Immersed in Samurai Culture: A tour of samurai sites and Sengan-en, a Japanese garden

Visit historical landmarks of the Shimadzu family that ruled over Kagoshima( then called Satsuma) for 800 years and savor Japanese dining. 

Highlight

● A guided tour at Terukuni Shrine, the largest in the city, that honors the wise lord, Nariakira Shimadzu
 He left a great legacy during the forging of Japan's modernization and is now admired as a general guardian deity of Kagoshima City. With the guide,  you will explore the shrine to see his accomplishments
 
 
 ● Savor lunch at a fancy Japanese restaurant
 From Terukuni Shrine, take a leisurely walk to a restaurant that cares about local ingredients and hospitality
 
 
 ● Off to a rickshaw ride alongside Kinko Bay to Sengan-en
 After lunch a rickshaw takes you to the site of Tsurumaru Castle, where Goromon Gate presides over the ruins. Goromon Gate was restored in 2020 after a 147-year absence.  Continue the ride to Sengan-en, enjoying a spectacular setting of Sakurajima, the bay, and historical sites with refreshing sea breezes along the way
 
 ● Stroll through Sengan-en  
 Sengan-en, the villa of the Shimadzu family, was established approximately 350 years ago. The garden artfully incorporates Sakurajima as a hill and Kinko Bay as a pond, creating a harmonious landscape that reflects the beauty of nature.  Loved by dignitaries and the public alike, it has stood the test of time.  A guide will share stories of people who lived alongside the Shimadzu family, a key force in Japan's modernization period.

~ Introduction to Sakurajima
 Sakurajima, an iconic active volcano in Kinko Bay of Kagoshima Prefecture at the southern end of mainland Japan, has shaped its landscape through 17 major eruptions since its formation 26,000 years ago. The massive 1914 Taisho eruption lava flow connected Sakurajima, which had previously been an isolated island, to the Osumi Peninsula.  As of 2024, around 3,300 residents live on Sakurajima, primarily engaging in agriculture and fishing, producing local delicacies such as Sakurajima daikon (the Guinness-recorded largest radish), Sakurajima komikan (the Guinness-recorded smallest mandarin) and camellia oil.  Tourism, boosting the local economy, is another major industry that embraces visitors eager to experience the vibrant volcano up close.  Despite the daily ashfalls, people are profoundly attached to Sakurajima.  It symbolizes a harmony between the community and the volcano, holding a secure place in Kagoshima's culture.

Price

Group of 2pax: 317,640yen~
Group of 3pax: 398,460yen~
Group of 4pax: 443,280yen~

Details

Duration:
7 hours

Meeting Point:
Pick you up by private car at your designated place in Kagoshima City, such as your hotel or the station. Please specify the location when booking

Attendee Requirement:
Minimum 2 to Maximum 4 persons in a group
* Please send us an inquiry if you are a single traveler or your group is more than 4 people.

Includes:
 ・Local guide
 ・Interpreter guide (English)
 ・Experience fees during the tour (e-bike rental, local sweets making, harvest experience, etc.)
 ・Lunch (course meal, drinks)
 ・Transporation (including Sakurajima ferry fee)
 ・Insurance 

Not included:
 ・ Personal Expense

Itinerary

9:30  Meet at your designated location (by private car)
10:00  Guided tour at Terukuni Shrine
11:45  Lunch in the Shiroyama area
13:15  Rickshaw ride experience (to Sengan-en)
17:00  Stroll through Sengan-en
17:40 End (meeting point)

Note

Book before
Book at least 3 months in advance
When you book, please let us know which day you want to hold the tour.

* If you have any food restrictions, please let us know when you book.

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.