Sakurajima: the star of Kagoshima

Softly and consistently billowing ash, we could almost see Sakurajima from everywhere we were. The volcanic ash provides rich nutrients to the soil and makes for lots of delicious root vegetable farming like daikon (guinness world record: world’s heaviest radish) and sweet potato (they are famous for their sweet potato shochu).

We took the little ferry to the island and wandered around, having a foot bath in Yogan Nagisa Park visiting the tourist centre and taking pictures of cute cats. It was beautiful and chill and we got a day pass on the bus which helped us get around to different areas. Folks are very used to their active volcano and there are shelters with instructions throughout the island.

The Hotel

This was the first business hotel (extremely economical) that we had 2 separate rooms at - Morgan was supposed to take the second room but the virus had started to hit me hard and we agreed that I should take the single room - less chance of contaminating the boys. Here’s the thing though: business hotels are a little bit stuck in the past: for instance, there was a bath house floor on the basement, but sorry no women allowed. But hey, women business people, it’s ok, we got you: here are these average lotions, soaps and teas that you can take to your room to have a relaxing bath. For me, fine - for all the Japanese women that have to stay in this place for work, I’m a little outraged.

What we didn’t think about when we decided to give me this single room was that Morgan is a man and I am not, and maybe the floor I was on was dedicated to men. I know, WHAT. But the only reason I thought that was a possibility is that I bumped into a cleaning person one day and in another Lost in Translation1 moment, she kind of made me feel like she thought I was on the wrong floor…

For the next day and a half, I skulked around, avoiding people or getting Bruce or Morgan to escort me to the room, just in case. I know. Truly insane behaviour!

Sengan-en Garden

At Sengan-en garden we saw an adorable little cat shrine and an insane gift store that had SO MANY kinds of Shochu! In teeny weeny bottles. Bruce was disappointed to learn none were sake but it didn’t bother me. They were tiny! How could I not buy a couple? They won’t go to waste.

There also was quite a good gift store with unique locally-made gifts. One was a woman who sourced local tea tree oil with these kind of chalk-based figurines and you buy a tiny kit and put a drop of tea tree oil on it and it’s soothing and healing scent rejuvenates you and whatnot. She immediately honed in on my sickness! (I was wearing a mask). She’s like “oh, you’re hot. one moment.” Comes back with a little first aid kit where she pulls out some crystals in a packet, GIVES me a water bottle. Indicates I need to put the crystals in the bottle and drink it, then puts a drop of tea tree oil on a kleenex (“soft” she says) and gestures for me to put it in my mask. I am embarrassed, but how can I not follow her instructions in order to thank her for her kindness? So, I do, but also I of course buy this chubby tea tree oil cat buddy, pictured here. I do love him. Get a load of the tiny bottle of tree tree oil! kawaii! :

A Note about the Weather

Dear reader, I know it is winter where you are and Vancouver is full of disgusting sleet and maybe other places in Canada are much the same. Japan has been pretty good in comparison. In Matsuyama right now it’s 14 C! But when we get to Onomichi, we’ll see how we fare because it is supposed to drop down to 0! We are barely prepared. hahaha!

Merry Christmas wherever you are! (it’s Christmas Eve here).