The few weeks between the end of Golden Week in early May and the beginning of the rainy season in June are my favorite time of the year for traveling in Japan thanks to the absence of crowds, the pleasant weather and the attractive landscape that has turned lush green. Below are some impressions from a report trip to Kagoshima and the Satsuma Peninsula:
Sakurajima is a volcano in the Bay of Kagoshima, just a few kilometers from Kagoshima's city center
Sakurajima has been constantly active for over 50 years
On this day alone Sakurajima erupted eight times
One of today's eight eruptions
Depending on wind directions, the eruptions result in ash rain over the city
Another aspect of Sakurajima's activity are these foot baths
The main attraction further south on the Satsuma Peninsula are the natural sand baths of Ibusuki
Enjoying a sand bath at Ibusuki
But the onsen highlight of the day was the open air bath at Healthy Land
A landmark near Ibusuki is the Satsuma version of Mount Fuji: Mount Kaimondake
Further down the peninsula, the coastal road gets narrow and curvy
It passes one of several filming locations of 007 You Only Live Twice around Kagoshima: the ama village
Sunset near the tip of the peninsula
Kagoshima specialties bring the day to an end: Kibinago Sashimi
And Satsuma-age
Kagoshima City has an attractive array of dining options, including this outstanding steak restaurant
Sakurajima barely visible in the night from the Shiroyama Observatory
