Japan Self Drive in Kyushu 5 : Kagoshima Prefecture, Kagoshima City & Sakurajima

Kirishima to Kagoshima City – How far?

Kirishima to Kagoshima city took us about 1 hour drive, about 40km.  Both places are located in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Kagoshima/鹿児島 highlight

Sand bath at Ibusuki

When we talk about Kagoshima, people often relate to their warm beaches and sand bath.  Too bad it was winter when I was there, and to think off taking off layers of clothes and soaked in the open air sand bath in the chilling winter made me think twice.  If you are here in summer or warmer season, it is definitely a great idea to try it out.

Beside the famous sand bath, Kagoshima is the southern city in the shadow of the active Sakurajima volcano and many mores but Sakurajima is one of the highlight.

Student Lunch in Kagoshima City

The standard set lunch normally come with white rice, miso soup fishes and some ‘nimono’/simmered food/fishcake and pickles and salad.  The target customers in this restaurants are usually students.  We were lost so we stopped to navigate and had an early lunch.

Ramen noodles in Kagoshima

I prefer something soupy and kept me warm so I ordered ramen.

Sengan-en Garden/仙巌園

This is a beautiful Japanese style garden facing stunning view of Sakurajima Valcono and Kagoshima Bay.  I would say the view here in Sengan-en Garden is the highlight.

Bamboo Forest in Sengan-en Garden

The garden is very big and there is a bamboo forest which is very serene when you stroll around and also very picturesque.

Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Iso Residence in Sengan-en Garden

Looking out from the Iso Residence, is calm pond and well trimmed vegetation and trees with zen ambiance.  The Iso residence was originally built in 16 century and became the main residence of Shimazu family/a proud clan.  We got to see the rooms inside with a guided tour which also included tea ceremony and Japanese snacks at the end.

A huge tree seems like going to fall down but it was supported by few sticks at the bottom.  I hope it remain healthy and grow stronger.

The breathtaking sea and mountain view – the Sakurajiama Volcano from afar.

Ferris Wheel Amuran in Kagoshima City

The wheel sits on top of Amu Plaza Kagoshima adjoining Kagoshima-Chūō Station.  I went to do some shopping in Amu Shopping Plaza as I wanted to make some glasses with Zoff Glasses outlet.  Didn’t get up the Ferris Wheel but the night view was quite beautiful.

Ferry to Sakurajima 

From Kagoshima Port, we took a ferry together with our rental car to go to Sakurajima Volcano.  Once we parked our car inside the ferry, we are allowed to walk around and check out the view.

Ferry cost Kagoshima –  Sakurajima

The traveling time is pretty short, about 15 mins.  There are charges for adults and children plus vehicle.

Adult cost 160 yen  (USD $ 1.40)
Children cost 80 yen (USD $0.70)
Vehicle Fare one way – 1600yen (USD $14)

Sakurajima Valcano/桜島

This is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes and the highlight of Kagoshima. There are 3 main peaks : North peak 1117 m, middle peak 1060 m and Southern peak 1040 m.  We stopped at one of the peak with observation point.

 

Free & Natural Volcano Facial Mask 

When we opened our car and stroll around in the observation point, we were shocked of the heavy and dusty smoke in the air.  The ground was covered with dark grey volcano ashes.  I was actually quite worried if the volcano will erupt anytime but luckily it didn’t.  My face was covered with grey aches and I got to learn that when I removed my make up back at the hotel.  I found the cotton I used to clean my face was grey in color. Oh well, I just had a free volcano mask facial.  Not bad! 🙂

Japan Self Drive in Kyushu 5 : Kagoshima Prefecture, Kagoshima City & Sakurajima

• Kirishima to Kagoshima City – How far?
• Kagoshima/鹿児島 highlight
• Sand bath at Ibusuki
• Student Lunch in Kagoshima City
• Kagoshima Ramen noodles 
• Sengan-en Garden/仙巌園
• Bamboo Forest in Sengan-en Garden
• Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Iso Residence in Sengan-en Garden
• Ferris Wheel Amuran in Kagoshima City
• Ferry to Sakurajima 
• Ferry cost Kagoshima –  Sakurajima
• Sakurajima Valcano/桜島
• Free & Natural Volcano Facial Mask in Sakurajima
• Best Western Rembrandt Hotel Kagoshima – Resort

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• Top 5 Reasons why you should self drive in Kyushu – 8 days – Itinerary Summary
• Self Drive in Central Region Japan (Gifu, Takayama, Shirakawa-go,Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Matsumoto, Mt Fuji, Nagoya)