Things to do in Kagoshima, Kyushu-Okinawa: The Best Tours

Shirakawa-go is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site for being a village with houses made in the historical "gassho-zukuri" architecture (thatched roof house). This is an area where you can feel the magnificent nature and old lifestyle culture with Hirase-onsen where the onsen source comes from the foot of sacred mountain Hakusan. This private tour will help to make your trip an unforgettable one.

Inclusions: Local guide (if option selected), Driver, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Experience the quality of IWAMOTO meat products at Restaurant KICHIZAEMON over a dinner in a simple and casual setting, wherein the main dishes only use Kagoshima Kuroge Wagyu (Black Haired Wagyu beef) and Kagoshima Kuro Buta (Black Haired Boar/Pork). Select your course… A. Sukiyaki B. Shabu Shabu C. Steak *For course C, select the beef (i) shoulder roast (ii) tenderloin roast (iii) rib roast (ⅳ) fillet (+3,000 yen)

Inclusions: Drinks are not included. You can order Beer (Asahi) / Wine (white & red) / Water / Hot Tea (You may also choose to bring your own drinks. No corkage fee)

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It's a beautiful season in Kagoshima to walk around. To make your stay in Kagoshima special and take memorable photos, let's wear Kimono and walk around. After enjoying walking around Kagoshima city, just simply return the Kimono to the shop.

Inclusions: Kimono rental fee (return on the same day by 6pm)

Exclusions: Ramen on the image photo, Other personal expense

Do you know that Kagoshima produces not only Sencha（煎茶） but Matcha（抹茶） as well? Learn how Matcha and Sencha are different and how to brew them; from the experts, Birouen, which has been producing tea for more than 130 years! At a very convenient location in Tenmonkan（天文館）in the heart of Kagoshima city（鹿児島市)! Choose your experiences according to your interest. ① Introductory class of Matcha The tea master will show you how to serve Matcha in the traditional tea ceremony style. You also learn how to use the tools to make Matcha by yourself. Don't hesitate to ask the tea master about tea tools and traditions! ② Introductory class of Sencha Learn how to serve tea in the proper way and taste 5 kinds of Kagoshima Tea. Find your favorite Kagoshima Tea!

Inclusions: Sweets and Matcha tea, 1200 yen coupon for shopping at the store, Certificate of completion of a course

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You might think that all Miso is the same but there are indeed many varieties of Miso in Japan. The variety of Miso depends on the specific area where it is produced. Kagoshima's Miso tends to have sweetness and is full of aroma. The most common one is Mugi-miso (麦味噌), made from barley and soya bean. Sakura Kaneyo, the Miso maker located in Ichiki Kushikino-shi, Kagoshima has been producing Miso and Sho-yu (Soya sauce) for 90 years. At the experience, you will learn about the process of Miso and Sho-yu at the factory and will make 2kg of Mugi-miso for yourself.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, 2kg Miso in a tub

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This bicycle tour includes a few of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kagoshima as well as a few that even the locals don't now about. It is a leisurely course that is mostly flat and easy to cycle. It's a great way to get a little bit of exercise while seeing the sights. Fun quiz questions are included at each stop and the winner will receive a locally made sweet as a prize.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle

Exclusions: Bottled water

This is a walking tour to visit the historic sites of a samurai residential area with a history of over 400 years. This is not a famous tourist destination, so it is rare to see tourists. From Kagoshima Chuo Station, take a local line and go to a small town called “Kire” in the suburbs. From the train window, you can get a glimpse of ordinary people's lives and beautiful views of Kagoshima Bay. After arriving at Kiiri Station, take a community bus to the Samurai House Ruins. Then visit the shrine on the old fort hill, the cemetery of the lord's clan, and a beautiful little creek, then return to Kiiri Station and disband. If you want to go to the Ibusuki area in the afternoon, you can take a train at Kiiri Station. This tour will have a maximum of 8 travelers. Children must be over 6years old.

Inclusions: guide fee

Exclusions: JR Train Fare, Lunch

With the help of your native host, you will get hands-on training from a professional chef. You'll learn how to cut and make food into animal shapes. Also, you'll learn the correct colors needed to make an eye appealing obento. When the obento is finished you can take pictures for your SNS. You can eat the obento in the restaurant or take it with you to eat later.

Inclusions: Lunch

Exclusions: Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages

Kagoshima’s food culture is always with fermentation. The warm climate gives the variation of the unique food culture. Kurozu, Kagoshima miso, Yamagawa zuke (Daikon radish pickles), Shochu… there are many kinds of fermented food. Whisky is one of them. There are 2 whisky distilleries in Kagoshima,”MARS Tsunuki Distillery” and “KANOSUKE Distillery”. The history of making whiskey in Kagoshima is not that long but those companies are the specialists of making good quality liquor. The quality of whisky turns out unique and special due to the climate of Kagoshima. Why don’t we go and see how they are making their whisky?

Inclusions: "Hojo" Special Lunch (applicable for a group of more than 4pax), All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle, English Speaking Guide

Exclusions: Personal Expense

Marvel at the active Sakurajima Volcano from the sky! Take a sightseeing flight around Kagoshima’s iconic volcano and view spews of grey smoke, the enormous Showa Crater, Kagoshima City, and the dramatic landscape of a National Park.

Inclusions: 30 minutes by plane around Sakurajima

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