After 1 month+ in Japan, it's finally the day to try the Shinkansen bullet train. We bought the 5 days Kyushu Rail pass and have free access to any trains! It came at a hefty 16,000yen - S$209, however. It's fast till our ears pop when at full speed. Similar to the feeling of a plane taking off, you'll have to squeeze yr nose and pop ur ears. Very smooth ride and we were happily rested by the time we got to Kagoshima at the southern end of Japan, 2hr 40min away.
The main highlight at Kagoshima was its still active volcano on Sakurajima island. But it was rainy and clouds hid the volcano's bellowing smoke from us. Kagoshima is a small town that has a cool summer like feel to it, especially nearer the coast, Dolphin Port. Although not a big city, it doesn't look dull and colourless like Hiroshima.
A real pity we couldn't see the volcano and we ended up splurging alittle on fantastic sushi to lift our moods! I normally don't take eel but at this place, it was done so sweetly, i couldn't resist finishing it after takin' a small bite. After that, it was off to Ibusuki, the hot sand bath beach further south of Kagoshima..
Sushi place at Dolphin Port. Die die must try! Triple sushi: Tuna, Salmon and Prawn flamed and topped with mayo. It melts in ur mouth. Super.
The sushis made are classified into it's origins in Japan.. Different prefectures have their specialty fish and seafood.
We came upon a TV crew from Shanghai filming one of their female stars. We aren't sure who.
The dark grey and very fine sand was cool on the surface. Dig slightly lower and it will be hot, around 42 degrees. We were probed by the some members of the TV crew to try it. Recommended time is 10 minutes. Ben wasn't keen on it and we moved on. Costs 1000 yen including usage of an onsen after that.
The water along the coast, dammed by some man-placed rocks, was scalding hot! According to the locals, you can boil eggs in them. Sometimes going up to 90 degrees celsius. It wasn't that hot today but probably still around 60 degrees. Ibusuki's good for probably a 2D 1N stay over. Like a relaxing, no shopping and heavy walking kind of holiday.
Stuart - happy with the day out to the volcano, Mt Aso.
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