Japanese mainland. Saw palm trees and colorful flowers from the ship upon
arrival, always a good indication of warmer weather.
Was picked up by our guide and driver and we headed to the ferry to go
across Kinko Bay to Sakurajima, an active volcanic island. The ferry
company's logo has a princess holding one of the native, and world's largest
radishes native to this area.
Stopped for a short film at the visitor's center on our way up to the
observatory. It was quite hazy and not great for scenery and photos, but
interesting just the same. (I grew up with tornedo shelters and drills; here
they have concrete enclosures to protect them from burning rock and lava
being spit out, and the children all wear hard-hats to school.) Before
heading back to the ferry made a quick stop at a pottery shop that makes
some beautiful items made from the lava found here.
Returned to the mainland and headed to Tsurugane Shrine, built to honor
Shimadzu and their families who ruled Kyushu for 700 years from the end of
the twelfth century. In 1658, descendants of this family also built the
beautiful Sengan-en Gardens The grounds were quite lovely with views of
Kinko Bay and Sakurajima in the background.
As the day wore on and the air cleared we were treated to some stunning
views of Kagoshima and Sakurajima from Shiroyama Observatory high above the
city. Great way to end the day before heading back to the ship and saying
goodbye to our wonderful guide and driver from Voyagin Japan.
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