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Meiji Restoration History Tour
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Joined 2025
This half-day tour is perfect for travelers eager to immerse themselves in the history of the Last Samurai. Visit the ruins of Kagoshima Castle and walk in the footsteps of some of the most iconic figures of the Meiji Restoration. You will also enjoy scenic views from the observatory overlooking Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Meeting Point
- At your hotel in Kagoshima City
Please choose several spots you'd like to visit from the list below
-Shiroyama Observatory
You can enjoy a panoramic view of Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, and downtown Kagoshima.-Shiroyama Observatory
-Saigo Cave
Saigo Takamori, one of the most prominent leaders of the Meiji Restoration, spent his final days in this cave and leading his troops from this place during the Satsuma Rebellion.
-Tsurumaru Castle Goromon Gate
Goromon Gate is Japan’s largest castle gate. Tsurumaru Castle was the residence of the Shimazu clan. You can still see the vast grounds where the Shimazu family and their close retainers once lived.
-Terukuni Shrine
Terukuni Shrine dedicates to Shimazu Nariakira, the 28th lord of the Satsuma Clan. A massive torii gate, approximately 20 meters tall and wide, was built to honor the achievements of Lord Nariakira.
Ending Point
Farewell at the last spot (or nearby station)
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
-guide fee
-hotel pick-up
-transportation fee
Tour Important Information
Please contact me for any kind of tour arrangement.
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
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Hoshie K.
I fell in love with Kagoshima the moment I set foot here, and it's been five years. I’m a national government licensed tour guide.
Kagoshima is a perfect blend of stunning nature and rich culture. We can see the majestic Sakurajima volcano from the city to feel the powerful natural force. Kagoshima was home to major Meiji Restoration figures, so history lovers will find plenty to explore. And of course, the food is incredible—famous for Kurobuta (Berkshire pork), Satsuma-age (fried fish cakes), and Shochu (a local distilled spirit).
I love eating, cooking, doing outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and camping, telling stories of people who made Kagoshima what it is today.
If you wish, I would be happy to customize a tour and plan your perfect itinerary.
I look forward to sharing wonderful Kagoshima with you and making unforgettable memories together!
Reviews
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Stephen B.
“Stress-Free and Spectacular: The Best Shore Excursion in Kagoshima”
If you are looking for an unforgettable day in Kagoshima, look no further than Hoshi! From the moment the Celebrity Millennium docked, Hoshi was right there at the Marine Port Kagoshima Square with a warm smile, making us feel immediately welcome and at ease. Our day was a perfect blend of culture, history, and hands-on fun. Here are a few highlights: Tea Rolling in Chiran: This was such a unique and meditative start to the day. Hoshi’s local knowledge really enriched the experience, helping us appreciate the craftsmanship behind the world-class tea in this region. Chiran Samurai Residence: Walking through these beautifully preserved gardens felt like stepping back in time. Hoshi provided fantastic historical context that we never would have discovered on our own. Amami no Sato: The set lunch was absolutely delicious and felt like a true taste of the local foods. Following it up with the weaving presentation and the Handkerchief Dyeing Experience was a blast—we walked away with personalized souvenirs and great memories. Hoshi is a master of logistics. Even with a tight schedule and a 16:00 "All Aboard" deadline, the entire day felt relaxed and perfectly paced. We returned to the ship at 15:45 with plenty of time to spare, feeling like we had seen the very best of the area. If you want a professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind guide to show you the wonders of Kagoshima, Hoshi is the absolute best choice!
Joyceline K.
“Our day wth Hoshie K”
Great experience. Hoshie.K met us at the boat terminal at the agreed time. This tour was our shortest one in Japan and South Korea. We spent our morning strolling thru beautiful gardens. We also did some Tie Dying and had a great traditional lunch. Hoshie was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. Thank you Hoshie for a great time, see you next time I’m in Japan
$251/ per group
More tours by Hoshie K.
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Explore the Nature and History of Sakurajima
About 3,500 people live in coexistence with Sakurajima, an active volcanic island. We will enjoy the majestic landscape shaped by volcanic activity, and the blessings it brings—unique agricultural products, rich mineral hot springs, and dramatic lava fields!
Explore the Nature and History of Sakurajima
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Experience Tropical Amami Island right in Kagoshima - Culture and Cuisine
Maximize your time in this tropical paradise by experiencing its vibrant nature and deep-rooted culture! Stroll through a southern island-style Japanese garden, see how the world-renowned textile Ōshima Tsumugi is made, join craft workshops such as natural dyeing or weaving, and taste local dish, Keihan (Amami-style chicken rice).
Experience Tropical Amami Island right in Kagoshima - Culture and Cuisine
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kagoshima
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Oshima Silk Wearing Experience, Chiran Samurai Village and Peace Museum
Enjoy a stroll through the subtropical garden wearing Oshima Silk, one of the three great textiles in the world along with Gobelins and Persian carpets. Chiran is home to more than 500 samurai residences during the late Edo period. The breath of history is still felt after more than 270 years. Chiran Peace Museum preserves and displays materials left by the deceased Army pilots of the unprecedented Tokko operation in Okinawa during the final moments of WWⅡ, known as Kamikaze internationally.
Oshima Silk Wearing Experience, Chiran Samurai Village and Peace Museum
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The Most Loved Feudal Lord in Terukuni Shrine and Senganen
In the mid-19th century, the feudal lord Nariakira Shimazu was a visionary modernizer and industrialist who helped Japan maintain equal power in the world, and was widely regarded as one of the wisest leaders of his time. You will visit two special places associated with him, Terukuni Shrine and Senganen Garden.
The Most Loved Feudal Lord in Terukuni Shrine and Senganen
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Hands-on Experience with Local Artisans: Cotton Dyeing & Silk Weaving
This tour is ideal for those with a passion for handicrafts or anyone seeking a unique and hands-on experience in Kagoshima. Explore a local textile factory where the Oshima Tsumugi, one of the world’s finest fabric, is skillfully crafted. Then, try your hand at dyeing and weaving, with guidance from skilled artisans who will share their expertise at each step. I hope you’ll be able to take home with your handiwork made in Kagoshima, along with fond memories.
Hands-on Experience with Local Artisans: Cotton Dyeing & Silk Weaving
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Experience Tropical Amami Island right in Kagoshima - Culture and Cuisine
Maximize your time in this tropical paradise by experiencing its vibrant nature and deep-rooted culture! Stroll through a southern island-style Japanese garden, see how the world-renowned textile Ōshima Tsumugi is made, join craft workshops such as natural dyeing or weaving, and taste local dish, Keihan (Amami-style chicken rice).
Experience Tropical Amami Island right in Kagoshima - Culture and Cuisine
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