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!
Sakurajima Ferry | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
Other Reviews by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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Ibusuki Onsen
The city of Ibusuki, settled at its perch on the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture, is a destination brimming with hot springs and over 1,000 unique spring sources across the city. This unique geothermal area was once shaped by volcanic activity, remaining today as a hub for traditional hot spring baths and the globally rare "sand bath" found only in Ibusuki.
Plans never keep up with changes. I had planned to visit Saraku Sand Bath Hall, but it was unexpectedly closed. Fortunately, a fellow traveler I met on the bus recommended Yamagawa Sunamushi Onsen Sayuri (Fushime Onsen), and we decided to go together. This unexpected detour became my most unforgettable memory of Ibusuki. Since I'd come all this way, I couldn't miss this natural steam sand bath, a rarity found in only a few places worldwide.
After getting off the bus, we had to walk a long stretch of rolling hills. The slight soreness in my legs made the warmth enveloping my entire body when I later lay in the black sand heated by geothermal steam feel even more soothing.
Supplies and yukata can be rented on-site, which is very convenient. After sweating and fully unwinding to the sound of the waves, I bought a bottle of cold, rich coffee milk in the lounge and drank it down. I felt refreshed from head to toe, bringing this serendipitous hot spring experience to a perfect close.
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Kaimondake
Kaimondake, located at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, is a 924-meter active volcano ranked among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. The peak towers with a perfectly symmetrical cone shape that’s visible from much of southern Satsuma, earning it the nickname "Satsuma Fuji," as a cherished as a symbol of Ibusuki.
Located at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, Kaimondake is known as “Satsuma Fuji” for its nearly perfect conical shape and is also one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.
This time, we traveled all the way from Ibusuki Station by bus to Cape Nagasakibana. After visiting the legendary Ryugu Shrine, the best part of the trip was finding a bench facing the sea and quietly sitting down. Gazing at the beautiful mountain rising from the sea, accompanied by the waves—even though the sky was overcast, the gentle breeze on my face was an irreplaceable pleasure for the soul during the journey. At one point, the sun came out, and Satsuma Fuji’s reflection seemed to take on the captivating appearance of an upside-down Fuji.
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Cape Nagasakibana (Ibusuki City, Kagoshima)
Jutting out from the southernmost tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, Cape Nagasakibana is steeped in legend as the place where Urashima Taro is said to have set off for the Dragon Palace, earning it the nickname "Ryugu-bana." In summer, it becomes a nesting site for sea turtles, and nearby you’ll find Ryugu Shrine, dedicated to Princess Otohime.
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.
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