Kirishima

We were so happy that our chartered car trip was a success! It was our first time taking the kids abroad to experience Japan, a place we'd already visited, and to Kagoshima, a place we'd never been before. We took the Shinkansen to Chuo Station to meet the driver. The Japanese driver was very responsible and attentive. Despite the language barrier, we communicated using simple Japanese and English, along with a mobile phone translator. He sincerely introduced us to the sights and attractions, showcasing different aspects of Japanese culture, and managed our time well. Lunch was our favorite surprise – a delicious and authentic Japanese restaurant with great value for money and excellent service. The Sakurajima ferry was very smooth, without the unpleasant smell of Taiwanese beaches. The scenery was refreshing and clean; the volcanic ash didn't detract from its beauty. The winding mountain roads around the island were excellent, and the driver's driving skills were superb. The local shops offered unique souvenirs. Finally, due to time constraints, we only had less than an hour left to reach Tenmonkan-dori. Our family wanted to spend more time there, so we coordinated with the driver to end the trip early, and we returned to the station on our own. This short trip came to an end, and we look forward to seeing each other again. The people of Kagoshima were the warmest, friendliest, and most welcoming people we encountered in Japan, unlike the politeness and distance often found in other regions. We are very grateful and loved it!

The grass turned into fog, and the Aso Boys event was temporarily suspended, which was a bit disappointing. However, the friendliness of the local merchants and the delicious souvenirs made up for the aforementioned shortcomings.