Excursion Sakurajima active volcano & iso garden tour at Kagoshima

Explore the highlights of Japan's 'Southern Gateway' via land and water during this scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion to Kagoshima and its environs.

Kagoshima, Sakurajima, Ferry-Rides, Kagoshima Bay, and Arimura Point and Observatory

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Kagoshima Ferry Port. Upon arrival, embark a ferry-boat for the short ride to Sakurajima. After disembarking the ferry, board a coach for the drive to Arimura Point. Here, a visit is made to the Arimura Observatory for a spectacular view of Mt. Sakura, which rises over 3,000 feet (1000 metres) above the waters of Kagoshima Bay. The volcano has had over 30 major eruptions in recorded history, and still experiences near-daily minor eruptions to this day. Following your visit to Arimura Point, re-board your coach for the return drive to the Sakurajima Ferry Port, then embark a ferry for the short ride back to the Kagoshima Ferry Port.

Iso Gardens, La Maison Goten, Shoko Shuseikan Museum

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the 17th-century Iso Gardens, or 'Senganen'. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the exquisite gardens. The gardens feature beautiful flowers, rock pools, small bridges and shrines, and offer splendid vistas of the sea, Sakurajima Volcano and city of Kagoshima. An interior visit is also made to La Maison "GOTEN", which was once used as the main residence of the head of the Shimadzu family and as a guest house to which domestic and foreign dignitaries were invited. The beautiful decorations inside the residence, as well as the living room where the garden can be seen at its most beautiful, and audience room are highlights of this house. An interior visit is also made to the adjacent Shoko Shuseikan Museum, that chronicles the 700-year history of the Shimazu Samurai.

Local Lunch

Following your visit to the Iso Gardens, proceed for lunch at a local restaurant.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Kagoshima, Sakurajima, Ferry-Rides, Kagoshima Bay, Arimura Point and Observatory, Iso Gardens and La Maison GOTEN, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Lunch, Tenmonkan

Note

This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.9 miles (about 1.5 kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 100 steps or a steep slope at Arimura Point, slopes, 50 steps and gravel surfaces at the Iso Garden and 20 steps to embark/disembark the ferry. Ferry is not exclusive to Silversea guests. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, sun protection and sunglasses to protect your eyes from ash particles that may be present. The view from the observatory is weather dependent. Guests are required to take off shoes to visit La Maison "GOTEN". For dietary restrictions please contact the on board Shore Concierge Team upon embarkation. Guests must be at least 21 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages.  

The tour sequence may vary. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility. The duration of the tour may vary depending on the docking position.