一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 8/12

Cape Nagasakibana is a beautiful cape in Kagoshima, with a white lighthouse and a spectacular view of Mount Kaimon, known as “Satsuma Fuji.” The seaside Ryugu Shrine has a mythical atmosphere, with its vermilion torii gate beautifully set against the blue sea and sky.

Since buses run very infrequently, travelers without a car should make sure to pick up a timetable at the tourist information center at Ibusuki Station and plan carefully so they don't miss the bus. Fortunately, buses in Japan are very punctual. On this trip, I happened to meet a backpacker who also preferred quiet, secluded places, and we chatted all the way in the sea breeze. The warmth of this once-in-a-lifetime encounter felt especially precious. Highly recommended for travelers who love avoiding crowds and enjoying peace and quiet at a deeper level.

As a fan of Kyushu's specialty trains, of course I couldn't miss this one. Boarding the black-and-white Ibusuki no Tamatebako sightseeing train felt like instantly stepping into the legend of Urashima Taro.

Clouds of white mist spray out when the doors open, perfectly recreating the classic moment when the treasure box from the Dragon Palace is opened. The interior is made with warm southern Kyushu cedar and is full of details: swivel sofas facing the sea, charming bookshelves, and illustrations of schools of fish and the underwater world. Everywhere, there are clever touches inspired by the Dragon Palace legend we heard as children. Although the cars show some signs of age, that only adds a calm, nostalgic warmth.

Even on a rainy day, the scenery along the route looked like a painting from the window. During the ride, don't forget to ask for the postcard exclusive to each train and stamp it yourself with each train's limited-edition stamp, preserving forever the wonderful memory of this journey through legends, mountains, and sea.

Before visiting Sakurajima, I had no idea transportation was so convenient. There are frequent ferries running 24 hours a day between downtown Kagoshima and Sakurajima. The trip takes only about 15 minutes, and the special udon served onboard is not to be missed. Order a piping-hot bowl of udon with rich bonito broth and watch Sakurajima volcano gradually grow larger from the ferry. Before you know it, you've arrived on this magnificent active volcanic island—what an experience!

You can take a ferry from Kagoshima to Sakurajima. During the short trip, with the sea breeze blowing, the majestic active volcano occasionally releasing white smoke forms a striking contrast with the calm waters of Kinko Bay, creating an unforgettable view.

After arriving at the port, you'll find the small and charming Tsukiyomi Shrine tucked away beside the ferry terminal, a hidden spot worth visiting. Climb the stone steps for a distant view of the volcano from a peaceful vantage point, and you can also pray for good luck with an adorable limited-edition dove fortune. If you're not driving, you can walk to the nearby foot bath at Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park. It's a free hidden spot known mostly to locals: the water is clean and warm, and taking off your shoes and socks to soak your feet in the hot water amid the cold December wind instantly soothes both body and mind. Sitting beside the long foot bath, with unobstructed 360-degree views, you can quietly gaze at the smoking volcano while watching the sun slowly sink below the horizon and turn the sky golden. It's the purest and most luxurious slow-living moment of a trip to Sakurajima.

Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park is a little-known seaside treasure. There are few visitors, the atmosphere is peaceful, and almost only locals go there.

It's within walking distance of the ferry terminal and has a natural hot spring foot bath with clean, warm water that is completely free to use. In the evening, take off your shoes and socks and soak your feet in the hot water while watching the orange-red sun slowly set before you. Turn your head, and you can quietly gaze at the Sakurajima volcano as it occasionally releases white smoke. Enjoying the warmth amid the cool December sea breeze is the purest and most luxurious slow-paced experience in Sakurajima. I recommend it to travelers.

Getting to Kirishima Jingu Shrine from Miyazaki by train and then transferring to a very infrequent bus is truly a challenge for travelers without a car. However, after the long, bumpy journey, the moment I stepped off the bus and saw the enormous torii gate standing at the entrance to the mountain forest, all the travel fatigue instantly faded away.

Walking along the approach surrounded by lush greenery and red maple leaves, Kirishima Jingu Shrine suddenly came into view, tucked away in the mountains. Its solemn, sacred atmosphere inspired a deep sense of reverence. Under the clear blue sky, the National Treasure main hall looked especially striking. From the observation deck in front, you can even admire the magnificent mountain scenery of Kagoshima in the distance.

If you have the chance to visit, don’t miss the hidden highlight beside the main hall: a towering sacred tree that has stood for nearly 1,000 years. Look carefully toward the top of the tree, and you’ll find a shape resembling a figure dressed in traditional Shinto priest attire, hands pressed together in prayer. This remarkable coincidence created by nature is worth stopping to observe quietly and closely.

Miyazaki City Phoenix Zoo is a small attraction beloved by locals and a great place to visit on the afternoon of your first day in Japan. The park has a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere with few visitors and none of the hustle and bustle of a big city. You can take a direct bus from Miyazaki Station.

The biggest draw here is the adorable red pandas. If you time your visit right, you can watch the keepers feed them up close. There's even a nostalgic carousel, making it a great place to slow down and take a leisurely stroll.

While waiting for the bus back at the stop next to the zoo, you can also visit a quiet little shrine tucked away nearby and pray for good fortune. If you visit in December, you may still see a few autumn maple leaves swaying in the wind, adding a touch of unexpected poetry to this soothing trip while you wait for the bus.

Located in the city, Miyazaki Jingu Shrine feels like a special place within a forest and is an irreplaceable center of faith for the people of Miyazaki. Towering old trees line both sides of the approach, creating a calm and solemn atmosphere. Walking through it feels spiritually cleansing. When visiting, be sure to stay quiet and take in its solemnity. Most distinctive is the special “Hikari-mamori” amulet, said to bring a cheerful spirit and bright fortune, allowing you to take peace and safety home with you.

On the day of my visit, I stepped out of the tranquil shrine and happened upon a marathon taking place over the weekend. Nearly the entire city came out onto the streets to cheer enthusiastically, creating a striking contrast with the shrine’s earlier stillness. Several maple trees along the road, their leaves still holding their color, swayed in the breeze. Amid the lively cheers and clear autumn sunshine, they revealed another side of Miyazaki, full of energy and warmth.

If you're like me and enjoy discovering less crowded small towns, Obi is definitely not to be missed. It's a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle, filled with historic charm. I highly recommend taking the distinctive Umisachi Yamasachi sightseeing train, which is made with Obi cedar. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the tropical scenery along the Nichinan Coast.

Strolling through the castle town, you'll see low stone walls from the Edo period and clear waterways, with carp swimming freely in the water. As you walk, towering century-old Obi cedar trees rise all around, creating a tranquil, elegant atmosphere that makes you want to breathe in all the fresh forest air.

When you get tired from walking, don't miss Nedoko Coffee, tucked away in an alley. Order a cup of pour-over coffee, carefully ground and brewed fresh by the owner. Its smooth, rich aroma fills the rustic, elegant wooden space. The pure flavor, the warm hospitality, and the time spent chatting with the owner have stayed with me ever since.

Sun Messe Nichinan, located on the Nichinan Coast, can be visited together with Aoshima Shrine and Udo Shrine.

On a clear day, the deep blue sky meets the endless Pacific Ocean, while seven Moai statues stand in a row against the magnificent ocean backdrop. The sight is stunning and full of exotic charm. Each Moai statue has its own role, symbolizing career, health, love, world peace, marriage, financial fortune, and academic success from left to right. This is a great place to find a grassy spot facing the ocean, sit down, feel the sea breeze, and quietly gaze at the seamless blend of sea and sky and the giant stone statues while enjoying a relaxing and soothing time away from the hustle and bustle.