Visit to Kagoshima (Japan)

Kagoshima lies on the Kyushu island of Japan. Actually Japan has mainly five islands. Kyushu is one of them. Our good friend Naru San had invited in his house for the visit. His father lives in small hilltown near Sendai river at Satsuma. This place is famous for sweet potatoes and whiskey made from it. We stayed there from 16 to 20th May 2014.

Day 1:
On the first day, we took flight from Haneda airport to kagoshima airport. The view of Mt. Fuji from higher elevation was amazing. Last year when i climbed Mt. fuji, there was no snow. Now from the higher altitude, the view was magnificient, like a inverted ice cream. In evening, a barbeque party was organized where Mr. Matsumoto (freind of Naru san’s father) also accompanied us. In fact he accompanied us all the way in the trip as his car was our vehicel to travel. He was an intersting man who liked to talk and joke all the way round.

Day 2:
On the second day we went to visit kagoshima city. We visited the place where Saigo Takamura spent his last days before his Samurai-execution (forced suicide)(there is a famous movie “The last samurai” based on this character).  After that we went to see Mt. Sakurajima- which is an active volcano. Gases were coming from the vent of this volcano. I was surprised to see that, a large metro city just beside the active volcano.

Then we visited glass factory where the glassmakers were making very beautiful glasses by hand. The exhibition center showcased the glasses (bottles, cups, jewelleries). I noticed these pieces were more expensive than any ordinary jewelleries made from gold.

Day 3:
On the third day, we wen to see the water fall (so called Niagara fall) in the upstream side of the Sendai river.

Then we went to another fall on a smaller stream at Nagona. The place was naturally beautiful. This place also had a glass factory. I saw the glass teapot which is the most expensive one that i saw till date.

In the night, we went to bank of Sendai river to see firefly. There were millions of firefly on the river bank. The light was coming out like a wave. The experience was amazing. In the same place Naru san taught the following song:

♪♪
ほーほーほーたるこい
こっちのみずはあまいぞ
こっちのみずはにがいぞ
ほーほーほーたるこい
♪♪

in english

♪♪
ho ho ho taru koii
kochi no mizu wa amai zo
kochi no mizu wa nigai zo
ho ho ho taru koii
♪♪

The literal translation is

♪♪
firefly i love u
the water at this place is sweet
the water at this place is bitter
firefly i love u
♪♪

Last day:
On the departing day, Naru san helped us to carry our baggage in his bicycle and came to drop us at bus stop (Miyanojoyachi). The bust stop was also beautiful and well decorated. A small train museum was inside the bus stop.

More photos at my panoramio account.