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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Ujigami Shrine
This ancient shrine, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto," has been attracting reverence for centuries. It is said to have been established in 1060, three years after the construction of Uji Byodoin Temple in 1053, serving as its guardian shrine. As the protective deity of Uji's land, it has been continuously worshipped by people from all walks of life, from commoners to nobility, and it still gathers much reverence today.
After visiting Uji Shrine, follow the signs into a quiet residential alley and head uphill to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ujigami Shrine, hidden deep among the trees.
This ancient shrine stands on the east bank of the Uji River. Unlike the bustling Byodoin Temple, there are hardly any noisy tour groups here, and most visitors are local Japanese people who come to worship devoutly. Surrounded by towering old trees, the air carries the fresh scent of earth and greenery. The entire shrine grounds feel solemn and ethereal, with a sacredness that takes your breath away. Away from the crowds, this secluded place lets you experience pure faith and the depth of passing time. It is definitely worth a special visit.
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Uji Shrine
The Uji Shrine, the guardian deity of Uji, has a history spanning 1710 years since its founding in 313 AD, the year Emperor Nintoku ascended to the throne.
If you like quiet, uncrowded spiritual spots, don't miss Uji Shrine on the other side of the Uji River. As soon as you cross the bridge, the surrounding noise fades away, and it becomes so peaceful that it feels like entering another world.
This historic shrine has a special story. Legend says that when a prince set out for Uji, he lost his way. Fortunately, a mystical rabbit repeatedly looked back to guide him, allowing him to arrive safely. In remembrance of the legend of the “Looking-Back Rabbit,” later generations regarded it as an auspicious messenger that guides people back onto the right path in life.
After walking along the short approach, you can see cute rabbit lanterns standing quietly in the distance. Traces of warm, charming rabbits can be found throughout the small shrine, but the one thing you shouldn't miss is the adorable, round 3D “rabbit fortune.” After praying, don't forget to get one to take home. It offers the protection of a guiding light and makes a wonderful keepsake from this peaceful stroll through Uji.
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Byodoin
An imperial authority in the Heian Period, Fujiwara Michinaga used this place as a vacation home. His son Yorimichi inherited, converted and opened it as a temple in 1052. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. The remodeling in 2014 brought it back closer to its original state. The main Amida Buddha statue in Amida Hall is worth a look. You will be amazed by the symmetrical beauty of the building.
We visited the famous World Cultural Heritage Site Byodoin, a classic masterpiece of the Heian-period aristocracy.
When we visited in early spring, the cherry blossoms by the pond were in full bloom. The snow-white and pale pink petals swayed in the breeze, complementing the blue sky and the vermilion hall reflected on the water, creating an exquisite, breathtaking scene. The famous Phoenix Hall is featured on the Japanese 10-yen coin, so travelers shouldn't forget to pull a coin from their pocket, line it up with the hall in the distance, and take a classic overlapping photo.
Besides admiring the grandeur of the hall from afar, the Hoshokan Museum on the grounds is also worth exploring quietly. Each National Treasure radiates a thousand years of solemnity and purity. It's a perfect place to slow down and quietly take in this timeless historical beauty amid the fragrance of flowers and the gentle breeze.
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