By Jib-kun
This is something fantastic! "Geoparks", created by UNESCO's initiative in 2004, is aimed for people to learn more about the Earth and for invigorating local economies by sharing the parks with tourists, both domestic and abroad. What a great idea to show another side of this archipelago literally made from and with volcanoes!
This is something fantastic! "Geoparks", created by UNESCO's initiative in 2004, is aimed for people to learn more about the Earth and for invigorating local economies by sharing the parks with tourists, both domestic and abroad. What a great idea to show another side of this archipelago literally made from and with volcanoes!
This time, the show traveled by car, from one of the geoparks - Mount Unzen in Shimabara, to Sakurajima in Kagoshima. It is a trip to feel the Earth's great energy and to learn about volcanoes and their connections to people's livelihood.
Severe eruptions began on Mount Unzen in 1990. We went near "Heisei-shinzan" peak that was created during the eruptions at the time, and witnessed scars left by streams of magma and volcanic ash that flowed down the mountain. It makes me miss the forest! Such beautiful nature! Some people think of Japan and only imagine tall buildings and bright lights. This is a great chance to see the raw beautiful nature of the Japanese countryside. The violent, humbling beauty of a volcano is something to see!
Then we took a ferry to cross the Ariake Sea to go to Kumamoto. We went close to the crater on Mount Aso, and felt the mystical smoke rising from the bottom of the crater. We then visited an astronomical observatory (Luna Astronomical Observatory) at the foot of the mountain. There, we saw our small corner of earth in the display about the Earth and the universe. How awesome it was to see that this beautiful place was just a tiny spot compared to the vastness of the universe. 
The trip's last destination was Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture. Sakurajima continues to spew out smoke even now. It is the most active volcano in Japan, repeatedly erupting 3 to 4 times a day. We went around Sakurajima, visiting Sakurajima Daikon radish farms and other places, met people living with the volcano. With Daisuke Fukushima who has a doctor's degree in volcanology, the reporter excavated a hot spring for himself alone. That was so cool to see!Our reporter made an epic trip on a 4-wheel vehicle, covering about 800 kilometers, to experience the Earth's energy. You must check this out!
■ACCESS■
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・To reach Shimabara Peninsula and Mount Unzen, it takes 1 hour and 45 minutes by plane from Tokyo to Nagasaki.
・Mount Aso's crater can be reached by bus, car or ropeway.
・To get to Sakurajima, take a ferry from Kagoshima City. The service for the fifteen minute ride is available around-the-clock.
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