As first year JETs, we really got lucky that THREE public holidays all fell in a row, making it a FIVE-DAY WEEKEND. The three holidays were 'Respect for the Aged Day', 'National Holiday', and 'Autumnal Equinox Day'. Barrett and I took a couple local trains and a shinkansen (bullet train) to visit neighboring prefectures, Miyazaki and Kagoshima. Both are located on the island of Kyushu.
With not much open in Miyazaki (due to the holidays), our explorations were limited and we ended up not being able to do anything we originally planned (Takachiho Gorge) . We visited Aoshima Beach where there was a surf contest going on and we were able to meet up with some friends for dinner.
Aoshima Beach, Miyazaki.
Kagoshima, on the other hand, was amazing! Not only was the food unforgettable but there was tons of shopping and our hotel was spectacular. Not to mention, we actually did something we had planned to do, which was visiting an onsen for the very first time! We took a ferry to Sakurajima Island so we could visit a specific onsen we had in mind. Furusato Onsen sits at the bottom of Mt. Sakurajima, an active volcano. The onsen is co-ed, where the women and men wear a yukata (robe) into the hot bath. I'd have to say that it was a definite highlight of the trip. The onsen is located right next to the ocean so it feels extremely calm and peaceful, just like those infinity pools (but better!). Thinking it was going to cost a pretty penny, I was surprised that a day at the onsen only costs ¥1000 which is equivalent to $10. Not bad to take a hot bath and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
The must eat foods in Kagoshima are kuro buta (black pig) and shirokuma (shaved ice with milk and fruits).
In my yukata @ Furusato Onsen, Sakurajima. The onsen overlooks the ocean and is naturally heated by the heat from Mt.Sakurajima.
The BEST kurobuta katsu in the world!
