Before visiting Sakurajima, I had no idea transportation was so convenient. There are frequent ferries running 24 hours a day between downtown Kagoshima and Sakurajima. The trip takes only about 15 minutes, and the special udon served onboard is not to be missed. Order a piping-hot bowl of udon with rich bonito broth and watch Sakurajima volcano gradually grow larger from the ferry. Before you know it, you've arrived on this magnificent active volcanic island—what an experience!
Sakurajima Ferry | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
Other Reviews by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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Sunroad Shinshigai
Established in 1903, this 235 m-long covered shopping arcade is located just south of Shimotori Shopping Street, and its Approx. 18 m-wide walkway is the widest in western Japan.
After walking through Kamitori and Shimotori, you can continue along the street to the Shinshigai shopping arcade, which is also covered. There are all kinds of drugstores along the way, as well as a huge BEST Denki, making it very convenient for shopping. The reason I made a special trip here was to revisit the Katsuretsutei Shinshigai main restaurant, which I had been thinking about. I loved it when I ate there on the first day of my trip, so I absolutely had to return before leaving. This time, I got off at Sakuramachi and entered from the other end. After devouring the delicious fried shrimp and pork cutlet, I happily browsed the drugstore next door, got a capsule toy along the way, and finally stopped by LAWSON, a must-visit in Japan, to buy a late-night snack before taking a leisurely walk back to my hotel near Kumamoto Castle. Kumamoto's shopping streets are all covered, so they're pleasant to explore whether it's sunny or rainy. It's really very comfortable.
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Tsuruya Department Store
Founded in 1952, this department store is located close to Kumamoto Castle and near the Kumamoto City Tram stops Torichosuji and Suidocho. With the concept of “a local department store that proposes a high-quality lifestyle,” it values a carefully curated selection of goods rooted in the community and thoughtful hospitality.
On this trip to Kumamoto, I happened to be staying near Kumamoto Castle. After taking the airport bus and getting off at Torichosuji, the first thing I saw was this long-established local department store, Tsuruya. Since it was conveniently located, I stopped by one evening to stroll around and browse while on my way to visit Kumamon’s office.
Tsuruya has the warm, attentive feel unique to a traditional Japanese department store. It not only has a full range of brands, but is also a one-stop place for authentic local souvenirs. After browsing, I walked directly to the nearby Kumamoto DRA Seven for its seafood pasta. I ordered the signature crab pasta, which was delicious and satisfying. Afterward, you can also visit Kumamoto Yatai Village and experience Kumamoto at night. If you’re traveling to Kumamoto, I recommend including Tsuruya Department Store on your walking itinerary to experience the charm of a long-established local department store.
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Aso Panorama Line
Aso-Panorama Line is the 37-km long scenic route in the center of the Mount Aso caldera that runs the north, west and south routes towards the 5 mountains of Aso. All three directions of the path meet in the midde, making their way towards Aso Sanjo Public Square. Here you’ll find unrivaled views of the Somma volcano, and the wide open green of the great outdoors as you discover the best scenic spots of Aso.
Before leaving for Kumamoto, I was most looking forward to this wonderful part of the trip in Aso. In addition to specifically planning rides on the cute Aso Boy! and Kawasemi Yamasemi sightseeing trains, we also rented a car for a few days so we could stop whenever we saw scenery we liked and quietly immerse ourselves in Aso’s natural beauty.
On the drive from Kumamoto to Aso, the golden silver grass of autumn stretched up along the winding road. The richly layered, ever-changing green scenery of Mount Aso outside the car window was truly mesmerizing. Before arriving at Kusasenri, we made a special stop at a high observation deck with an excellent view and looked down at the magnificent Five Peaks of Aso. Then we drove straight to the actual crater, where the barren yet striking landscape offered a completely different experience.
I’m very glad we spent a little more time in Aso on this trip and took it all in, experiencing it by both train and car. It truly lives up to its name as the Land of Fire. Even now, the diverse and majestic mountain scenery here remains unforgettable.
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