🌍 What to do in South Kyushu?
Top on the list is definitely 〖Kagoshima〗, but I stayed there for too long—Kagoshima can be covered in just a day or two. 🚞 Taking the JR to Kagoshima is very convenient, but once you're in the south, the convenience level drops sharply. Local buses in Kagoshima don't accept Suica cards, and most ATMs don't support UnionPay, so be mindful of your cash situation and withdraw money in advance. ⭐ Here are some places worth visiting in Kagoshima: 1️⃣ Sengan-en 2️⃣ Jozan Hill Observatory 3️⃣ Kagoshima City Museum of Art 1️⃣ Sengan-en Sengan-en was the residence of the Satsuma clan lords. This Japanese garden is characterized by its seaside, volcano views, and its small yet exquisite layout. Lady Atsuhime, the wife of the 13th shogun of the Edo period, Tokugawa Ienari, got married from Sengan-en. There's a historical drama called "Atsuhime" that tells her story. I was mainly curious about how the Meiji Restoration began, and it's quite interesting, with the shogun played by the actor Masahiro Mukai. You must visit the restaurant inside Sengan-en, Sakura-katei, for its stunning window views. Enjoy a small hot pot with a drink, air-conditioned comfort, with a view of the garden, sea, and volcano—it's incredibly refreshing. Watching "Atsuhime" makes it even more blissful. 2️⃣ Jozan Hill Observatory The best spot to overlook Sakurajima Volcano. Remember to check the sunset times for the day and go a bit early. It's better to take photos while it's still light out to capture the entire cityscape of Kagoshima. I recommend having cash ready and taking a taxi up and down the mountain. I walked from the nearby museum, and it took about 20 minutes to hike up, ending up with quite a few mosquito bites. 3️⃣ Kagoshima City Museum of Art The museum is located right next to Jozan Hill Observatory. You can start by viewing the exhibitions and then head to the observatory to watch the sunset. The museum has permanent and special exhibitions. The permanent collection features works by Monet and Pissarro (just a couple of pieces), as well as works by other Japanese painters, some of which depict the eruption of Sakurajima Volcano and are quite interesting. If you're lucky, you might catch a special exhibition like the one featuring Kiyoshi Kuroda, which is quite extensive and runs until September 1st. #JapanTravelGuide #Kyushu #Kagoshima #HistoricalDrama #RestaurantRecommendations #Food #Cuisine #Sunset #WorthwhileExhibitions
