Tokyo Weekender - October 2017

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Trip 3:
FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS
Kagoshima Prefecture
SAKURAJIMA VOLCANO
As we stepped off the train at Kagoshima, it took us a moment to realize why there
was a tinge of smoke in the air – then we remembered our destination, Sakurajima,
is an active volcano. Erupting (harmlessly) hundreds of times a year, Sakurajima is
one of Kyushu’s most unique destinations, with volcano-related attractions like a hot
spring filled with dark, volcanic mineral-infused water. Skeptical? Give it a try at the
free footbaths, where you can take in a view of the city and volcano across the bay.
To get closer to said volcano, hop on a local bus (one leaves every hour for the volcano)
or the Island View Bus – this bus only covers a portion of the island, so travelers
interested in farther-flung sights, such as a shrine gate almost buried by an eruption
in 1914, should rent a car or bicycle. Hungry? Thanks to its nutrient-rich volcanic soil,
Sakurajima boasts record-sized daikon and delicious miniature mikan oranges.
DAY 1
HOW TO GET THERE If you’re coming from
Kirishima (Trip 2), of then our take itinerary), JR Kyushu's then take Limited the
JR Express Kyushu Kirishima limited express from Kirishima from Kokuba Jingu Station
to Kagoshima-Chuo Station Station (about (about 30 minutes). 30 minutes). Sakura-
Sakurajima is a 15-minute is a 15-minute ferry ride ferry from ride Kagoshima from
city. Kagoshima Those in city. for Cyclists a day of can cycling ride from can ride Kirishima from
Kirishima – the 70km – course the 70km takes course you by takes an art you museum, by an art a
museum, kurozu black a kurozu vinegar black factory, vinegar volcano factory, observa-
volcano
observation points and points more. and more.
WHERE TO STAY Ferries run 24/7, so travelers
can easily stay on mainland Kagoshima – but
those looking to stay on the island itself should
check out hotel Rainbow (www.qkamura-s.com/
sakurajima), which has a an hot attached spring. hot If you're spring. on
If a budget, you're on peek a budget, the Sakurajima peek the Sakurajima Youth Hostel. Youth
DAY 2
YAKUSHIMA ISLAND
Studio Ghibli’s 1997 epic Princess Mononoke takes place in a forest so lush and out of this
world we’d always assumed it came straight from director Hayao Miyazaki’s imagination.
As it turns out, Mononoke’s forest had a real-life model – the island of Yakushima, south of
Kagoshima. For fans of that film – or nature enthusiasts in general – Yakushima’s biggest
draw will be Shiratani Unsuikyo, a relatively easily accessible nature park filled with hiking
trails and footpaths. Look out for the forest’s yakusugi cedar trees, some of which are literally
thousands of years old. Aside from its special brand of trees, Yakushima also has yaku
monkeys and yaku deer, both of which are smaller than their mainland brethren, and can be
regularly spotted while walking the forests. Said forests aren't Yakushima's only attraction,
though: the island also features activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and paddleboarding.
Whatever you do, pack a raincoat: Yakushima is famed for its high levels of precipitation.
HOW TO GET THERE Getting to Yakushima
is part of the adventure. The island
has its own airport, but we recommend
grabbing the high-speed jetfoil from Kagoshima
(how often, after all, do you get
to ride on something called a “jetfoil”?).
The journey takes between two and three
hours and costs ¥15,000 for a round-trip.
WHERE TO STAY Yakushima features
a number of hotels, guesthouses and
rentable cottages, many of which are near
the jetfoil port. Blow all your money just
getting here? Try out one of the island's
six mountain huts, which are entirely
free, as long as you arrive early enough to
snag a spot.
20 | OCTOBER 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER