Kagoshima

I was drawn to Kagoshima mainly because its a good place to be based while I visit the Ebino Plateau but I discovered that the city itself is really lovely too.

Its the place where St Francis Xavier first landed in Japan while he was continuing to spread the message of Christianity across Asia. The reason this is interesting to me is because I'd spent two happy years at St Francis Xavier College so I guess I feel a special affinity to him.

Actually, Kagoshima is brimming with history, it was home to the powerful Shimazu Nari-akira who introduced Western technology to Japan and built the first factory, thus effectively modernising the country. What's more, Nari-akira also designed the rising sun flag. Then, there is the fact that one of the leading figures of the Meiji Restoration fled to Kagoshima and later committed suicide in the hills surrounding the city.

History asides, Kagoshima has one of the most beautiful Japanese garden in Kyushu with gorgeous views across the waters to Sakurajima, an active volcano that is constantly spewing smoke and ash.