful garnishes over rice, steeped in a rich, slow-simmered broth—at an elegant local restaurant.
• VIP Volcano Viewing: Take a scenic ferry crossing to Sakurajima, followed by a private drive to observation decks for unobstructed, panoramic views of the steaming crater and the sweeping bay.
• Expert Private Guide: Accompanied by a deeply knowledgeable, fluent English-speaking local guide who will bring centuries of samurai history and geological wonders to life.

Discover the "Naples of the Eastern World" in unparalleled comfort. This curated tour contrasts the refined, manicured beauty of a 17th-century Japanese landscape garden with the rugged, untamed slopes of the Sakurajima volcano. Rather than joining a crowded coach, you will enjoy a highly personalized pace, allowing you to linger over the breathtaking vistas, engage deeply with local culture, and experience Kagoshima’s legendary hospitality at its most luxurious. Every detail—from port pickup to your dining experience—is meticulously handled, ensuring your time ashore is relaxing, enriching, and entirely unforgettable.

How to Book

• Step 1: Choose your group size and the number, then click the "Add to cart" button. 

• Step 2: Please specify your preferred date in the notes at checkout. 

• Step 3: You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.

Details

Duration: 
6 hours (9am-3pm)

Meeting Point:
Kagoshima Marine Port / Kitafuto Port

Attendee Requirement:
Minimum 1 to Maximum 8 persons in a group

Price

※ Children under 5 years old: FREE 
The total number of people in the group shouldn't exceed 8pax, including children.

Includes:
– English-speaking guide
– Transportation (Private car)
– Entrance fee of Sengan-en (Garden&House) 
– Special Japanese Lunch

Not included:
– Personal Expense

Itinerary

A Morning of Aristocratic Elegance Your day begins the moment you disembark your cruise ship, where your private guide and chauffeur will be waiting to greet you. You will be whisked away from the bustling port in a luxury vehicle, heading straight for the tranquil grounds of Sengan-en. Constructed in 1658 by the powerful Shimadzu clan, this sprawling estate uses the concept of shakkei (borrowed scenery), masterfully framing the waters of Kinko Bay and the silhouette of Sakurajima as part of its own garden. As you wander through the bamboo groves and past tranquil koi ponds, your guide will share fascinating insights into the samurai lords who once ruled here. To elevate your morning, you will be escorted to a private tatami room within the estate to partake in a serene matcha tea ceremony, accompanied by delicate local confections.

A Taste of Kagoshima Following your morning of cultural immersion, your guide will lead you to an elegant local dining establishment. Here, you will be treated to a gourmet lunch showcasing one of the region's most beloved and soulful culinary treasures: Keihan. Originally created to entertain high-ranking officials, this traditional dish features steamed rice beautifully topped with tender shredded chicken, sweet shiitake mushrooms, and delicate strips of egg, all brought together by pouring a rich, aromatic, slow-simmered chicken broth over the bowl. It is a deeply comforting, interactive meal and a true celebration of local artisanship designed to delight the palate.

Into the Shadow of the Volcano With your appetite satisfied, the afternoon introduces a thrilling shift in scenery. You will board a ferry for a short, scenic cruise across the sparkling waters of Kinko Bay, arriving at the foot of Sakurajima. Leaving the crowds behind, your private chauffeur will navigate the winding volcanic roads, taking you high up the mountain to the Yunohira Observatory—the highest point accessible to the public. Here, you can feel the raw energy of the earth, gazing up at the steaming peaks and down at the vast, solidified rivers of rock at the Arimura Lava Observatory.

A Seamless Return As the late afternoon sun begins to cast a golden glow over the bay, you will make your relaxed return journey to the mainland. With a wealth of photographs and memories of both aristocratic elegance and volcanic majesty, your chauffeur will return you directly to your cruise terminal, ensuring you arrive with ample time to unwind before your ship departs.

Note

Book before
Two weeks before (negotiable)
When you book, please let us know which day you would like to hold the tour.

Please send us an inquiry if your group is more than 8 people.

* If you have any food restrictions, please let us know when you book.
* You will walk some distance during this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Please check our cancellation policy.– If the tour is cancelled due to bad weather conditions, a notice will be sent by email before 6 PM (JST) 1 day prior to the tour. The guests will be able to reschedule/choose an alternative day or the tour fee paid will be fully refunded.