Relaxing Kagoshima

We had thought Japan was going to be very much on-the-go for us. Due to bad weather, we scrapped Kirishima Volcano and ended up hanging around Kagoshima which is the southern most metropolitan area on Japan's four main islands. Kagoshima also happens to be next to an active volcano, Sakurujima, which can be seen from all over the place, especially when it is sending up smokes. One day we took the short 15 minute ferry over, had a walk to the viewing platform through a dusting of volcanic ashes which brought John much thrill and concern at the same time.

We also daytrippd by train to hike the inactive volcano of Kaimondake at very south of Kyushu island. The last 200m of ascending was some scrambling over rock fields -- a good thing we had some practice in Taiwan. The view at the top was incomparable, though could be clearer if Sakurajima were not so busy sending up plumes.

Kagoshima itself is a nice enough a city. It is always interesting to us to learn how things work in Japan.

Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean as seen from the train as we head towards the dormant Kaimon-dake volcano. The thin black cloud is ash from Sakurajima volcano to the north.


Stopped at the southernmost train station in Japan. "No shooting on the tracks" ; that is, don't stand on the RR tracks to "shoot" a pic of the southernmost station or its signage.


Kaimon-dake's summit is 924 meters above sea level, over 3000 ft. Lots of wow-factor to see it rising from the black volcanic soil.


Trellises of fava beans.


The one-car local train.


After 2 kms of gentle uphill, we hit the trailhead.




The trail was mostly black and brown volcanic rock and sand.


No views to speak of until the 500 meter mark. These 2 shots are to the south




And at 800 meters looking west.


There is always a ladder. ;-)


Almost at the Summit.


924 meters above sea level. Great views north towards Kagoshima.


We had the summit to ourselves for a few minutes. Then, on a beautiful day, come others.




Summit Selfie.


And way to the north, Sakura-jima issues a puff of smoke.


We walked down faster than expected; too early for the next train, so we hitched a ride to Ibusuki, a seaside town, and caught the train from there.




The next day we took the ferry 4km across Kanko Bay (a volcanic caldera itself) over to Sakurajima to experience the active, smoking, ash-spewing volcano.


Usually one does the hot spring foot bath at the end of the hike, but....


After the foot bathing and a stop by Lawsons for a coffee and rice cakes, we started out on what turned out to be a 13-mile walk by taking a trail through lava from the 1914 eruption; the last major lava eruption. Very nice trail, with cool rock formations, views of the bay and back to Kagoshima.




View to the volcano from an observation tower along the trail.


Snack break. With a view.


Video.


Video link here.

Hey, they pay to create these rock formations in Suzhou, China; here, for free.


All around the volcano are these shelters to protect from falling rock. SL thinks it's "safety theater".


There is a tourist bus that stops at several viewpoints.


Then we take a hard left and walk from sea level up to 400 meters to the closest spot you can get to this active volcano.




Why walk towards an active volcano I ask myself as we near the No Entry Zone and start to see a layer of ash on the road.


Then SL says "Did you hear that rumble? And I look up.


Video.


Video link here.

And why do we keep walking towards the No Entry Zone?




Sun-Ling at a gate for the No Entry Zone.


A light ash is falling and our boots leave fresh tracks.


And I have to dust off my hat. Oh and it starts to sprinkle.




We reach the closest viewpoint to the volcano. Awesome views. Then walk down to the ferry and head home.




Spent our final day in Kagoshima on a self-guided walking tour. First up to the shrine and viewpoint. Is a bird, a plane?


Kaogshima cats evidently have no predators cause they sit outside all day.


Path up to the viewpoint.






There is no on-street parking in Kagoshima so the side walks are wide and often beautiful. [those cars are stopped at a light]


Over to Ishibashi Park where 3 old bridges have been relocated.








View from our hotel room hallway.


Our hotel was near the very tame Entertainment District.




The Suntory Shelf at the nearby disukaunto (discount store).