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!!
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.
- I will come to pick you up at Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel.
Satsuma Kiriko glasswork factory
Satsuma Kiriko is a traditional style of cut glass born in Kagoshima at the end of Edo period (1600s-1800s). It is made by layering colored glass over clear glass and carefully cutting patterns into the outer layer. At the factory, you can watch the master craftsmen creating the glassworks.
Chin Jukan pottery in Miyama pottery village
Chin Jukan pottery is well-known as the birthplace of Satsuma ware with its history of over 400 years. The collection storage preserves a number of wares made by the successive generations and you can watch the craftsmen working at the studios as well.
Lunch or tea break
Lunch or tea / coffee break, depending on your preference. Please let me know what you prefer so that I will arrange a place to go.
Sakura Kaneyo soy sauce shop
Stop at a local soy sauce shop, "Sakura Kaneyo". You can try a variety of types of their soy sauce as well as soy sauce flavored sweets and ice cream!!
Ending Point
Marine Port Kagoshima, Kagoshima airport, Kagoshima railway station, 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)
-Gas
-Parking fees
-Guide
-Entrance fee for Chin Jukan / ¥500
-Lunch or coffee / tea break
Tour Important Information
- Since most of the spots are closed on Monday, the tour can be conducted on Tuesday~Sunday.
- Sakura Kaneyo say sauce shop is closed on Thursday.
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
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Mike T.
“Kagoshima Hihjlights Shore Excursion with Eiji”
We booked a tour with Eiji, labelled as Kagoshima Highlights, and slightly modified it to remove items of little interest. Eiji was ready and waiting for us by the information desk in the cruise terminal, and after introductions, we were on the move to visit Sengan-en, a historic Japanese garden and former residence of the Shimazu clan. The drive took around 40 minutes, and we easily beat all the ship's tours, so it was relatively empty when we arrived. It was a really nice place to visit with its beautiful gardens and house, complete with a spectacular view of Sakurajima. The house dates back to the 1700s and, with the gardens, is now a UNESCO Heritage site. Once we had finished our tour, it was back in the car for a quick photo stop at Shiroyama Park observatory, which provided a great panorama of Kagoshima town and Sakurajima. It was then back to Kagoshima for a spot of lunch, which was in a little vegan cafe called Cafe Indigo and run by a lady single-handedly. It's a set meal which started with soup, then followed by a platter of vegan Japanese bites. It was really tasty, and Nicole was chuffed to bits with it. She even had a Soy Chai tea for the first time, and Eiji, who has a keen interest in food, accepted our invitation to join us, seemed to be impressed with the offerings. From there, it was a 10-minute walk to the ferry, where we enjoyed the 15-minute ride to Sakurajima. On arrival, we took a nice walk along part of the Nagisa Lava Trail and experienced some more great panoramas of Kagoshima and the volcano. On the return leg, Nicole took the opportunity to take the foot bath in Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park afterwards. Before taking the ferry back, we took a look around the visitor's centre, which was a short walk from the ferry terminal. Eiji then brought us back to the ship, where we thanked him for the day and said our goodbyes. We can thoroughly recommend Eiji, he is great company and was able to provide us with a memorable day in Kagoshima
Alice M.
“Amazing day tour of Kagoshima with Eiji!”
My husband and I had such a lovely visit in Kagoshima, and it was largely due to our tour with Eiji. He took us to awesome spots he knew we would like, and was a great driver and articulate tour guide. He's also super cool to hang out with! It was like hanging out with a friend. It was so much fun, and we'd book a tour with him again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend a tour of the Mars whisky distillery! Thanks, Eiji!
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Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to my tour in Kagoshima, Alice. Very happy to hear that you enjoyed the day a lot. I also enjoyed sharing our time together, chatting about a lot of things. You are such a nice & easy, laid back couple, I found. Hope you will be back to Japan and have fun together again :) Arigato! Eiji
Jung soo L.
“Visit to Sengan-en in the morning and Sakurajima in the afternoon. ”
Mr Eiji is an excellent guide with a great manner and a deep knowledge on the Japanese history. We have got the very insightful information and enjoyed the tour both destinations today.
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Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to my tour, Jung Soo-san! Very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour a lot. I also enjoyed sharing our time together. You and your friends had very easygoing vibes which helped me a lot and made me want to visit your country again! Enjoy your stay in Kagoshima! Arigato!! Eiji
$249/ 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
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!!
Kagoshima Crane Watching Tour (Nov. - Feb.)
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Kagoshima
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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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Half-day Highlights of Kagoshima City,Car Tour (driving guide).
Kagoshima is blessed with many volcanoes, a mild climate and a lot of rain. People have survived on barren volcanic ash plateaus. Currently, the agricultural products are number one in Japan every year and marine resources are also abundant. Relatively close ancestors started the industrial revolution along with the social revolution for modernization in Japan. Western countries hailed this as an oriental miracle. Please enjoy the trip to find many of Kagoshima's secret keys with me in my car!
Half-day Highlights of Kagoshima City,Car Tour (driving guide).
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Samurai Village & Sand Bath Experience – 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.
Samurai Village & Sand Bath Experience – Cruise-Friendly Day Tour
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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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