Kagoshima

Tired of picture-postcard tours and want to see something new? Here, you're greeted by a different scene.
A vintage train speeds alongside the ocean, among citrus fruits and gourmet bento boxes. A workshop where real samurai armor is made. A gold mine transformed into a cellar for deadly tastings.
That's right, you're about to take the most unconventional tour of southern Japan.

• A trip on the Orange Hisatsu Railway with ocean views
• Marutake: the site where Samurai armor is forged
• A gold mine transformed into a cellar
• Tasting of Shōchū

Forget about temples and selfies in the usual spots. This is an exclusive and authentic tour, reserved for the lucky few. Three stops, a single objective: to show you the real Japan, which most tourists never close to.
Set off on the Orange Hisatsu Railway, on a vintage train that runs between Yatsushiro and Sendai with incredible ocean views. Savor a lunch with a special bento box on board (you can even keep the box as a souvenir) while you zip along past unique views, the waves of the see crashing against the shore and the citrus trees shining in the sun.

Once you arrive at Sendai, you'll step into the world of real Samurai: Marutake awaits you, the legendary boutique where the armor used in Japanese dramas and even Shohei Ohtani is forged. Don't miss the exhibition gallery too. History, honor and steel: real warrior stuff. Don't you feel like slipping one on too?

And now? A sparkling surprise: a gold mine dug out of the rock 350 years ago. Today, it's an underground distillery where Shōchū is made - a Japanese liquor for real connoisseurs. A mine train, a tour into the depths of the earth, and a tasting included - an unusual combination that will make your head spin.

Finish up with a spot of local shopping and head back to the port, with some crazy stories to tell - and maybe a bottle of Shōchū in your backpack!

• In case of ship's arrival in Kagoshima after 08.00 am, the mine and the Shōchū brewery will be substituted by Izumi Samurai Residence, one of Japan's most fascinating Edo-period historical sites, an authentic preservation district that once served as an important defensive garrison for the Satsuma Domain. There are about 150 samurai-related buildings in Izumi and the whole area is designated an important preservation district of historic buildings.  You can stroll along the picturesque streets to get a sense where hundreds of samurai once called home.  
  You will also have brief time for shopping at Sendai Station (shochu is available for purchase).
• It is very cold inside the mine, so warm clothing is recommended.
• Places are limited, so we strongly advise booking in plenty of time.
• The panoramic views are dependent on weather conditions.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

On this tour, we will take you to Ibusuki, one of most well-known thermal springs in Japan, where relaxing means covering yourself in boiling hot sand! A crazy experience? Maybe. Maybe, but it's one that you have to try at least once in your life!

• Lake Ikeda, the biggest volcanic lake in Kyushu
• Ibusuki, the onsen paradise

Our first stop is Lake Ikeda. The biggest volcanic lake in Kyushu awaits you, with its 233 meter depth and unsettling legends. Here, 2 meter long eels swim in the water - like something from a horror film - as well as perhaps "Isshii", a local monster that nobody has ever captured but that everyone swears they've seen. Want to try and flush him out?

Then we'll arrive at Ibusuki, in the city of the strangest onsens in Japan! Here, you don't enter the water straight away, no no - first, you've got to turn into a "sand mummy"! You'll be given a yukata (a type of lightweight kimono), and then you'll stretch out in the hot sand and the staff will carefully bury you (except for your head, don't worry!). The natural warmth will cocoon you and in 10-20 minutes your body will thank you for eliminating any toxins and stress. Then it's off with the sand, a nice shower, and then a dip in the thermal waters.

And after a little relaxation, it's time to eat! After cooking yourself in the warm sand, the best bit arrives: lunch in a local restaurant awaits you, where you can taste delicacies that are typical of the region.

• The excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

We'll take you to the volcanic island of Sakurajima, with breathtaking landscapes, a natural foot bath in the depths of the earth and a perfect finale that includes shopping and local specialties!

• Arimura Lava Observatory
• Yogan Nagisa Park and its hot springs
• Lunch in the village of Amami no Sato

We'll set off by ferry from Kagoshima's Marin Port, headed for the fiery giant! Located just 4 km from the city, Sakurajima dominates the landscape, standing at a height of 1,117 meters and blowing out constant puffs of smoke. Did you know that it's one of the most active volcanoes in the world?

We'll take you to the Arimura Lava Observatory, an ancient expanse of solidified lava, formed by the 1946 eruption. From here the views will take your breath away (in wonder, not fear!), with Sakurajima rising majestically before you.

After so much amazement, it's time to relax at the Yogan Nagisa Park. A natural foot bath awaits you! Have you ever plunged your feet into a natural thermal spring, with a volcano behind you and an ocean in front? Here you can do just that! The water gushes out from the depths of the earth, ready to pamper you and soothe away all your fatigue.

After the return ferry, it's time for a delicious lunch of local specialties, included in the price.

• If the Sakurajima volcano is active, entry will not be permitted. As an alternative, we will visit the Shiroyama viewpoint, before taking the ferry to Yogan Nagisa Park and experiencing the foot bath in the hot spring.
• The visibility of the landscape is subject to weather conditions.

