Hafen
Kagoshima

Explore Chiran, an out-lying castle town during Japan's feudal period and home base for the feared kamikaze pilots during World War II.

Take a scenic drive to Chiran to visit the well-preserved residences and gardens of the Samurai. Surrounded by moss-covered stonewalls and sporting black tile roofs, the 250 year old houses recapture the traditional flavor of the Edo Period. Today, Samurai descendants live some of the old estates, but many of the gardens are open to the public. Though small, each garden is an excellent example of borrowed landscaping, where the surrounding mountains and scenery are an integral part of the garden design.

Visit the memorable Tokko Heiwa Kaikan, or Peace Museum, dedicated to the young kamikaze pilots who trained near Chiran before embarking on suicide missions against Allied sea vessels in WWII. The museum commemorates the bravery and sad sacrifice of these young Japanese men, and makes a plea for world peace. Return to Kagoshima and the ship following your in-depth visit to Chiran.

Discover the two most impressive elements in Kagoshima. Visit Senganen, the Japanese style garden representing the history of Kagoshima, from the Samurai Era to the modern ages; and get up close to Sakurajima, one of the world’s most active volcanos.

Located on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four major islands, Kagoshima was the first city to introduce western civilization to Japan, serving as the gateway for trade and exchange between Japan and the world. With a spectacular setting, Kagoshima looks out across the broad sweep of Kinko Bay to the brooding silhouette of Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes.

You’ll transfer by ferry to Sakurajima lsland to view the lunar-like landscape and spectacular lava fields created by past eruptions. Stop at the Arimura Lava Observatory, located on a small hill created by eruption in 1946. This observatory offers excellent vantage points connected by paved walking paths, to observe the dynamic power of the volcano as well as the coastline.

Back in Kagoshima, you’ll visit Senganen, also called Iso Teien, a serene Japanese-style landscape garden constructed in 1660. Offering exquisite views of the bay and volcano, the former summer villa of the powerful Shimazu clan includes artificial rivers and mountains, a bamboo grove, cascading waterfall and traditional poem-writing garden. You’ll also visit the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Japan's first Western-style factory. Established by lord Shimazu in 1852 to produce armaments, glass, ceramics and farm tools, it is now a museum detailing the 700-year Shimazu family history.

Bask in the beauty of a breathtaking waterfall and enjoy the spiritual ambiance of a Shinto shrine founded in the 12th century. Both settings appear almost exactly as they did ages ago, as does Tatsumonjikaza Street, the main artery in the Aira District. It has been meticulously preserved to reflect the atmosphere of traditional Old Japan. Seeing the street, where time seems to have stood still, will prepare you for what lies ahead, starting with the Ryumon-no-taki cascade. Artists have captured the beauty of this two-tiered waterfall for centuries and its natural allure endures today. Kamo Hachiman shrine is enthralling for its spiritual aura and for some of its furnishings. It holds more ancient bronze mirrors than any other shrine in the Kagoshima Prefecture. Still, few sights are more breathtaking than the massive camphor tree that lords over the grounds. Deemed an official Special Natural National Treasure, it is estimated to be 1,500 years old.

Enjoy the beauty of Senganen Japanese style gardens, representing the history of Kagoshima from the Samurai Era to the modern ages; and a chance to do some shopping in a local shopping district.

Located on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four major islands, Kagoshima was the first city to introduce western civilization to Japan, serving as the gateway for trade and exchange between Japan and the world. With a spectacular setting, Kagoshima looks out across the broad sweep of Kinko Bay to the brooding silhouette of Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes.

Begin with a visit to Senganen, also called Iso Teien, a serene Japanese-style landscape garden constructed in 1660. Offering exquisite views of the bay and volcano, the former summer villa of the powerful Shimazu clan includes artificial rivers and mountains, a bamboo grove, cascading waterfall and traditional poem-writing garden. Visit the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Japan's first Western-style factory. Established by lord Shimazu in 1852 to produce armaments, glass, ceramics and farm tools, it is now a museum detailing the 700-year Shimazu family history.

