• Whispers of the Orient
    We were so lucky to see the top of Sakurajima without cloud cover
    Nice little garden at Sengan-enCherry blossoms!A gorgeous vase in a case at Sengan-enUnobstructed view of SakurajimaSweet small garden at the houseLarger, interior gardenA different view of the interior gardenPrivate bath of Mitsuhisa Shimadzu, head of the Shimadzu clanIncredible glasswork for saleSweet spring daffodilsTorii before the shrine at Sengan-en GardenPaul in front of fake cherry treeSaigo Takamori, the last SamuraiStatue of Saigo TakamoriMany prominent people in the Meiji RestorationOne of the pivotal characters in the restorationOne last view of the volcanoJust so you know what port we are inWarm musical sendoff as we leave Kagashima

    Kagoshima, Japan

    March 25, 2025, Philippine Sea ⋅ 🌬 68 °F

    Kagoshima is a seaside city known for its location near Sakurajima, Japan’s most active volcano. Apparently it erupts nearly every day, but we did not see it. We visited an historical garden and home of the Shimadzu clan at Sengan-en ( ISO) Garden, an observatory overlooking the city and a statue of Saigo Takamori, the last samurai. We visited the Museum of the Meiji Restoration, a period that restored power to the emperor and eliminated samurai governance. We found the people of Kagashima to be very enthusiastic and friendly towards us and concluded our visit with a great musical sendoff.Read more