Post-Trip Recollections - The City and Sakurajima

My cruise in August 2023 had a stopover in Kagoshima. This was the last port call in Japan before the cruise ship officially leaves Japan for international waters to travel to China's Hong Kong.

Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan (2023)

In accordance to immigration procedures, all passengers on the cruise had to disembark for Japanese immigration and customs clearance at this last port of call in the country. Taking advantage of the hours we had while the cruise ship was in port, most passengers including myself took the chance to visit Kagoshima city itself. However, I did not join many of my fellow passengers to take the JR Train into the city centre. Instead, I spent my time shopping and dining at the malls that were within walking distance of the port. Yes, there are many malls within walking distance. And I was not disappointed. I managed to buy a good quality Made-in-Japan fishing reel and some clothing items. 

The cruise ship, Spectrum of the Seas was docked within walking distance of a cluster of malls, Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan (2023)

While I only had a few short hours to spend in Kagoshima, it was nevertheless a fulfilling short day trip. In full view of where the cruise ship was docked at the port, we could see Sakurajima, the famous icon of the city. An active volcano, Sakurajima was an island just off the coast of Kagoshima but had now been reclassified as a peninsula. According to official sources, the volcano emits volcanic smoke constantly, accompanied by minor eruptions. After Indonesia's Mount Bromo, this was only the second time I had come face to face with an active volcano. Even though I only get to view Sakurajima from a distance, both on shore and onboard the cruise ship, it was an experience that I will remember. The next time I see Sakurajima in travel documentaries or read about it in books, I can at least say I had been there!

Sakurajima in the distance, Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan (2023)