Then is off to to roof covered Tenmonkan shopping arcade where you’ll have approximately one hour at leisure to enjoy shopping or relaxing at a coffee shop before heading back to the ship.

Visit Sakurajima, the iconic landmark of this destination, and also one of the most active volcanos in the world.

You’ll be transferred to the ferry terminal for the crossing to Sakurajima lsland. From here, you’ll to view the lunar-like landscape and spectacular lava fields created by past eruptions. Stop at the Arimura Lava Observatory, located on a small hill created by eruption in 1946. This observatory offers excellent

Explore the history and traditions of Kagoshima during this memorable, half-day excursion to the historic Samurai Houses at Chiran and tour a museum dedicated to World War II kamikaze pilots.

Satsuma Peninsula & Chiran Samurai House

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 50-minute drive along the Satsuma Peninsula. Along the way, an exterior visit is made at the Chiran Samurai House. During Japan's Feudal Era, Chiran was a stronghold of the Shimazu Samurai. During your visit, take a guided stroll down a street lined with well-preserved Samurai houses (exterior view) and their gardens.

Kamikaze Museum

Next, re-board your coach for the drive to the Kamikaze Museum. During World War II, the Chiran Air Base was home to Japan's Kamikaze squadrons. Visit the museum at your leisure. See the Tokko Heiwa Kaikan and its comprehensive collection of aircraft, models, mementoes and photographs of the Special Attack Corps. Please note that some signage is in Japanese only. Guide will provide necessary explanation before entering the museum.

Following your visit, commence the approximate one-hour drive back to the pier.

(Please acknowledge the 'Important Note' section reported down below)

Ibusuki is an onsen town located in southern Kagoshima Prefecture. Unlike other onsen towns in Kyushu, Ibusuki is famous for its sand baths.

Scenic drive & photo stop at Lake Ikeda

Before heading to Sand Bath, make a memorable photo stop at Lake Ikeda which is the biggest volcanic lake in Kyushu, with a circumference of 15 kilometers and a surface area of 11 square km, and a depth of up to 233 meters. The almost round shaped lake is a caldera lake formed more than 6400 years ago because of volcanic activity in the area. Being a caldera lake, there are no rivers flowing in or out of the lake, and is entirely dependent on rainfall to maintain its water level. From Lake Ikeda you can see Mt. Kaimondake, a mountain rising 924 meters above sea level. It is commonly known as the "Fuji of Satsuma".

Ibusuki, Sand bath Experience & Hot Springs

The Sand Bath Experience is the most unique hot springs in the world, as "bathers" are buried in sand, rather than submerged in water. The heat and weight of the sand have an oddly refreshing and cleansing effect.

Upon arrival after the approximately one-hour scenic drive, receive your light Japanese robes „Yukata" and instructions to lie in the volcanic black sand. All but your head will then be covered with steaming sand, which is naturally heated from the underground hot springs. The benefits of being covered in hot sand may include improved blood circulation, detoxification, increased blood-oxygen levels throughout the body and highly valued beauty treatment for the skin. Be prepared to sweat much like you would in a sauna or steam bath, as your pores will quickly open up in the hot sand. Sessions typically last about 15 minutes, after which you will be helped out of the sand and shown to the hot springs to wash off and enjoy the outer bath.

Afterwards, commence your approximately one-hour drive back to the ship.

Important Note:

Japanese hot springs are enjoyed naked. Swimming suits are not allowed. It's permitted to bring a small towel into the bathing area, with which you can enhance your privacy while outside of the water. Once entered the bath, the towel must be kept out of the water. During the sand bath Guests will wear their Yukata only (light Japanese robes) that is provided together with shampoo, conditioner, body soap. The sanding bath area as well as the hot springs are not privately reserved for Silversea Guests only. The sand bathing area is mixed while the hot springs are separated for female-only and male-only. The use of the Sand Bath is forbidden after the consumption of alcoholic beverages. It's also forbidden for women who are pregnant or during their menstruation period. Photography and video cameras are not permitted inside the sand bath and hot springs. Tattoos are not permitted in the facility, however if they can be covered by a sticker or by yukata robe, you will be able to enjoy the Sand Bath.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite gardens and flavours of the 'Southern Gateway' to Japan during this delightful, half-day garden and sushi excursion to Kagoshima.

