We always start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.

See how colorful our plates were.

The weather for today was clear and sunny.

As we drove past farmlands, we saw a lot of persimmon trees and a kiwi farm.

After some driving, we arrived at Mizonokuchi Cave. The place was super quiet and there was not a single soul around.

This cave, formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore underground passages and rock formations.

Inside Mizonokuchi Doketsu, visitors can admire the intricate patterns and textures of the cave walls, carved by the flow of water and the passage of time. The cave’s dimly lit tunnels create an atmosphere of mystery and adventure, inviting exploration and discovery.

Please be advised that many roads may only be a single lane wide when driving in Japan’s rural areas. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and give way whenever necessary.

After visiting the cave, we proceed our way to give a short introduction to Kirihara no Taki (桐原の滝).

With a height of approximately 20 meters, the waterfall cascades gracefully over the rocky cliff, creating a stunning natural spectacle. Kirihara no Taki is known for its picturesque scenery, particularly during the autumn foliage season, when the surrounding landscape has vibrant colors. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the nearby walking trails or picnics in the scenic surroundings.

Next, we made our way towards Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture…

Before crossing over, we stopped at a Rest Station with a clear view of the Volcano. It even had a public Foot Bath there.

Smoke can be seen coming out from the active Volcano.

Sakurajima, located in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, is one of the country’s most active volcanoes and a prominent symbol of the region’s dynamic geological landscape. This stratovolcano, characterized by its distinctive conical shape, rises dramatically from Kagoshima Bay, commanding attention with its towering presence.

Rest stations in Japan sell everything from fresh fruits, and vegetables to cooked food and even souvenirs.

Advisory note on where to find safety shelters during an eruption.

There was a big crowd at the Arimura Lava Observation Deck.

Despite its volcanic activity, Sakurajima is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking views, natural hot springs, and unique volcanic features.

Visitors can explore observation points around the volcano to witness its smoking crater, volcanic ash fields, and rugged terrain up close.

Instead of driving a big circle towards Kagoshima, we decided to take the Sea ferry which saves us hours of travelling time.

As with most Japanese transportation, the cabin was clean and tidy, the seats wide and comfortable.

After arriving, our first destination was the Ibusuki Hot Springs♨

The Ibusuki Hot Springs sand bath is a unique and therapeutic experience renowned for its healing properties and relaxation benefits. Unlike traditional hot springs where visitors soak in mineral-rich water, the Ibusuki sand bath involves being buried in naturally heated sand from the volcanic springs.

First, we purchased the tickets on the 2nd floor.

These were the prices.

We were given robes and towels.

The instructions for the sand bath were displayed on the overhead panel.

We proceed to the changing room on the 1st floor and change into the robe and slippers provided. We were then directed to the beach.

For privacy reasons, we were not allowed to bring any photography equipment.

Cape Nagasakibana was our next destination.

From the car park, we took a short 10-minute walk to the cape.

Visitors to Cape Nagasakibana can explore walking trails along the cliffs, offering opportunities for strolls and scenic overlooks. The cape is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with seabirds often seen soaring overhead or perched along the cliffs.

One of the highlights of Cape Nagasakibana is its stunning sunsets, which cast a warm glow over the coastal scenery, creating a magical ambiance.

With all these activities, we were getting hungry. So we came to this restaurant for dinner.

Both the Ramen and Rice wrapped in egg were delicious.

Our hotel room for the night.