Head to southern Kyushu to listen to the symphony of mountains and sea

Text by Qidou Travel Network　Photos by Qidou Travel Network, Shutterstock

In the music video for Hebe Tien’s popular song “Soulmate,” the lush green mountain scenery, Japanese-style trams, buildings, and shrines are a feast for the eyes, making one wonder where this MV was filmed. It turns out these beautiful scenes are all from Kagoshima. Whether it’s the active volcano Sakurajima or Kagoshima’s glass crafts known as Satsuma kiriko, they all showcase the beauty of Kagoshima. Take a holiday trip to Kagoshima and treat yourself to a visual feast.

▲ Kagoshima Glass Crafts – Satsuma Kiriko

A Special Kagoshima Journey

Kagoshima’s Sengan-en (also known as “Ishidatami Garden”) embodies the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens. From various spots in the garden, you can gaze out at the bay, and with the surrounding landscape as a backdrop, enjoy a perfect view of the active volcano “Sakurajima.” Fans of historical dramas will surely recognize this garden scenery, as it was the filming location for the famous TV series “Atsuhime.” Visitors can purchase dazzling glass artworks “Satsuma Kiriko,” made using unique techniques, and the pottery “Satsuma-yaki,” which is recognized as a Japanese national traditional craft, as souvenirs.

Still not satisfied with just viewing the active volcano Sakurajima from Sengan-en? Then take a ferry and embark on a journey to Sakurajima itself. Sakurajima is one of the world’s most notable active volcanoes, located just 4 kilometers from Kagoshima. The Yamano Observatory on the island offers the clearest view of the crater of Sakurajima’s Minamidake volcano. On clear days with good visibility, you can even witness the volcanic eruptions in full splendor. Sakurajima also boasts two world records – the world’s largest radish weighing 20 to 30 kilograms, and the world’s smallest citrus fruit weighing less than 50 grams but incredibly sweet.

For train enthusiasts, Kagoshima also offers the easy sight of streetcars moving along the roads. Kagoshima’s streetcars have a history of over 100 years and share road space with regular vehicles, saving street space. These trams come in a variety of colorful designs, with a retro style that exudes nostalgia. To beautify the city, some tram tracks are also covered with green turf, adding more vibrancy to the urban landscape.

Kagoshima also offers a unique experience in the Ibusuki area, famous for its hot springs and a special sand bath that is said to have therapeutic effects on neuralgia. To experience the charm of the sand bath, put on a yukata, then bury your body in the sea sand kept warm by the hot springs. In just 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll feel like you’re enjoying a “natural sauna”!

Explore Miyazaki Underwater World and Take in Coastal Scenery

While in Kagoshima, why not also visit Miyazaki Prefecture in southern Kyushu? Are you curious about the underwater world? In the cold winter, hop aboard the MARINE VIEWER eagle-watching boat and explore the seabed. The MARINE VIEWER departs from Miyazaki’s Tekura Fishing Port and takes visitors on a tour of the Nichinan Kaichu Park, lasting about 45 minutes. The MARINE VIEWER has two levels: on the upper level, sheltered by a canopy, you can see brave eagles soaring in the blue sky – a great opportunity to take a powerful photo with the eagles. On the lower level, you can enjoy the coral reefs and tropical fish living underwater through a semi-submersible cabin.

Heading north along the coastline, you’ll arrive at the red Udo Shrine, seemingly embedded in a cave. It is situated next to a cape, with endless seawater pouring over the nearby cliffs, and various massive rocks piled up around the shrine, creating a spectacular sight. Inside the main hall of the shrine, you can see stalactite rocks shaped like breasts, believed to be the breasts left by Toyotama-hime, the water goddess’s daughter in mythology, to nurse her child. Outside the shrine, you can buy “Ungyoku,” and it is said that if you throw an Ungyoku onto the turtle-shaped stone outside the shrine fence and hit the small pool on top, your wish will come true and bring you good luck.

More Related Information:
▲ Five-Day Kagoshima Hot Springs Tour with Sheraton Stay
https://goo.gl/Zrjcef
Tour Features: Fly in and out with China Airlines, enjoy a premium buffet dinner at Sheraton, receive a Sheraton Matsusen gift
Miyazaki Onsen voucher, Ibusuki hot spring sand bath experience, stay in hot spring hotels throughout, no visits to duty-free shops

For details, contact: lN Jia Travel Agency　(02)2531-5334
Websitehttp://www.fctour.com.tw/