This popular seaside city on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu is especially known for the highly active Sakurajima volcano. We took a ferry ride over to what was once the volcano’s own island. A 1914 eruption created a lava connection to the mainland, but it’s still thought of as an island. About 3,000 people live on the volcano’s “island,” although they are constantly affected by volcanic ash. School children are required to wear helmets all the time when they’re outside.
We’re on the ferry on the way to see Sakurajima. You can see it shrouded in clouds behind us.On the ride back we could see the beautiful mountain clearly.We walked up the Nagisa Lava Trail, winding through huge boulders of lava rocks.This monument at the observation area for the volcano tells you we were there, our guide says. The inscription is a haiku poem by the famous Japanese poet, Takano Soju. Google translates the poem as, ” First butterfly, hitting the rock, I hit it!” I don’t think Google translate really understands poetry.People leave coins for good luck on the lava rocks near the monument. What’s amazing is that the coins just sit there and no one takes them.This is a city view of Kagoshima from the ferry. On the right you can see the city’s popular large Ferris wheel. We didn’t get a chance to ride on it.
We explored the World Heritage site of Sengan-en, including the traditional gardens and the house of the lords of the Shimadzu clan. This huge complex was first built in 1658.
This is the original man gate to the gardens and features a roof made of Kagoshima tin. Only the Lord of the house and his first son were allowed to use this gate.The Oniwa shrine is considered the luckiest in this garden. The 13 different gods enshrined here will answer prayers for marital bliss, school success, safety in travel and more.The tall bamboos growing along this embankment gracefully bend over the creek.
J and J Travel 