Wednesday, April 24, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Kagoshima, Japan

Where in the World Are We?

In Kagoshima, in Southeastern Japan.

KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN
AN OTHERWORLDLY BLEND OF THE TRADITIONAL AND TROPICAL

One of Japan’s most southerly significant cities, Kagoshima is dominated by the imposing Sakurajima volcano’s cone – a
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 sailed 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 loom 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.

SAKURAJIMA VOLCANIC SHORE PARK AND FOOTBATH
“Sakurajima” Yogan Nagisa Park is on the shore, an eight-minute walk from Sakurajima Port. There is a 100-m long footbath, one of the longest in Japan, fed by a natural hot spring from 1,000 m underground in the park. The terra-cotta-colored water contains iron. The perfect spot for a relaxing footbath while viewing Kinko Bay in front and the Sakurajima in the background?

SIGHTS

Sengan-en Garden
The Museum Birthplace of the Meiji Restoration
Mount Shiroyama Castle
Kagoshima City Aquarium
Yunohira Observation Deck

Today’s Excursion – Landscapes of Kagoshima

Sakurajima and Arimura Point
We went to the Kagoshima Ferry Port and rode a ferry to Sakurajima. We drove to Arimura Point and visited the Arimura Observatory for a spectacular view of Mt. Sakura, which rises over 1,000 feet above the waters of Kagoshima Bay. The volcano has had over 30 significant eruptions in recorded history and is still experiencing minor eruptions almost daily.

Iso Gardens and La Maison Goten
The 17th-century Iso Gardens, or ‘Senganen,’ has exquisite gardens. The gardens feature beautiful flowers, rock pools, small bridges, and shrines and offer splendid vistas of the sea, the Sakurajima Volcano, and the city of Kagoshima. An interior visit was also made to La Maison “GOTEN” was once used as the principal residence of the head of the Shimadzu family and as a guest house to which domestic and foreign dignitaries were invited. The beautiful decorations inside the residence, the living room where the garden is most attractive, and the audience room highlight this house.

The Shimadzu watched over the land and people of Kagoshima for over 700 years, from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) until the end of the Edo period (1603-1868). In its 32nd generation, the Shimadzu family is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous warrior clans.

We had a great send-off from a Japanese women’s drum group.

Check out their precision and in this video clip, using their CORE stomach muscles to deliver an outstanding performance.

Pre-Dinner Showtime!

Female Vocalist Christine Andreas “Paris To Broadway”
Be transported to Paris and the streets of Pigalle that gave the world Edith Piaf, then Trans-Atlantic to the glittering lights of Manhattan and on to the Broadway stages that this performer knows so well!