Monday, Janaury 20, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Kagoshima, Japan

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Kagoshima, Japan.

KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN
Dominated by the imposing Sakurajima volcano’s cone
One of Japan’s most southerly significant cities, Kagoshima is dominated by the imposing Sakurajima volcano’s cone – a legendary active volcano that broods, churns, and puffs out ash nearby. A pretty old-time ferry chugs across the still waters to the gently sloping foothills of the volcano’s cone, and it’s easy to imagine where the comparisons with its sister city Naples materialized, as you sail the glorious sweeping Kinko Bay, below beaming sunshine, towards the immense volcanic spectacle. This is undoubtedly no historical relic, and the volcano remains revered and feared, with the most dramatic recent eruption in 1914 spewing out a new bridge of land into the sea.

Make the most of the geothermal activity in the area by indulging in a stress-simmering black sand bath. Incredibly relaxing, you’ll be submerged in the warm sand as you feel your muscles relaxing in the heat and rejuvenating blood pumping around your body. Enjoy a privileged view of the iconic volcano’s rim from the terraced garden of Senganen Garden. Built in 1658, this elegant, traditional garden has belonged to the Shimadzu family for 350 years. Wander the gardens – which bloom with Japan’s renowned cherry tree blossoms and feature tiny bridges looping over ponds and rock pools – before sitting back and sipping a wholesome green matcha latte.

Elsewhere, museums offer Feudal Era and Satsuma Province history and insights into the Kamikaze squadrons of World War II. Lake Ikeda is also nearby, so watch for the legendary Issie monster.

SIGHTS
• Sakurajima
• Senganen Garden
• Kagoshima Aquarium
• Shiroyama Park
• Reimeikan Museum

KAGOSHIMA FOOD GUIDE
Kagoshima’s cuisine is also known as Satsuma Cuisine (薩摩料理, Satsuma Ryōri) after the old name of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is one of the most distinct local cuisines because of Kagoshima’s isolated location at the southern end of Kyushu. Travelers may notice some influences of Okinawa cuisine, as Satsuma controlled Okinawa for a few hundred years. A wide variety of restaurants can be found in downtown Kagoshima, for example, along Gourmet-dori (“Gourmet Street”).

Today’s Excursion – Views of Kagoshima
We embraced Kagoshima’s scenic beauty and flavors in this historic city.

Amaminosato, Shiroyama Scenic Overlook & Last Samurai Statue
We drove by the bronze statue of Saigo Takamori, known as the ‘Last Samurai.’
Next, our tour continued to AmaminoSato. We strolled through a unique Kagoshima garden
with Japanese gardens and tropical plants. We also visited a workshop and gallery of Oshima silk, a traditional craft.

Dinner was in Kaiseki Japanese Restaurant

Check out today’s Chronicle.