It’s only 30 minutes, but you can take in Takachiho’s most beautiful valley scenery. It’s one of the most worthwhile experiences when visiting Takachiho.
Along the way, you’ll also pass through a tunnel where the staff turn on colorful lights. Together with the lighthearted commentary and interaction, it makes the whole trip much more fun instead of just looking at the scenery.
Nagaoka Kyo Ogura Sanso “Karuta Hyakunin Isshu”
Based in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, Ogura Sanso is a long-established confectionery shop specializing in rice crackers. The brand is known for creating products that reflect the elegance of Heian-period culture and the world of classical Japanese poetry, particularly the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu anthology.
These Ogura Sanso rice crackers are seriously delicious. They have just the right amount of crunch without being too hard, and the rice flavor is very rich. There’s a great variety of flavors. Both the sweet and savory soy sauce flavor and the savory seaweed flavor are excellent. The seasoning is just right overall and not overly salty at all. When I keep them for myself to snack on while watching a show, I can’t help eating one after another.
Tenmonkan area, Kagoshima
Tenmonkan is Kagoshima's largest downtown area and stretches around the arcade street of Temmonkan Hondori. Even on rainy days or when there is ash fall from Sakurajima volcano, the arcade protects the area, making it a pleasant place to shop and stroll.
The Tenmonkan shopping arcade is great for browsing, and the entire street is covered. It's packed with restaurants and drugstores. When you're here, you definitely have to try the famous black pork tonkatsu—the meat is tender, juicy, and so satisfying. After your meal, don't forget to try the traditional Shirokuma shaved ice. The fluffy shaved ice topped with plenty of fruit and condensed milk is pure bliss.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine
Kirishima-Jingu is a shrine that represents southern Kyushu. Founded in the 6th century, it boasts a deep and ancient history. Kirishima-Jingu was transferred to its present location over 500 years ago, after repeatedly burning down and being rebuilt due to Mt. Kirishima’s eruptions. This shrine worships Ninigi-no-Mikoto of Japan’s founding myth.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine is an absolute must when visiting Kagoshima. After passing through the giant torii gate, walking along the forest path with its incredibly fresh air is instantly soothing. The bright red main shrine is tucked away in nature, looking both majestic and beautiful. Come here to worship, take a walk, and soak up the negative ions.
