I just saw Kiseki (I Wish), the latest film of one of my favorite directors Hirozaku Koreeda. Most of the scenes in the movie was shot in Kagoshima, one of Japanese prefectures I went to recently. I didn't have plan to write about Kagoshima but the movie inspired me to. I only stayed there for two days, but I can say I fell in love with the place.
Last April, I went to Kagoshima to attend the wedding of my friend. Instead of going back to Tokyo the next day, I and some of my friends decided to stay for one more day to do some wanderings. Since we have a limited time, we started early and went directly to Ibusuki where the famous Sand Bath is located. I wanted to stay there forever, but the rest was only limited to 10 ~ 15 mins per visitor.
We went to Chiran Peace Museum afterwards. This museum was dedicated to Kamikaze Pilots during World War 2. Reading the poems, letters and essays of these pilots gave me a different understanding of the event. Most of the letters were dedicated to their mothers. They did have feelings after contrary to what was generalized long time ago.
Despite the very limited time, we still managed to go to Sakurajima, the famous active volcano in Kagoshima and was the heart of the movie I mentioned above. We took a 10 minute ferry ride and drove around the area. The weather was perfect that Sakurajima-san can be seen it all her naked glory.
At Sakurajima, we decided not to go far as we need to go back to Tokyo that night. We quickly checked the informational brochure and found a Dinosaur Park. There were huge dinosaurs statues and sculptures around the park. It was empty though when we went there. It must be the time of the day.
And since we were the only ones in this 50,000 square meter park, we unleashed the child in us and played like four and five years old. Moment like this make you forget that the problem of being a salaryman.
stress-free day and night
in paradise down under
an ageless friendship
As we rushed back to the airport to catch the last flight back to Tokyo, Mr. Sun showed-off its majesty. A perfect way to end the adventure.
If given the chance, I would like to go back to Kagoshima. I know there's still a lot to visit and explore.
/totomai
2012/07/15
Wow, such an interesting place. How I wish I can travel to Japan someday and get to visit all these beautiful spots.
ReplyDeletevisit japan soon :-)
DeleteHow I wish but it's not in the list of high prio yet hehehe! Someday maybe..
Deleteinform me kung makakadaan ka :-)
DeleteSure! thanks :)
DeleteI love the last two pictures. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks :-)
DeleteGaling ng pothography. . .
ReplyDeletesalamat kuya lol
DeleteI love this sort of post that teaches me about another land, another culture, other sights and ideas......your pictures were great as was the commentary....sounds like the vacation went well too....
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne. The vacation went well, if you can call 2 days vacation :-)
DeleteWow ang saya naman! :) I want to have a real kimono. :(
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dekaphobe.com/
real kimono costs lots of money though
DeleteThat sand bath seems cool! there are so much to see in Japan. Soon, maybe, soon i'll be one of your bwisitors. haha! ;p
ReplyDeletehaha adik. mura lang rate ko bilang tour guide haha
Deleteso how was the sand bath? pumuti ka ba?
ReplyDeletenawalan ng init ang sand bath. di ako kinaya
DeleteBeautiful pictures John, am glad the movie inspired you to write about this place. The slide looks awesome, FUN. Describing perfectly why the 4-5 yr old in you was awakened.
ReplyDeleteyes, it was a long slide but since it was only the three of us, we played like children. if you time, please watch the film too. you'll like it.
DeleteWhat a wonderful post and images! And I love the backstory" to your poem- such FUN!!! Thank you for sharing all this!
ReplyDeleteThanks Patti -) It's good to have time from time to time
DeleteLove your sense of adventure and have to admit, am living vicariously through your travel logs. When I lived in Northern California, I had an experience modeled on the Japanese sand baths which left me feeling cleansed and refreshed. I’ve always wanted to spend time in Japan. Your haiku is a beautifully seamless distillation of your visit!
ReplyDeleteYou should visit Japan if you have time. It has lots to offer ;-) Thanks for your kind words
Delete