Monday, January 20, 2025 - Kagoshima, Japan

Since I wasn't feeling well today I decided to remain on the ship so Bob will be doing the write-up.  

Here's Bob to tell you about his day:

The 17th Century Iso Gardens feature beautiful flowers, rock ponds, small bridges and shrines, and offer splendid vistas of the sea, the Sakurajima Volcano and the city of Kagoshima.  The tour included an interior visit of the La Maison "GOTEN," which was once used as the major residence of the head of the Shimadzu family and as a guest house.

 

We then proceeded to the Kagoshima Ferry Port and embarked a ferry for the ride to Sakurajima for a view of Mt. Sakura, which rises over 1,000 feet above the waters of Kagoshima Bay.  The volcano has had over 30  major eruptions in recorded history and is still experiencing minor eruptions almost daily. 


 
 

Once we exited the ferry and began to explore the island we walked across the majestic and serene expanse of lava and we imagined the intensity of the eruptions that once occurred.  As we walked, our guide explained that the island's volcanic soil produces unique agricultural products.  Sakurajima is home to giant radishes, which can grow to weigh up to 45 kilograms, as well as the world's smallest orange. We had a privileged view of the iconic volcano's rim from the terrace in the Senganen Garden, which was built in 1658.  This elegant, traditional garden has belonged to the Shimadzu family for 350 years.  We wandered trough the gardens which bloom with Japan's renowned cherry tree blossoms and features delicate tiny bridges gracefully looping over ponds and rock pools.  

It was a beautiful day and we are grateful we had the opportunity to wander through these spectacular gardens.  Now, it's back to the ferry and return to the ship.

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