Blossoms are at their peak around Kumamoto Castle.
Category: Asia
The Joy of Bullet Trains
First bullet train ride on this trip. I’ve died and gone to heaven, or, Kumamoto. An official gave me some stickers.
Senganen Garden
Walked around Senganen Garden, Kagoshima, created 1658. It uses the bay and Sakurajima volcano as “borrowed scenery.”
Mt. Takachiho
Kirishima … National Park. Ridge trail, then climb (Mt. Takachiho, 5,160 ft.). Most of the trail was 2011 ash.
Mushroom Cloud
Pulled back the drapes this morning and saw this mushroom cloud. Sakurajima, 20 miles away, was active.
Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
Mount Ebinodake and Onami Pond.From where I’m sitting in my hotel room, I see steam vents, and can smell their sulfurous fumes. Further in the distance, over 20 miles further in the haze, is the unmistakable cone of Sakurajima, the massive, active volcano across the bay from Kagoshima, southern Japan. At night, I see the distant…… Continue reading Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
Kirishima-Kingowan National Park
Posted about a hike today in Kirishima-Kingowan National Park.
Kirishima Mountains
Now in the mountains north of Kagoshima.
Miyanoura
Miyanoura, Yakushima Island, about to board jetfoil.
It Takes a Village
Yesterday I was in such an intense conversation with Iris, thirtyish, from Switzerland, we almost missed the only bus from the trailhead that day. I get to meet fine people when hiking. These are people who put some effort into their travels. They discover and research trails, they put one foot in front of another…… Continue reading It Takes a Village