On paper, it appeared to be a straight run on Route 226 into Kagoshima. For the first half, the road was single lane, busy with an erratic shoulder. The Japanese drivers were courteous in overtaking us.
On the outskirts of Kagoshima, route 217 offered us a good alternative, first a lane specifically for two-wheeled traffic, then a reasonable shared pavement. The urban sprawl seemed to go on forever. Just a kilometre short of our hotel, David had another puncture. Fortunately we had just passed a tyre repair shop. It was fascinating to watch how it is done the Japanese way.
Shortly afterwards, David noticed that his tyre had a split. We visited the local police station and they were very helpful in pointing out a larger bicycle shop.
We found our hotel, left our bags and went to look for the shop where David had his tyre replaced. We then went to the train station to get tickets for Friday and a late lunch of ramen at Zabon. Kagoshima ramen is renowned for its rich pork broth and savoury taste.
Chores done, we returned to the hotel to check-in and do some laundry. In the evening, we explored the neighborhood, the Tenmonken, which is the main shopping area in Kagoshima. Had another tasty kurobuta ramen for dinner at a café run by father and son. The kurobuta is pork from the black Berkshire pig and is bred for its marbling and sweet flavour. It originated 300 years ago from England. The pigs in the Kagoshima prefecture are fed on sweet potatoes.
Kagoshima is the largest city in southern Kyushu. It is an important port for liner and fuel traffic. It sits to the side of Sakurajima, a massive active volcano dominating the bay. Some people liken the city to Napoli - for its individual spirit and sitting in the eshadow of a huge volcano.
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| Kagoshima kurobuta ramen |
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| Bike parking at the train station costs ¥100 per day |
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