Kagoshima Crane Watching Tour (Nov. - Feb.)
Let's visit Izumi town, located at the west side of Kagoshima prefecture, where is a well-known area for the biggest migration of cranes in Japan. The number of the migratory cranes can be over 10.000 at the peak in January. Even if you are not a birder, it’s a must-see symbolic thing in winter in Kagoshima!!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel.
- Pick-up at Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel as you like.
Izumi Crane Center
Located 2-hour drive from the central of Kagoshima, Izumi town is the largest migration grounds of cranes in Japan and thousands of cranes will be waiting for you there. Hooded cranes and White-naped cranes are the major species, but you may encounter black-crowned cranes and sandhill cranes if you are lucky.
Lunch or tea break
Lunch or tea break, depending on your preference.
Imuta lake
On the way back to the central of Kagoshima, we will make a stop at Imuta lake where you can enjoy watching a number of winter migratory birds such as mute swan, garganey and great cormorant. The 60-acre freshwater lake was formed about 300.000 years ago by volcanic eruption and is now recognized as a Ramsar site.
Back to Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel.
Back to Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel.
Ending Point
Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel.
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
-Transport (Toyota Voxy or Suzuki Hustler))
-Gasoline
-Parking
-Guide
-Entrance fee for Izumi Crane Center (¥220)
-Lunch or tea break
Tour Important Information
* Please note that the tour is conducted November - February.
* The number of the cranes and the other birds you will watch depends on the condition of the tour's day.
please note that the tour is conducted November - February.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Eiji K.
Hi I'm Eiji, an English-speaking tour guide in Kagoshima and Amami Oshima.
Born in Tokyo and left the bustling capital when I was 22 years old with my little backpack. After spent my youth to see and experience the world, more than 25 countries in total, and lived in several areas of Japan, such as Yakushima, Izu, Kochi, and Amami Oshima. Now, I’m based in Kagoshima, still have a wanderlust…
Since 2010, I have worked as an English-speaking tour guide in Japan, for INTREPID TRAVEL for 3 years, as a sea kayak tour guide in Izu for 3 years, and as a self-employed in Amami Oshima for 9 years, love to show people around my favorite places.
My interests are traveling, birding, playing with nature, and cooking as well...
I'm looking forward to sharing our time together!!
Reviews
Melinda C.
“Great experience with Eiji”
Had a wonderful time in Kagoshima with Eiji - going via ferry to see Sakurajima, going to the Observatory and enjoying a foot bath in the warm waters. Spent some time in Sengan-en followed by a brief tour in the Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks factory..
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Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to the tour, Melinda. Very happy to hear that you enjoyed it a lot. I also enjoyed sharing our time together. Hope you will come to Japan again for exploring more! Eiji
Clayton K.
“Kagoshima tour”
Eiji was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would use him again.
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Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to the tour, Clayton. Very happy to hear that you enjoyed it a lot. I hope you will keep having fun in Japan and have a safe trip to the US. Arigato!
Vincent N.
“Miyazaki Tour”
My brother Jason and I flew out to Miyazaki airport where Eiji picked us up. Not only is he a welcoming and friendly tour guide, but he's also very knowledgeable. He was more than happy to explain the historical background of the various places in we visited such as Obi Castle Town, Udo shrine, and Aoshima Island. Additionally, he's also makes good suggestions. For instance, when he learned that we practiced archery, he told us we could try out Shihanmato style archery at Obi Castle Town and that was pretty enjoyable. On top of that, the restaurant he recommended makes was excellent. We had nanban chicken and that was delicious. If you're looking for a tour guide for Miyazaki, Eiji is excellent.at it. If I decide to visit Miyazaki in the future and need a tour guide, Eiji will be one I'll definitely reach out to. Thanks for the tour, Eiji. Jason and I had a great time.
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Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to the tour in Miyazaki, Vincent. Ever happy to hear that you and Jason enjoyed the day a lot. I also enjoyed sharing our time and chatting about a lot of things together. Hope you will come to Japan and explore the country more in the future! Arigato!! Eiji
$248/ per group
More tours by Eiji K.