Kagoshima, Iso Garden, Shoko Shuseikan Museum (outside view) and La Maison Goten

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 40-minute drive to the 17th-century Senganen Gardens (Iso Garden). Upon arrival, take a guided tour of these exquisite gardens, which feature beautiful flowers, rock pools, small bridges and shrines, and offer breath-taking panoramic vistas of the sea, Sakurajima Volcano and Kagoshima City. Your tour continues with an outside visit to the adjacent Shoko Shuseikan Museum, which chronicles the 700-year history of the Shimazu Samurai. Visit La Maison Goten, which was once used as the main residence of the head of the Shimazu 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.

Fish Preparation and Demonstration, Traditional Sushi Lunch

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to a local 'kaiten-zushi' restaurant, which offers sushi dishes to its diners on a conveyor belt. Guests can freely pick the dishes they like as they pass in front of them, or order dishes that are not available on the conveyor belt. Usually, the number of plates is counted to determine the cost at the end of the meal; this is how the Kaiten-zushi restaurant works. For this special arrangement, you are asked to pick up (or order) any dishes, and eat as much as you want. Also, observe a demonstration of how fresh is 'broken up', and sit down to a sushi lunch. After lunch, re-board your coach for the short drive back to the pier.

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

Iso Gardens and La Maison Goten

Depart the pier for the approximate 40-minute 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, the Sakurajima Volcano and the 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.

Sakurajima and Arimura Point

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Kagoshima Ferry Port and embark a ferry for the brief ride to Sakurajima. Upon arrival, disembark the ferry and drive to Arimura Point. Here, a visit is made to the Arimura Observatory for a spectacular view of Mt. Sakura, which rises over 3000 feet (1000 metres) above the waters of Kagoshima Bay. The volcano has had over 30 major eruptions in recorded history and is still experiencing minor eruptions almost daily.

Kagoshima

Following your visit to Arimura Point, re-board your coach for the return drive to the Sakurajima Ferry Port and embark a ferry for the ride back to Kagoshima.

Your tour concludes with an approximate 45-minute transfer back to the pier.

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.

Lunch, Kagoshima, Tenmonkan

Following your visit to the Iso Gardens, proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, your drive continues through downtown Kagoshima and the Tenmonkan area before passing by the Kagoshima Central Station.

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

Mt. Sakurajima, Foot Bath

You will reach Mt. Sakurajima by coach followed by a short ferry ride. It is an active stratovolcano, formerly an island and now a peninsula. Its summit has three peaks. The lava flows of the 1914 eruption connected it with the Osumi Peninsula. It is still the most active volcano in Japan. The volcanic activity still continues, dropping volcanic ash on the surroundings. Earlier eruptions built the white sand highlands in the region.

Mt. Sakurajima also has hot springs. You will make a stop at the Visitor Center to learn about Mt. Sakurajima, and Yogan Nagisa Park to try a Foot Bath.

Arimura Lava Observatory

Continue to the Arimura Lava Observatory, located on a small hill, which was created by an eruption in 1946. Enjoy views of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay while walking along the ¾ mile promenade. The volcano has had over 30 major eruptions in recorded history and is still experiencing minor eruptions almost daily. As the observatory is close to the crater of the steep cone shaped South Peak, it is quite possible you may hear explosive sounds from the crater.

Following your visit to Arimura Observatory, re -board your coach for the return drive to the Sakurajima Ferry Port and embark a ferry for the ride back to Kagoshima.

Your tour concludes with an approximate 45-minute transfer back to the pier.

Explore Kagoshima at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kagoshima at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kagoshima at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kagoshima at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

At the southwestern end of the peninsula, about 70minute drive from the pier, is located Makurazaki, famous for the production of bonito, an essential ingredient in the Japanese cusine which use you are about to learn.