This tour is the perfect blend of legends and earthly pleasures! From the Kirishima Shrine, where they say that the grandson of the sun goddess came to earth (not just any old person!), to the Takachiho farm, where among the cows and sheep, a finger-licking yakiniku awaits you. History, nature and flavor: Kirshima is unforgiving...but it really spoils you!

• The sacred story of Kirishima and its legendary dragons
• Lunch on a farm
• Fun in the Shinwa no Sato park

Your adventure begins at the Kirishima Shrine, a mystical, imposing place which has survived more volcanic eruptions than you can imagine. Among sacred forests and mythical "dragon pillars", you'll feel the ancient energy that connects this shrine to Eastern Asian cultures.

After all that spirituality, it's time to come back down to earth…directly in front of a smoking grill! At the Takachiho farm, a yakiniku lunch awaits you (the word literally means grilled meat) while cows, horses and sheep keep you company. And if you're looking for the icing on the cake, try the creamiest ice cream ever – it's legendary around these parts!

But the journey doesn't end here! At the Shinwa no Sato park, you can fly high with the chairlift or launch yourself from the panoramic slide. And if the skies are clear, you can immortalize Sakurajima and the bay of Kinko in a single shot. What could be better than this? Not much!

• Minimum age: 3 years.
• Maximum weight: 100 kg.
• Children under the age of 3 and people weighing 100 kg or more may not be permitted to ride the elevator to the top of the hill.
• Clear views of the landscape are subject to weather conditions.
• Use of the elevator is subject to weather conditions. In adverse weather, it will not be possible to visit the Kirishima Shinwa no Sato park. Guests will be able to visit the Takachihogawara Visitor Center instead.

Ready to plunge your hands into the ashes…literally? Create your work of art using the volcanic ash of Sakurajima. Yes, real ash from the volcano! You'll feel like a real artist of chaos, and sure, you'll get a little dirty, but the satisfaction will be enormous! And then for a typical lunch from the heart of Kagoshima.

• Create your work of art using volcanic ash
• Views over Sakurajima, the bay of Kinko and Kagoshima
• Typical Kagoshima lunch

We'll start with a bang: visit the Shiroyama Park observatory, where you'll be left speechless by the panoramic views over Kagoshima, the bay of Kinko and the sacred monster of Sakurajima. Forget postcards, this will really make you say wow! But there's no time to waste: hop on board the ferry bound for Sakurajima, a spectacular volcanic island.

And here comes the key moment: art made from volcanic ash. It's not a metaphor: you'll create a unique work of art using real volcanic ash. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

But that’s not all: stop off at the Sakurajima Visitor Center, Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park and the Arimura Lava Observatory, where the power of the volcano is tangible all around you. And then a typical Kagoshima-style lunch awaits you.

• Due to the presence of numerous steps, the tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

• The order of the visits may vary.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.

• Clear views of the landscape are subject to weather conditions.

If you're looking for a different kind of Japanese day, Kagoshima delivers: at Lake Ikeda you’ll find yourself in front of a volcanic lake, perfectly Instagrammable; then you move on to Tosenkyo, where somen noodles swirl in a crystal-clear spring; and you end at the atmospheric Kamafuta Shrine, a small sanctuary where you can also make a wish. In between? Countryside, nature, relaxation, and time for a snack or a bit of shopping on the way back to Kagoshima. A simple, genuine day, full of little details that stay with you.

• Lake Ikeda
• Tosen gorge
• Kamafuta Shrine, where you can make a wish

Kagoshima welcomes you and reveals its most natural and spiritual side. Your adventure begins at Lake Ikeda, a lake nestled inside a volcanic caldera. Here the pace is slow, the views are wide, and you have all the time you need to take photos and enjoy the stillness of the water.

Then you head to Tosenkyo, which on paper sounds like a gorge (as the name “Tosen Gorge” suggests), but is actually a clear spring where the area’s most famous tradition was born: somen nagashi, noodles that spin in circles around a table thanks to the spring water.

Your third stop brings you to Kamafuta Shrine, a small, intimate, almost hidden sanctuary. Here you can explore the area, soak in the atmosphere and, if you wish, make a wish.
It’s one of those places that doesn’t make noise but leaves a lasting impression.

During the journey back to Kagoshima you’ll have free time for a snack, a souvenir, or simply to look out the window and enjoy the countryside of southern Kyushu, flowing peacefully and accompanying you toward the end of the day.

• Please note that the steps can be slippery during winter. You are advised to take extra care.

An experience that spans history, culture, traditions, innovation and…a glass of Shochu!

• The magnificent Senganen Japanese garden
• Shoko Shuseikan Museum
• Shopping spree in the Tenmonkan Arcade
• Visit to the Satsumo Muso factory

We'll start with a discovery of the magnificent Senganen, the Japanese garden constructed in 1658 by Clan Shimazu, with incredible views over the Sakurajima volcano. Taking a walk here is like leaping into the past, among the Zen pathways and the majesty of a feudal residence. Did you know that this place was one of the first centers of industrialization in the country, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Explore the Shoko Shuseikan museum inside the park, which exhibits the industrial heritage of the Shimadzu family and their contribution to the modernization of Japan. All in all, a perfect blend of tradition and innovation!

