Sakurajima volcano

Today was a great day. We started somewhat early and headed down to the JR train on our way to Sakurajima. This happens to be an active volcano that you can only reach by ferry located just off of the Kagoshima coast. As we approached the ferry terminal, the view was astounding. This volcano is still active and from the shore you could still see small plumes of smoke rising from one of the three peaks. The trip over was great, nice calm and relaxing; no way we could see what lay on the table ahead of us. (see below)






We start the venture to the island like any other tourist, wide-eyed and mouth in awe over the lagoon and beautiful coast line. (see below)


It started when we tried to negotiate the map sitting next to the train station. Followed closely by us trying to use our horrible language skills to ask a cab driver to take us to an observation deck. We arrived at a lookout that was great, showed us a view of where we docked and not to mention where we wanted to go. (see below)


We decided to take this opportunity of adventure by slowly making our way up the winding road to what could only be described as a , well I can’t really describe it actually. It looked as if parts of the volcano had just slide down the side during a giant eruption. This as we read did happen back in the 50’s. (see below)




Dave and I decided to venture up the rockslide to see how far up we could go. It was a long and daunting task that ended only because, well because Dave and I are fat and out of shape that’s why. (see below)







Even though we did stop a bit short, we got some amazing photos. All in all a great trip up the volcano. On the walk (that’s right walk back down, which I might add, put our fat asses back in shape after 8 Kilometers) back down we saw a small box on the side of the road. In that box were pairs of oranges picked from the local volcanic orchards. Next to the box was a smaller one that said something we couldn’t read, but what we could make out was 1 bag for 100 yen. So we tempted fate and purchased some oranges. These were probably the worst oranges or any fruit for that matter that we have ever tasted. Horrible before, during and after taste not to mention the feeling of burning and ripping that you felt soon after ingestion. The day ended with us climbing off of the trolley back to the hotel. I (Jam) was paying for both Dave and Scott with a 500 yen piece for a toll that was 480 yen. We were in a rush to get out of the way so I just tossed the coin in and thought nothing of it. To all of our surprise we find the trolley operator chasing after us with my change. Just goes to show how great the Japanese people are. Very thoughtful, very considerate and extremely polite. Like I said, all in all a great day.


As a simple ending to the night, Scott and I took off to find a bar that we noticed in his touristy book. The bar wasn’t half bad, this one actually had sports on T.V. Granted it was Soccer, but it was a sport. Best part was probably the darts. Now I don’t claim to be a great dart player, but I can hold my own. Tonight it seems that not only does luck but booze make Scott a better darts thrower and the game ended with his win over me with a total of 245-32. Not my best outing, but next time the game will be mine. You can see below Scott’s face of victory, and my face of utter defeat.