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Kagoshima Highlights - Sakurajima exploring & Sengan-en garden strolling
Easy to start from Marine Port Kagoshima and the downtown, Kagoshima Highlights include 2 must-go destinations in the area. At Sakurajima, you can feel up the active volcano close and enjoy the foot bath for refreshing. Hop on a ferry and you will get there in 15 minutes!! Visit Sengan-en garden, well-conserved feudal lord's garden from Edo period (1600s-1800s) for the great view of Sakurajima and the unique history and culture of the area. Let's enjoy Kagoshima to the fullest together!!
Kagoshima Highlights - Sakurajima exploring & Sengan-en garden strolling
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Chiran Samurai Residence Gardens & Chiran Peace Museum with private car
Let's visit Chiran, the peaceful southern town in Kagoshima, for the famous Samurai gardens and Peace museum! At Samurai residence gardens, you can enjoy strolling around the variety of Japanese gardens preserved from Edo period(1600s-1800s). At Peace museum, you can learn about Kamikaze pilots in Chiran during WW2. The exhibits include the photographs of 1306 pilots. On the way back to the starting point, we will stop at Bakken hill for the panoramic view of Mt. Kaimon and tea terraces.
Chiran Samurai Residence Gardens & Chiran Peace Museum with private car
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Miyazaki Highlights - Private tour with guide's car
A tailor-made English-speaking private tour by car in Miyazaki, just for you. Miyazaki, located at the southernmost of Kyushu is known as “Hinata of Nippon”, translated as “Sunny place of Japan” by its longest sunlight times of the country. Let's explore Miyazaki to the fullest for its unique nature, culture and history!!
Miyazaki Highlights - Private tour with guide's car
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Kagoshima Culture Tour - Miyama pottery village & Satsuma Kiriko glassworks
Because Kagoshima is the southernmost prefecture of Japan except for Okinawa, the region has been open toward the south and the west outside of the country and accepted different culture from oversea since long ago. That’s why a variety of unique culture was developed in Kagoshima, and the craftsmen and the artisans of the region have been conserving their traditions for generations. Why don't you take a glimpse of the unique culture while you are Kagoshima!!
Kagoshima Culture Tour - Miyama pottery village & Satsuma Kiriko glassworks
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Kagoshima
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Kagoshima personalize private tour
Go with guide and private car. All guide fee and private transportation fee are included. We will go for -visiting Whisky Distillery (Or: Japanese Shochu Distillery) -enjoy the beautiful view of Kaimon volcano in nature Park (Or: Kamabuta Shrine in beach) - Lunch break at local restaurant -walking in Samurai resident village (Or: Kamikaze pilots of Chiran Peace Museum) *Tour can be customized, please feel free to leave me a message.
Kagoshima personalize private tour
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Half-day Highlights of Kagoshima City,Car Tour (driving guide).
Kagoshima’s Resilient Spirit Kagoshima transformed barren volcanic plateaus and heavy rain into thriving agriculture and marine wealth. Its history of leading Japan’s modernization—hailed as the "Oriental Miracle"—reflects a spirit of resilience and innovation. Despite past challenges, the people remain bright, active, and forward-thinking. Join me on a drive to discover the "secret keys" to this legendary positivity. I look forward to exploring the heart of Kagoshima with you!
Half-day Highlights of Kagoshima City,Car Tour (driving guide).
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Kagoshima Highlights - Sakurajima exploring & Sengan-en garden strolling
Easy to start from Marine Port Kagoshima and the downtown, Kagoshima Highlights include 2 must-go destinations in the area. At Sakurajima, you can feel up the active volcano close and enjoy the foot bath for refreshing. Hop on a ferry and you will get there in 15 minutes!! Visit Sengan-en garden, well-conserved feudal lord's garden from Edo period (1600s-1800s) for the great view of Sakurajima and the unique history and culture of the area. Let's enjoy Kagoshima to the fullest together!!
Kagoshima Highlights - Sakurajima exploring & Sengan-en garden strolling
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Sand Bath Experience & Samurai Village – Cruise-Friendly Day Tour
Join me for an adventure through southern Kagoshima! From the cruise port, we’ll head to Ibusuki — where you’ll be gently buried in warm volcanic sand by the seaside — you can only experience here! Then we’ll go to the Flowing Somen Noodles spot, where you get to catch your lunch :-) It’s a fun Japanese culinary adventure — Try to catch the noodles with your chopsticks and dip them in tasty sauce. then to beautifully preserved samurai residence in Chiran town from the Edo period.
Sand Bath Experience & Samurai Village – Cruise-Friendly Day Tour
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