We are docked in Kagoshima today – the southernmost tip of the Japanese archipelago. Extremely windy today, but the sun is out – a good laundry hanging forecast. 

Kagoshima is home to Japan’s most active volcano, Mt. Sakurajima. Her last major eruption was only about three weeks ago. Dammit. I would have loved to photograph that.

It’s easy to say that from the safety of a cruise ship, of course. The danger in a major volcanic eruption isn’t just a slow, cinematic river of lava creeping politely downhill. It’s also the volcano enthusiastically launching refrigerator-sized boulders in your general direction. Geology people call these tephra, or volcanic bombs. I’m pretty sure if a volcano started chucking tephra at me, I’d suddenly discover I can run a whole lot faster than I ever thought.

The locals call Sakurajima a “she” because the eruptions depend on her moods. Not sure how I feel about my gender being responsible for the whims of a volcano. 

Our tour guide assured us there was zero danger being near the volcano.

Hmm, debatable.

I think I’d go with low, but not zero danger. I mean Sakurajima did erupt in 1914 and dump 10 billion tons of lava into the bay, creating a land bridge to the mainland. So maybe not zero.

We stopped at what was billed as a “lava observation point”, which Ken interpreted as: We will hike up the volcano, peer into its fiery soul, and poke lava with a stick. You’d think he would know better by now. We saw very old and very dry lava rocks from a safe and non-aerobically challenging distance.

A strong smell of sulfur and fine ash was blowing through the air near the volcano as we walked around. I feel like I just had a facial called, volcanic renewal experience. 

There are a whole bunch of these little shelters all over the peninsula. Not sure they will be much help against a 10 billion ton lava event. But probably ok for one of her milder moods.

According to local tradition, you’re supposed to wedge coins into the solidified lava rocks as an offering to the volcano – and for luck and safety. Didn’t have any coins, so hope we haven’t offended her. 

This area is also famous for the giant Sakurajima radish, which grows up to 70 pounds. But they are only harvested in winter, so I didn’t get to see / taste one. I did, however, get to try radish candy.

That’s right. Radish candy. Yummm.

I’ve got to track down some more of these.

Ken: Babe, you have the *worst* taste in candy. These are horrific. 

Kinda hoping Sakurajima is a little grumpy this evening and we get a little steam to send us off.

Tomorrow: Our last day at sea before we return to Tokyo.

Kanpai! 🍶