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Offered languages
- English
Discover Kagoshima’s dual soul on an exclusive insider journey. We will travel around Sengan-en and Meizanbori using a private chartered van. First, step into the 17th century at Sengan-en Garden to experience the samurai lifestyle of the powerful Shimadzu Samurai clan, industrial legacy, and majestic volcano views . Then, pull back the curtain on Meizanbori which used to thrive as the vital outer moat and bustling canal port of Kagoshima Castle. As modernization swept through the Meiji period, the waters were gradually filled in, transforming into city streets. Following WWII, the area rebuilt itself into a lively, labyrinth-like marketplace. Today, Meizanbori preserves this nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere, offering a charming maze of retro alleyways and deep historical roots.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
I will meet you up at the port gate holding a sign with your name
Itinerary
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Kagoshima (Pass by)
車での移動 往復１時間
Admission ticket free -
1Sengan-en
Built in 1658 by the powerful Shimazu clan, Sengan-en is a majestic 17th-century samurai masterpiece and one of Japan's most spectacular traditional landscape gardens. Visitors can step back in time to explore a beautifully preserved stately residence and walk the same paths as legendary feudal lords. Furthermore, the neighboring area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site housing the historic Shoko Shuseikan Museum and industrial ruins that celebrate Japan’s early modern industrial revolution. Upon request, guests can fully immerse themselves in the region's rich culture with hands-on samurai experiences—such as traditional Japanese archery or trying on authentic samurai armor—and visit the adjacent Shimadzu Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks to watch master artisans blow and cut brilliant, luxury crystal glass
2 hours • Admission ticket not included -
2Kagoshima
Following your morning of history, the tour dives into the vibrant, nostalgic labyrinth of Meizanbori, where the afternoon is completely tailored to your personal tastes. For lunch, your guide will take you to a hidden neighborhood eatery selected entirely based on your food requests—whether you are craving a hearty Japanese set-meal (teishoku), a bowl of comfort food, or contemporary vegetarian options. Afterward, you will step back in time to enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee at a traditional Kissaten (a charming, Showa-retro style Japanese cafe), where music, rich aromas, and vintage decor offer a peaceful escape from the modern world. To round out the afternoon, you will explore the neighborhood's narrow alleyways to stop by unique local shops for shopping, where you can discover one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, local lifestyle goods, and creative souvenirs found nowhere else in Japan. It is the ultimate way to experience Kagoshima's artistic, slow-paced local lifestyle firsthand.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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