Bonito Flakes Factory, demonstration & tasting

First stop at Bonito Flakes Factory. Bonito flakes, known as Katsuo-bushi in Japanese cuisine, are flakes of dried, smoked bonito fish and look similar to wood shaving. The factory staff teach and show you how to make bonito flakes; Cutting, Simmering, Smoke drying and Molding. At this factory, the manufacturing process is operated manually exactly in the same way as of back in the past days. Next, taste Bonito Flakes Dashi (Soup stock). Bonito flakes has smoky savory taste that gives a great accent at many Japanese dishes. Mixed with UMAMI (savory taste) it's perfect for making Dashi, the soup stock that is the ubiquitouswith component of the Japanese culinary traditions. The dashi lecturer explains to you the importance of Dashi for Japanese and teaches you how to shave the dried bonito.

Enjoy your Japanese style lunch.

Meiji-gura Shochu Distillery, demonstration & tasting

Proceed your visit at Meiji-gura Shochu Distillery. Located on the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, the distillery has been in operation since the ancient Meiji period (1868). In fact, not only the distilling process but also the clay pots and wooden barrels as well as the distillation cellar itself are still in use unchanged from the time of the establishment of Meiji-gura, conveying the site's 100 years of history. Learn the production process and taste some kinds of shochu made at this special and unique distillery.

Makurazaki Fish Centre, demonstration & tasting

Finally, head at the Makurazaki Fish Centre to see the Seared Bonito Demonstration. Bonito is skillfully cut up and heartily roasted over a strong fire to make TATAKI. This is a Japanese way of preparing smoked bonito in which only the outer surface is seared while the inner portions remain raw. Roasting the bonito over fire made by burning highly flammable straw so that only the external surface of the fish is quickly cooked. The flavor of smoked straw is sealed in the flesh of the bonito, giving the end product a tangy barbeque scent. After the demonstration, take the chance to taste this very local preparation.

Then commence your approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Embrace the scenic beauty and flavours of Kagoshima during this panoramic half-day sightseeing excursion to this historic city.

Shiroyama Scenic Overlook & Last Samurai Statue

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 30-minute drive to the Shiroyama Scenic Overlook. After a brief photo stop here, re-board your coach and drive by the bronze statue of Saigo Takamori, known as the 'Last Samurai'.

Kagoshima Tour & Amaminosato, Traditional Oshima Silk

Next, your tour continues to Amami no Sato. Here, take a stroll through a unique Kagoshima garden with a mix of Japanese garden and tropical plants, and visit a workshop and gallery of Oshima silk, a traditional craft. You may also stop by the souvenir store at the venue to purchase souvenirs.

Return to the pier thereafter.  

Auf einer Halbinsel gelegen erhebt sich das Wahrzeichen Kagoshimas majestätische 1100 m in die Höhe und bildet eine beeindruckende Stadtkulisse. Im Besucherzentrum erfahren Sie viel Wissenswertes über den aktiven Vulkan, der regelmäßig mit kleineren und größeren Eruptionen auf sich aufmerksam macht. Abgerundet wird der Ausflug von einem Besuch in einem typisch japanischen Schrein, der zum kontemplativen Verweilen einlädt.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Fahrt auf die Halbinsel mit Bus und Fähre, ca. 1 Stunde
• Besuch des Sakurajima-Besucherzentrums, etwa 30 Minuten
• Etwa 1-stündiger Spaziergang entlang der Küste auf der Nagisa-Promenade
• Fotostopp am Karasujima-Aussichtspunkt mit Blick auf den Vulkan
• Ca. 30-minütiger Besuch des Tsukiyomi-Schreins

