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. Let’s visit the artcraft spots to experience the unique culture of Kagoshima!!
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!!
Kagoshima Bamboo Center
In 1966, the bamboo center was found to train the new craftsmen of the local bamboo craftwork in Kagoshima and carry on its tradition to the next generation. At the center, you can watch the process of weaving bamboo by craftsmen and their pupils. Nice to buy some bamboo crafts as your souvenirs.
Ending Point
Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
-Transport (Toyota Voxy or Suzuki Hustler)
-Gas
-Parking fees
-Guide
-Entrance fee for Chin Jukan / ¥500
-Lunch or coffee / tea break
- Since most of the spots are closed on Monday, the tour can be conducted on Tuesday~Sunday.
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!!
Anthony C.
“Quick birding trip to Amami”
Great guide, very knowledgeable and great company. Would highly recommend for birds or general natural history.
Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to the tour, Anthony. Happy to hear that you enjoyed it. I also enjoyed birding with you today. Good luck on your trip and birding in the future! Arigato!!
Krysta S.
“The BEST experience!!!”
I loved this tour beyond words!! I had initially booked in 2020 and obviously everything was locked down and I had to cancel. Five years later, I finally got to meet Eiji and find some very cool species!! We found Hime Habu Pit Viper, Amami Rabbit, Akamata snake, several species of endemic frogs, newts and Ryukyu Scopes Owl! Eiji is extremely knowledgeable of the species and area of Amami Oshima, I learnt so much!! I had the best time and I highly, HIGHLY recommend this tour!! Thank you once again Eiji!!
Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to my tour, Krysta. Very happy to hear that you enjoyed the night tour a lot. I enjoyed sharing our time together too. Such a fun night, it was!! Arigato! Eiji
Robert O.
“Amami Oshima Birding Tours on May 25, 2025”
Eiji is an excellent birding and nature guide. We visited three sites on the day tour and 3-4 forest roads on the night tour, where all of Amami’s endemic species can be found. I would highly recommend Eiji to anyone traveling to Amami independently who is interested in birds and nature.
Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to my tour, Robert! I enjoyed birding and chatted with you too!! Good luck on your birding in the future. Arigato!
$270/ per group