The Best of Kagoshima
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Port
Kagoshima, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$179.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
From Kagoshima port, you will drive to the Satsuma Peninsula.
Here, you will view the outside of a historical Samurai house at Chiran. The Samurai residences in Chiran were constructed during the Edo Period when the Tokugawa Shogunate governed Japan. Several samurai residences with beautifully harmonized gardens are laid out along the street. These are designated National Cultural Properties.
Tour the Chiran Peace Museum, which explores the background of Japan's kamikaze pilots. They trained nearby before embarking on suicide missions against Allied sea vessels. The museum includes photos and final letters of the young pilots, many of whom were teenagers, and it makes a plea for World Peace.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the Sengan-en Garden, or the Iso Garden, constructed by Shimazu Mitsuhisa. Weather permitting, take in the distant view of Sakurajima Island beyond Kagoshima Bay.
Return to the pier and your ship.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. The museum presents information about kamikaze missions from a Japanese perspective. It is important to note that kamikaze pilots were (and perhaps still are) considered heroes in Japanese culture. While the portrayal of their story may be at odds with American sentiment, it is nonetheless an interesting visit. In the end, hope for enduring peace is the overriding message. Lunch will be on the 2nd floor of the venue, and you will be required to walk approximately 30 steps to the restaurant. Tour order may vary.