We finally got to visit the monstrous volcano 'Sakurajima' after staring at it outside our apartment for the past week!

Despite the weather being scheduled to rain, we decided to head out anyway as we were very excited and this was an opportunity that we did not want to miss.

We hiked from the port up to the highest point on the island, which was only 373m due it being too dangerous to go any closer. Sakurajima is said to erupt over 800 times every year, but unless it is too serious, the locals just get on with life as per normal! I imagine living here would give you a new found respect and appreciation for nature, and it just visiting certainly forced this feeling on to us!

It was incredible being able to see the volcano up close, and this was a rather special experience for us, coming from London in the UK, where the most exciting spectacle of nature we are able to see is a park or the occassion bit of snow.

We made our way back down from the volcano, and decided to do the 'Nagisa Lava Trail' hike, which despite being a fairly short walk of about 45mins - 1 hour, was actually rather beautiful, and showed off the volcanic rock and scenery that was on offer. There was not a single other person around, and so we really got to take in the beauty of nature all to ourselves. Despite it being so quiet and peaceful, we came across many stray cats, and although they had no owners they were in immaculate condition and looked very healthy! We stopped to play with them before continuing our walk.

We finished off the day with a hot spring (onsen) footbath, which was the perfect way to relax and unwind. All in all this was a brilliant day and one in which will not forget!

Sakurajima is not only famous for the volcano, but they actually produce the worlds biggest daikon radishes, and the smallest mikans! We didn't get to try any on this occassion as everywhere was closed, but no doubt we will be able to on our Kagoshima journey.

Have an adventurous day everyone!