KAGOSHIMA TO MIYAZAKI

Very few international visitors take the time to visit Kagoshima, and even fewer to Miyazaki. I came several decades ago because I used a lot of Japan Rail Passes, and wanted to maximize my distance travelled.

Sheraton Grand Kagoshima was the best hotel we've stayed in, all things considered, like value and cost. They had a shuttle service from the train station to hotel and back, featured excellent service, had an excellent club lounge and an impressive breakfast buffet. It only opened a few months ago. Best of all, it cost $125/night for two. So a few more photos to get us the the Sheraton Grand Ocean Resort in Miyazaki, starting with another view of Sakurajima.

Club lounge at Sheraton Kagoshima.

Morning view of Sakurajima from our room.

The breakfast buffet was terrific.

First course.

Second course.

Walked 3492 steps.

Final shot from hotel of Sakurajima.

Lobby Christmas tree.

Shuttle arriving.

Entrance to Kagoshima-Chuo Station.

Our train to Miyazaki.

Kyushu and train meal. Something new. Adorned fishcake.

Saw Sakurajima again from train.

Throughout Japan, all the homes near train tracks seem almost brand new with beautiful roofs.

Here is a sign that says don't squat on the toilet to do your thing.

Well, we got to Miyazaki and took a taxi to the Sheraton Grand Ocean Resort. About $20.

View from the Club Lounge on the 36th floor. We have a room on the 39th.

There is a Tom Watson golf course along the hotel. They have lights for golf at nights. Next morning for breakfast. Another fabulous buffet. Maybe the best yet. My first course.

Second course.

Not much of a day. The train ride of 80 miles took two hours, stopping at every station. But Miyazaki is that Japanese city which no one knows anything about, but by various taste tests have regularly come up #1 of the best Japanese wagyu beef, is the only site that grows sturgeon for caviar, and has mango orchards that supply those ridiculously expense mangos sold in department store basements. So tomorrow, Miyazaki. Then the next day, a train to Oita, transferring to another for Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

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