Samurai History & Culture Streetcar Tour in Central Kagoshima
Joined 2025
Step aboard Kagoshima’s charming streetcars and embark on a journey through the legacy of the samurai who shaped Japan’s modernization. This tour follows the historic “Road of the Meiji Restoration”, where the powerful Shimazu samurai clan led Japan’s transformation from a feudal society to a modern nation in the late 19th century.
Immerse yourself in the world of the last samurai, their culture, and their contributions to modern Japan—all while riding Kagoshima’s iconic streetcars!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kagoshima Chuo Station
The Museum of the Meiji Restoration & The Road to The Meiji Restoration
It is a museum where you can experience the story of the Meiji Restoration, a major turning point in Japan’s history.
Tenmonkan (Downtown)
Lunch & Shopping
Terukuni Shrine
It is dedicated to Shimazu Nariakira, a lord who played a key role in bringing Western technology and ideas to Japan.
Ending Point
Kagoshima Chuo 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
Stream one-day ticket : 600 JPY
The Museum of Meiji Restoration Entrance Fee: 300 JPY
Lunch: 1,000 JPY ~ 3,000 JPY
Souvenirs, etc..
Tour Important Information
* This tour includes about 2 km (1.2 miles) of walking.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions
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 Shiho F.
I was born and raised on the Osumi Peninsula in the eastern part of Kagoshima Prefecture. In elementary school, I walked 4 km one way to school.
I used to fuss with the neighborhood children about the kappa (a well-known Japanese specter, water imps) in the creek.
In summer, I drank from the freshwater flowing into the eel pond on my way home and picked wild strawberries to eat.
I aim to be a guide who can provide such "unique" and exciting experiences that I cultivated as a child.
I am a local, and I can give you a guide who understands the area.
I have a husband, a son, a daughter, and two cats.
My home is in a rich natural environment, and in early summer, you can hear the call of the ruddy kingfisher!
Reviews
Nicole E.
“Friendly and informed”
It was a lovely day in the garden! Over a traditional Amami lunch, Shiho not only gave us insight into the food, but also built a friendly rapport talking about our favourite books and experiences in Japan so far. Once in the garden, she gave an interesting and balanced tour - talking about the lifestyle of the Amami people, how the plants in the garden fit in, and their part in the history of the Satsuma domain. Our workshop was filled with smiles and creativity as she translated instructions and celebrated our results. Indoors, we could see craftswomen still making this beautiful silk by hand and saw the progression of traditional to modern designs. As a local, Shiho shared about her family's heirlooms, and even her purchases to celebrate the modern versions of Amami Tsumugi. Overall, more a beautiful day with a well-informed friend than an overly formal tour.
Shiho F.
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind review! I’m very happy you had a good time on the tour. It was a real pleasure spending time with you both. I enjoyed our conversations, and I'd love to chat about books with you if we meet again! Also, your handkerchiefs turned out beautifully! I hope it becomes a lovely reminder of the fun memories from the tour.
$310/ per group
More tours by Shiho F.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kagoshima
Enjoy the Nature of The Natural Heritage Island and The Lives of Its People in The Past
Experience the beauty of Amami, a World Natural Heritage site, without leaving Kagoshima City! At "Amami-no Sato," you can immerse yourself in the island’s stunning nature and culture. Stroll along subtropical paths, visit an Oshima Tsumugi silk factory, and try dyeing a handkerchief with the lucky "Fukugi" tree native to Amami. A perfect souvenir to take home!
Kagoshima's Best & dining adventures
Visiting the main attractions in Kagoshima city, enjoying beautiful views, culture and a little interesting history. we will visit the beautiful and Classical gardens of SENGANEN, take a photo with old Bazalt made Stone bridge, see the charming Gate of the castle leftovers, enjoy the best Observatory, from there we see the city, Sakurajima and the Laguna .than we'll rush to the downtown, stroll around, enjoy some local cuisine or sweets and eat kagoshima BLACK pork or Black beef.
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.
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.