We left Miyazaki for Kagoshima prefecture, and stopped at Sakurajima, another active volcano. Sakurajima used to be an island. But the 1914 eruption during the Taisho area was so intense and massive that the volume of lava connected the island to Kyushu. Since then, there are daily micro eruptions, with heavy smoke getting out of the crater. You can’t go near obviously, but the various observatories around the island allows you to enjoy the beauty and the strength of the place from all angles. The crater can be seen very clearly even from a distance, which is apparently very rare.

We spent an entire day and a half there, with a night in a hotel, where we socialized with an Australian travelling solo in the region. He seemed to be relieved to find someone with broken Japanese to help him, as English is not very commonly spoken in those remote areas.

We took a ferry to Kagoshima the following day. New transportation! Only a 20mn cruise but it was quite enjoyable.

Tips: know how to read the mood of Sakurajima. White smoke is steam, grey is ashes, and nothing means that the volcano is stocking up gas for its next eruption. Better have the smoke…

We headed straight to Sengan-en, a beautiful house and garden, birthplace of the Japanese industrial revolution. The house is beautiful and the most interesting we’ve visited so far. Furniture have been kept in display, showcasing the lifestyle of the most famous owner, and everything is translated in English. Eff was impressed by the corner room used as an office, with amazing views on the garden and Sakurajima in the background. He wants the same now… Won’t be easy…
We met up with Alexandre, Helene and Nicolas, our friends from Hong Kong, with whom we will spend the following 3 days. So exciting to get to discover new places with friends! But time to go to the ferry. Night trip for us on a cargo ship.

Bye bye friends! See you in Yakushima!

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