After so much history, it's time for some shopping! We'll head to the Tenmonkan Arcade, where you can find souvenirs, typical sweet treats and Shochu (the distilled Japanese spirit that gives sakè a run for its money)
And if you get hungry? No problem - here, there are plenty of local specialties to taste!

Then it's the last stop, but perhaps the most eagerly anticipated: a visit to the Satsumo Muso factory! Here, you can discover all the secrets of Shochu…tasting included, of course! Kampai!

English & other European tour guides are subject to availability.



We'll take you to the volcanic island of Sakurajima, with breathtaking landscapes, a natural foot bath in the depths of the earth and a perfect finale that includes shopping and local specialties!

• Arimura Lava Observatory
• Yogan Nagisa Park and its hot springs
• Shopping in Tenmonkan

We'll set off by ferry from Kagoshima's Marin Port, headed for the fiery giant! Located just 4 km from the city, Sakurajima dominates the landscape, standing at a height of 1,117 meters and blowing out constant puffs of smoke. Did you know that it's one of the most active volcanoes in the world?

We'll take you to the Arimura Lava Observatory,, an ancient expanse of solidified lava, formed by the 1946 eruption. From here the views will take your breath away (in wonder, not fear!), with Sakurajima rising majestically before you.

After so much amazement, it's time to relax at the Yogan Nagisa Park. A natural foot bath awaits you! Have you ever plunged your feet into a natural thermal spring, with a volcano behind you and an ocean in front? Here you can do just that! The water gushes out from the depths of the earth, ready to pamper you and soothe away all your fatigue.

After taking the ferry back, it's time to go shopping, and enjoy tasting typical local specialties at the Tenmonkan Shopping Arcade, a lively neighborhood filled with little shops and bars. Our tip: don't leave before trying the famous Shirokuma, a local dessert of crushed ice with fruit, condensed milk and other sweet toppings.

• If the Sakurajima volcano is active, entry will not be permitted. As an alternative, we will visit the Shiroyama viewpoint, before taking the ferry to Yogan Nagisa Park and experiencing the foot bath in the hot spring.

Ready to discover Kagoshima? This Japanese city has more in common with Naples than you might think: a mild climate, warm people and above all, a great big volcano! With this tour, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan's most traditional side, shop like a real local and admire picture-postcard views. Ah, and obviously you'll eat like a king. Are you one of us?

• Senganen Japanese garden (Iso-Tei-en Garden)
• Shoko Shuseikan Museum
• Shopping in Tenmonkan
• Shiroyama Observatory

Start off in style! We'll head to the Senganen Japanese Garden and take a stroll among the cherry trees and Zen ponds. And the icing on the cake? You can enjoy the incredible views over Sakurajima, the volcano that overlooks the bay of Kagoshima. Instagrammers, get ready to snap away.

After so much amazement, a good break is well deserved! You'll taste the local specialties of Kagoshima, in a typical restaurant, because the real journey always starts at the table. And trust us, here they really know how to get your mouth watering!

The moment will come to lose yourself in the narrow streets of Tenmonkan, a lively neighborhood and the shopping hub of Kagoshima. Among the curious little shops, welcoming cafés and surprising little corners, you'll find all sorts of things you didn't even know you were looking for.

The grand finale with incredible views! Climb to 107 meters at the Shiroyama Observatory, to enjoy views that will rock your world: the center of Kagoshima, the surrounding bay and the undisputed star of the show, the Sakurajima volcano. If you're lucky, you might get to see it topped by smoking columns during one of its frequent eruptions.

• Please note that the Shiroyama Observatory can get very crowded.
• There is a possibility that Sakurajima may not be visible due to the weather conditions.

• Kirishima Shrine
• Kirishima Onsen
• Shopping
• Japanese Set Menu Lunch

Devoted to Ninigi no Mikoto,grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, Kirishima Shrine was built during the Muromachi Period on a different site from where it stands today. Since then it has been destroyed numerous times by volcanic eruptions, but always rebuilt. The current shrine was constructed in 1715 where it survives to this day. Its large, beautiful buildings are surrounded by forest and have been declared important cultural property.

Kirishima Onsen lies on the lower slopes of the Kirishima Mountains with a distant view over Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima. It is one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts with high quality, sulfuric hot spring waters and an interesting variety of outstanding bath facilities.

Before going back to the ship, you can enjoy shopping at local shopping center.

Japanese Set Menu Lunch is included.

• Senganen Garden
• Aeon shopping mall

Senganen Garden, also known as Isoteien, is a Japanese style landscape garden along the coast north of downtown Kagoshima. One of the garden's most striking features is its use of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay as borrowed scenery. The garden also includes small ponds, streams, shrines and a bamboo grove. At the center of the garden stands the Iso Residence. After the end of the feudal age, the Iso Residence became the main residence of the Shimazu family, and its rooms are preserved in the way they were used in the 1890s.
Before going back to the ship, you can enjoy shopping at local shopping center.