I love the Japanese train system. Whether it is the inter-Tokyo subways and trams, or the nationwide Shinkansen, they all are run with the superb efficiency, respect and professionalism I am being totally spoiled by everywhere I go in Japan. (A short aside, I am writing this from a Starbucks with waiters… yes, real waiters.) So after a very pleasant and sleepy jot down to Hakata, I switch trains to Kagoshima. It is here I run into a nice family with a child (I’d say he was about 6) who stares and intones at me “GAIKOKUJIN.” His parents and I laugh and exchange pleasantries. Whenever I see a Shinkansen now, I think of Richard “Hamster” Hammond’s thoughts when he saw one “Is it supposed to look like that?”
A few hours later, I’m enjoying a beautiful day in Kagoshima. I even doff my jacket and sweater to absorb some of that delicious Vitamin D. I enjoy some local eats, as I wait for my jetfoil to Yakushima. Japan celebrates local foods from all of its towns. While Yakushima and Kagoshima share the similar agriculture, Kagoshima does have a reputation for excellent dairy products. I take plenty of photos of Sakura-jima, but it isn’t quite clear enough to see the steam rising from the summit.
The jetfoil is full of climbers for Yakushima who are all discussing other local peaks. We pass a few of the mountains they have submitted, and oceanic crags that would make awesome fortresses. We catch the sunset as we dock at Yakushima, which is much more built up then I was expecting.
Unfortunately, I arrived too late for the buses, and taxis are few and far between. A nice man in a van volunteers a ride. While this would be sketchy as hell is any other country, I’m totally comfortable hitching in Japan. It’s only a 10 minute ride to my ryokan by the sea, but the driver and I discuss my plans for my weekend. He told me 2 nights is not enough. He is right, so I’ve packed my days to the hilt. In addition to Jomon Tsuigi and Shiratani Unsuikyo, he recommended the onsen which comes with the tide, and a waterfall on the other side of the island. In the summer, you can also catch the sea turtles laying their eggs. Maybe next time, but now I’m here to hike!
A few hours later, I’m enjoying a beautiful day in Kagoshima. I even doff my jacket and sweater to absorb some of that delicious Vitamin D. I enjoy some local eats, as I wait for my jetfoil to Yakushima. Japan celebrates local foods from all of its towns. While Yakushima and Kagoshima share the similar agriculture, Kagoshima does have a reputation for excellent dairy products. I take plenty of photos of Sakura-jima, but it isn’t quite clear enough to see the steam rising from the summit.
The jetfoil is full of climbers for Yakushima who are all discussing other local peaks. We pass a few of the mountains they have submitted, and oceanic crags that would make awesome fortresses. We catch the sunset as we dock at Yakushima, which is much more built up then I was expecting.
Unfortunately, I arrived too late for the buses, and taxis are few and far between. A nice man in a van volunteers a ride. While this would be sketchy as hell is any other country, I’m totally comfortable hitching in Japan. It’s only a 10 minute ride to my ryokan by the sea, but the driver and I discuss my plans for my weekend. He told me 2 nights is not enough. He is right, so I’ve packed my days to the hilt. In addition to Jomon Tsuigi and Shiratani Unsuikyo, he recommended the onsen which comes with the tide, and a waterfall on the other side of the island. In the summer, you can also catch the sea turtles laying their eggs. Maybe next time, but now I’m here to hike!
1 comment:
satisfactory commentary. looking forward to following the meat of the trip through your prose appropriate.
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