Fruchtbares Land bringt der Vulkan Sakurajima, übersetzt Kirschblüteninsel, hervor. So karg die erkalteten Lavafelder von Nahem wirken, so wunderschön ist die Landschaft, die der Vulkan zum Gedeihen bringt. Ein bezauberndes Beispiel dafür ist der Sengan-en-Garten mit dem Herrenhaus der Familie Shimadzu: hier wird die Szenerie um den Vulkan zur Kulisse für traditionelle japanische Gartenkunst. Ein Besuch am Vulkan selbst wird natürlich auch nicht fehlen.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Besuch des Sengan-en-Gartens, gut 1 Stunde
• Etwa 1 Stunde Freizeit im Temmonkan Einkaufszentrum
• Transfer zur Halbinsel Sakurajima mit Bus und Fähre
• Aufenthalt im Sakurajima-Besucherzentrum sowie am Arimura-Lava-Aussichtspunkt, jeweils etwa 20 Minuten
• Rücktransfer mit Bus und Fähre

Ästhetik ist einer der Grundpfeiler der japanischen Kultur. Das zeigt sich nicht nur in der komplexen und geduldigen Gartengestaltung, sondern auch im Leben mit den Naturgewalten, die in Japan allgegenwärtig sind. Tsunamis, Vulkane und Erdbeben, die für die westliche Welt außergewöhnliche Phänomene darstellen, formen hier einen Teil des Lebens.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Per Bus und Fähre zur Halbinsel Sakurajima, insgesamt ca. 1 Stunde
• Besuch des Arimura-Lava-Aussichtspunkts, etwa 30 Minuten
• Rückfahrt per Bus und Fähre nach Kagoshima
• Besuch des Sengan-en-Gartens, etwa 1,5 Stunden

Die Zeit der Samurai wird heute in Film und Fernsehen oftmals romantisch verzerrt. In der bewegten Zeit bekämpften sich verfeindete Kriegsherren bis zum Tode. Oftmals gefolgt von ihren Samurai – den Dienenden. Entdecken Sie ein Stück aus dem Leben der Krieger-Kaste und besichtigen Sie das Samurai-Viertel in Chiran. Ebenfalls ein Stück Kriegsgeschichte: Im Chiran Peace Museum zeugen, unter anderem, persönliche Gegenstände und bewegende Briefe von der unglaublichen Loyalität der Kamikaze-Piloten aus dem 2. Weltkrieg. Junge Männer, die bereit waren, Manöver auf die amerikanische Flotte zu fliegen, die oftmals im Selbstmord endete.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Fahrt nach Chiran, ca. 1 Stunde
• Rund 1-stündiger Spaziergang durch das Samurai-Viertel
• Besuch des Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, etwa 1,5 Stunden

Verbinden Sie Sightseeing mit einem wohltuenden Spa-Erlebnis der japanischen Art. Zunächst führt Sie ein Spaziergang in Chiran durch das Viertel der ehemaligen Samurai-Häuser. Ein ganz spezielles Erlebnis ist ein "Bad" im natürlich erhitzten Sand. Sie werden mit warmem Sand bedeckt und entspannen im Anschluss in den heißen mineralischen Quellbecken.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Ca. 1-stündiger Bustransfer
• Spaziergang durch das Samurai-Viertel, etwa 1 Stunde
• Kurzer Fotostopp am Ikeda-See
• Insgesamt gut 2 Stunden Zeit zum Mittagessen und Entspannen beim Sandbaden

Bei einer Panoramafahrt erkunden Sie Kagoshima ganz entspannt auf einfachen Wegen und mit wenig Hindernissen. Vom Shiroyama-Aussichtspunkt aus werfen Sie einen Blick auf das monumentale Wahrzeichen der Stadt, den aktiven Vulkan Sakurajima und bei einem Besuch einer Shochu-Brauerei dürfen Sie das für die Region typische Gegenstück zum klassischen Sake verkosten.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Fahrt durch Kagoshima unter anderem vorbei am Terukuni-Schrein und der überdachten Einkaufsmeile Temmonkan
• Besuch des Shiroyama-Aussichtspunkts, ca. 30 Minuten
• Etwa 30-minütiger Besuch einer Shochu-Brauerei mit Verkostung eines Shochus