Road Trip in Kyushu; We Visited Japan’s Explosive Volcanoes! Sakurajima, Kagoshima and Kirishima

Road Trip in Kyushu; We Visited Japan’s Explosive Volcanoes! Sakurajima, Kagoshima and Kirishima

Hey everyone,

In this episode of Gibbon Travelogue, we continue the second leg of our Southern Kyushu road trip as we journey through Kagoshima and Kirishima.

From the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Sakurajima to the vibrant streets of Kagoshima City, and finally the mystical forests and shrines of Kirishima, this part of Kyushu showed us how nature, history, and daily life are beautifully connected.

Start 00:00
Kaigata Sakura Park 02:32
Sakurajima-Kinkowan Geopark 03:38
We begin at Fairfield by Marriott Kagoshima Sakurajima with stunning views of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima volcano, before exploring Kaigata Sakura Park and the fascinating Sakurajima-Kinkowan Geopark.

Arimura Lava Observatory 05:43
Ushinefumoto Inari Shrine 06:58
Walking through lava fields at Arimura Lava Observatory and seeing the buried torii gate of Ushinefumoto Inari Shrine gave us a powerful reminder of nature’s force and the resilience of the people living here.

Ferry Ride 07:36
Tenmongkan District 09:56
Shiroyama Park 11:51
Sengan-en 13:25
We then take the famous 15-minute Sakurajima Ferry to Kagoshima City, explore the lively Tenmonkan district, enjoy local soba and udon, and visit historic spots like Shiroyama Park and the beautiful feudal estate of Sengan-en, where we even tried traditional Japanese archery.

Museum of the Meiji Restoration 18:37
On Day 4, we learn more about the Meiji Restoration at the Museum of the Meiji Restoration before driving to the spiritual heart of Kirishima.

Kirishima Jingu Shrine 20:28
At Kirishima Jingu Shrine, surrounded by towering cedar trees and volcanic mythology, we experience one of Southern Kyushu’s most important sacred sites.

Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park 22:40
Maruo Falls 23:57
We continue through Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, visit the ruins of the old Kirishima Shrine, and end with the peaceful Maruo Falls before making our long drive back to Fukuoka.

Join us as we explore volcanoes, history, samurai heritage, hidden shrines, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Southern Japan.

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