Sakurajima
Sakurajima is an active composite volcano located in Kagoshima Bay. It is a symbol of Kagoshima, and part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park. The volcano began to form around 26,000 years ago, and it has had 17 major eruptions.
People here literally live their everyday lives watching a volcano. The mental toughness of folks in Kagoshima is really something.
The moment Sakurajima starts smoking, the whole city’s vibe turns into this mix of “tense, but somehow totally routine.”
Niizaki Shrine
Niizaki Shrine is dedicated to Xu Fu, the Chinese emissary who, according to legend, crossed the sea by order of Qin Shi Huang to seek the elixir of immortality. It is said that Xu Fu arrived in this area of Ine Bay, settled in Niizaki, and shared his knowledge of medicine, astronomy, fortune-telling, fishing, and agriculture with the local villagers. After his death, the villagers enshrined him at Niizaki Shrine as their guardian deity, and he has since been worshipped as a protector of maritime safety and fishing.
Niizaki Shrine faces the ocean, and the scenery here is absolutely stunning and peaceful. It's a sacred place where locals pray for safety. The torii gate with the sea in the background makes for some amazing photos. Walking around here is super relaxing.
MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU
This resort-style outlet mall ranks among the largest in Japan, complete with all the perks of a naturally rich area and convenient access via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. Over 330 stores await, included coveted domestic and international brands, select shops, and high-end fashion names for a purely unpparalleled shopping experience.
There are tons of brands here—GUCCI, COACH, NIKE, BEAMS, you name it. I shopped till I dropped!
Kusaba
This is a restaurant that serves South Korean home cooking. The inside is a simple space with a basic tone of beige, and there are many female guests.
The tofu stew and Korean pancakes were delicious and super authentic!
Salon de le François
Opened in September 1934, Salon de le François is a classic music café with an impressive Italian Baroque décor reminiscent of the halls of a luxury cruise ship with beautiful stained-glass windows.
The interior has a unique early Western vibe, and even the staff uniforms are super retro. It's one of Kyoto's most famous cafés.
MOKUOLA Dexee Diner Lumine Ikebukuro Branch
A restaurant that was created with the soothing island of Hawaii, “Mokuola,” as its concept and serves Hawaiian local food. Their signature dish is the traditional Hawaiian pancakes.
There are now three branches in Taiwan too.
Yakushima
Located about 60km south-southwest of Cape Sata in Kagoshima Prefecture, Yakushima was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 1993. The island, with a circumference of 132km and an area of 505 square kilometers, is full of mountains over 1,000m high, including the highest peak in Kyushu, Miyanoura-dake, which is 1,936m high. 90% of the island is covered with forests, earning it the nickname "Alps on the Sea".
The natural scenery on the island is stunning. You can see the ancient Yakusugi cedar forests over 1,000 meters above sea level. There's also a unique mixed-gender hot spring in the sea at Hirauchi, but I was too shy to try it.
Mt. Fuji
At a staggering 3,776 meters tall, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and the pride of its two homes, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures. This famous peak is an iconic symbol of Japan.
We drove up to the 5th station parking lot and started climbing. The trail is well maintained and easy to walk. We stayed overnight at a mountain hut on the 8th station, then woke up early to reach the 3,776-meter summit for sunrise. It was a wonderful and rare experience.