Overview
For those interested in gardens, samarais, and volcanoes, a perfect day.
As you might have seen in Kyoto, gardens are so interesting in Japan that even those who never gave them a glance before can become absorbed in all the different styles throughout the country. When you get home, you will, like me, remember them with a smile.
Kagoshima prefecture is located at the south end of Kyushu, which is the southernmost of the four main islands in Japan. Since ancient times, it has created a unique history and culture, such as the islands including a registered world natural heritage site, Yakushima Island, active volcanoes such as Sakurajima, lush forests, and abundant hot springs. It is rich with nature, unique history and culture in an expansive land that spans 600 kilometers from north to south with a mild climate.
It is a short drive to Senganen Garden where your guide will give you some history of this, thought of as one of the best Japanese Gardens in Kyushu Island. This garden, which was constructed in 1658, used to be the residence of the Shimazu clan, who were powerful Samurai from Kagoshima.
Senganen has a variety of trees and plants that make the garden scenery interesting in all four seasons. There are a number of cherry trees, especially of the early flowering kanhizakura variety, which open as early as late January. Other cherry tree varieties provide flowers through mid-April. Regardless of the timing of your visit, you will enjoy it.
A stop for a typical local Japanese lunch back in Kagoshima will follow before you board a ferry to see Mt. Sakurajima. Sakurajima volcano in southern Kyushu is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and one of the few that are at present in constant activity. The volcano is located across Kagoshima Bay only 8 km east of the city of Kagoshima with a population of half a million. Sakurajima's eruptive history has been recorded since the 8th century.
Once your ferry docks you will be transferred to the Arimura Lava Observatory for a tour. The observatory is on a hill that was formed from lava flow from the great eruption of 1914. There is a 1 km path that allows you to see geographical features and vegetation resulting from the lava flow. This volcano is still active with its last eruption to date in 2014.
- Lunch is included in the tour.
- Tour is done using public transportation. Costs are included.
- Admissions to sites mentioned are included in the tour.
- There is some easy walking involved in this tour. Please dress comfortably.
- Please note, that we have limited English speaking guides and this tour must be booked well in advance.
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IMPORTANT. This tour has a cancellation/refund policy that is non-conforming with ShoreTrips standard policy. Full refunds will be made for cancellations due to your ship not making its scheduled port stop if you have notified the vendor or ShoreTrips of this situation at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled stop. 50% refunds will be made cancellations due to your ship not making its scheduled port stop if you have notified the vendor or ShoreTrips of this situation at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled stop. No refunds will be made for cancellations made in the last 48 hours prior to the scheduled stop. Excursion Protection insurance is available and highly recommended and will be offered to you during the checkout procedure.Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 09:30 AM, duration: 8 hours
