Samurai Spirit Kagoshima Half-Day Walking Tour
cost
From 7,000 yen per person
Note *1: The above prices are in Japan. Please select your country and currency when applying and confirm the cost.
overview
Katsumoto starred in the 2003 Hollywood film "The Last Samurai," which portrayed Kagoshima native Saigo Takamori. Visit the historical sites where he ended his life, maintaining his samurai spirit until the very end. The route starts from a hilltop overlooking Kagoshima city and descends to the Saigo Takamori statue, arriving in the city center. Enjoy exploring with a knowledgeable local guide.
Note*1: Please select your desired tourist spots from the list in the tour information and create your own itinerary.
Note *2: To obtain the nationally certified guide-interpreter qualification issued by the Japanese government, you must have sufficient knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
What's Included
- fees and taxes
- Bottled water (bottled drinking water)
- Individual transportation
itinerary
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1
Shiroyama Observatory
This 107-meter-high observation deck is located in the center of Kagoshima City. From here, you can enjoy views of Sakurajima, an active volcano, and the city. Shiroyama is a natural treasure trove of large camphor trees, ferns, and other plants, and was also the site of a fierce battle during the Seinan War, Japan's last civil war. From here, you can walk to Saigo Takamori's cave.
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2
Thirteen Stone Buddhas
Thirteen of the 88 statues of Kobo Daishi (one of the great 8th-century monks and founder of Shingon Buddhism) were erected in 1928 to allow visitors to Kagoshima to experience part of the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku. Stone Buddhas and Jizo statues are available for viewing.
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3
Saigo Takamori Cave
This is the cave where Saigo Takamori and his comrades spent the last five days of the Civil War. Your guide will explain the thoughts of Saigo and his soldiers and reflect on the samurai spirit.
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4
Tsurumaru Castle Gate
The main gate of Kagoshima Castle, Goromon, was burned down in 1873 (Meiji 6), but was rebuilt in 2020. Here, your guide will explain the structure of the Goromon, as well as the unique local education system that nurtured Kagoshima's samurai, and the samurai society of the time.
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5
Statue of Saigo Takamori
The bronze statue of Saigo Takamori, who was the model for The Last Samurai, is here to explain how Saigo Takamori has gained the respect of many people, from his restoration of honor after the Civil War to the erection of his statue.