This is the volcano I was talking about. Sakurajima in the morning sun.

The history of Kagoshima Prefecture and Kyushu in general, is fascinating. This is where the Anglo-Satsuma War took place (we won) and it was the people of Kyushu who set aside their differences and formed a secret alliance to overthrow the Shogunate. This led to Japan opening its borders for the first time in centuries* and the modern era was born.

There are many statues dotted around the city commemorating the achievements of key figures during this time.


*During the 250 years of self-imposed isolation Japan only traded with Korea, China and The Netherlands.