Japan 2023 Day 10: Kagoshima and Sakurajima

After recovering from Takachiho, it was time to go to Kagoshima at the southern part of Kyushu.

This was my second time in Kagoshima.

The first time was for kurobuta or black pig. This time it is for the volcanic island Sakurajima.

Bought this all day pass and took bus to ferry only the find out that the bus I took was not covered by the pass because it was not a Kagoshima City bus. WTF.

Setting off on ferry. A lot of people travelling by bus and motorbikes.

You can see ash coming up from Sakurajima.

Kagoshima Rebnise basketball B-league team goods at the ferry stop.

I get of the ferry no idea where to go. Half the people are on cars and bikes and I see a sign for a shrine in front.

Ok what else is nearby? I look at the map and there is Sakurajima Dinosaur Park!

On the half hour long walk up windy roads, something was wrong. I did not run into anyone. The roads were bad and no one was around. Something tells me I should not be going to the Dinosaur Park.

And I was right because this Dinosaur Park is completely crap.

WTF is there a tiger and a panda in a Dinosaur Park. I can't believe I wasted 30 minutes getting here and will take 30 minutes going back. That's what I get for not doing any research before going.

Decided to head back and go to the Sakurajima Visitor Centre which I should have done in the first place.

Volcanic rocks at the visitor centre.

Kids in Sakurajima have to wear a hard hat.

Took a short break in the hot foot bath while looking at the sea.

I decided to set on the Yogan Nagisa trail which according to my map is 3km. You can see that blue line in the sky. Probably Ultraman falling back to earth.

Along the trail I came across this dude feeding 3 cats which made me wonder if there are plenty of wild cats in Sakurajima and WTF did I not bring cat food!!!

Cat tree on a hiking trail on volcanic island.

I reach the end of the 3km trail and there is a Karasujima observatory at the end. I go up and see this fella lying down.

So far all cats have run away from me this trip.

Not this fella who comes charging and standing on my lap thinking I have food. Imagine if I had brought churu to Sakurajima.

Unfortunately I had to go down or I would miss the bus.

Cat decides to climb down and come to me.

Sorry fella, I really don't have any food.

Sorry fella have to get on the bus.

Loop bus went to Yunohira observatory. My noise itched like crazy after Sakurajima and it would randomly get itchy the week after. Should have worn an N95 mask.

On ferry back to Kagoshima. Sakurajima is huge. I think it is best experienced when staying in Kagoshima or even Sakurajima. Make sure to bring cat food if you go.

Was looking for Kagoshima ramen but this one was closed.

Came across this cat but it ran away.

Decided to try this Kagoshima ramen Garufu.

It was meh. I sort of remember where the the Kagoshima ramen place I ate at long time ago was but it was too far away and I was too hungry.

Statues on the street. Human beings back in the day were a lot smaller. Japanese are getting bigger because when I see high school kids, there are a lot of 6 footers.

Went to retrogame shop Book Box.

Statue of Snake but pictures not allowed in the shop. Did not find anything I wanted and some items did not have prices on them. I think I was supposed to check the online shop for the prices.

Went to Junkudo and they already have a book on ChatGPT? I think I found a Sekiro guide here did not buy it because I have finished the game 3 times already. Still I should have bought it because its one of the greatest games ever. Not something I needed but because it is not so easily found I feel like I want it.

I remember the 12 Kingdoms anime as pretty good. Remember the time when isekai anime actually had good stories and weren't just wish fulfilment crap?

Zelda ToTK mechanical heart. I avoided the FOMO and did not buy the game.

I think I caught 2 episodes of this on late night tv. Did not know it was based on a manga. 

Did not know this was a manga as well.

Random arts and crafts market.

On the way back to Kagoshima chuo station.

What I need is kurobuta tonkatsu at tonkatsu Oyama.

I should have ordered the double meat option. Soft and juicy black pork. Yum.

Taking train from Hakata station to Tenjin. I should have stayed next to Hakata station because the train to Tenjin is not JR so it is not covered by the JR pass.

Guess who is on tv?

Doing laundry at hotel. You write your room number on the machine. Most of the time salarymen are very punctual with their laundry.

Famikara from Famima. Needed a break from Famichiki. 

Affair jdorama on tv. Wish I could go to a Famima right now for some hot food. People living in Japan have no idea how good they have it with their conbinis.