Come along on a trip in Japan, as we get behind the wheel.

Notable places and interesting people are waiting just off the beaten path.

We start our journey in Kagoshima Prefecture, at Kyushu's southern tip.

Our first destination is Sakurajima, a volcano that towers over Kagoshima Bay.

Sakurajima is known for its frequent eruptions.

Thanks to this region's volcanic activity,

its dotted with hot springs that the Japanese call "onsen."

Visit an onsen, and experience the power of the earth with your whole body.

Looking for surprises and excitement?

You've come to the right place!

Let's hit the road.

Let's head for Sakurajima and some onsen fun.

It's a 10-minute drive from Kagoshima-Chuo Station to the ferry terminal.

Welcome! I'm your navigation system.

I can guide you to the wonders Japan has to offer.

We depart from Kagoshima city.

Do you notice something about these streetcar tracks?

They're planted with grass.

The grass helps keep things cooler and quieter.

It's a city initiative.

The ocean has come into view.

And rising above it, Sakurajima.

Sakurajima has two peaks, Kita-dake and Minami-dake.

See those gray clouds?

Minami-dake is erupting right now.

About 3,600 people live on the island.

We're a short drive from a wonderful spot to view Sakurajima.

Powerful feudal lords of this region resided here over three hundred years ago,

a testament to a bygone era.

For centuries, they entertained countless guests in this garden facing magnificent Sakurajima.

The volcano has always had a special place in people's hearts.

Sakurajima has long been a symbol
of Kagoshima's splendor.

We think of the mountain
almost as a parent.

Let's continue along the coast road.

And there's the ferry terminal.

You can drive right onto the ferry, so I'll be riding along.

The cruise to Sakurajima only takes about 15 minutes,

but it's one of the highlights of the drive.

Important local means of transportation
used for commuting to work and school.

Daytime departures every 20 minutes.

The ferry also operates throughout the night.

Sakurajima is currently erupting.

We're operating round the clock
in case people need to evacuate.

Hawaii - aloha!

Everybody in Hawaii, who's been to Kagoshima city, must go there.

They are stunning. We have a hotel right on the waters,

so we could see over to it. It looks amazing.

"The ferry offers fast food noodles."

"Your order will be up in 30 seconds."

"You might even see dolphins
from the ferry."

And here we are on Sakurajima.

1,400 yen, please.

I'd like to show you an onsen near here,

but first, why don't we loop around the island on the coast road?

Let's see how the island's people live with an active volcano.

Do you know what that is, there on the left?

It's not a bus stop.

It's an eruption shelter.

There are 32 of these shelters on the island, spaced a kilometer apart.

That's a cemetery coming up on the left.

The graves are roofed over to protect them from volcanic ash.

Hey, let's back up.

This is the entrance to a shrine.

Most shrine gates don't look like this.

This gate used to be three meters high, but only part of it is visible now.

It was buried in a major eruption more than a century ago.

We considered digging it up.

But we decided to leave it as it is.

It belongs to the god
of this area.

We've made our way around the island.

Our next stop is that onsen I promised to show you.

This unusual hot spring is free of charge.

It's one of the biggest of its kind in Japan.

Enjoy!

"The Japanese call this type
of spa an 'ashiyu.'"

"Just take off your shoes and enjoy."

"Only your feet and legs touch the water, but
your whole body is warmed."

The water is pumped from
1,000 meters beneath the surface.

The temperature is just right!
A beer would go good right now.

It must be about 38 °C.

"At 100 meters, it's one of
the longest in Japan."

"Right next door, you'll find
a 'michinoeki' rest stop."

"This gourmet seaweed is harvested
from the waters off Sakurajima."

"Kagoshima dried giant radish
is also popular."

"These ceramics are made with
Sakurajima volcanic ash."

When Sakurajima erupts, ash falls.

The ash is mixed into the glaze
to make Sakurajima lava ware.

I think the ash makes
for a rich appearance.

"Thanks for waiting."

"These noodles incorporate
small pieces of Mandarin orange peel."

"The menu features
many other local dishes."

Did you enjoy the "ashiyu?"

We have another three hours until sunset.

Actually, Kagoshima has a rather curious type of geothermal spa.

Shall we check it out?

We'll head for Ibusuki Onsen.

It's a nice two-hour drive from here.

Oh, it's starting to rain.

Careful, the road is slippery!

That volcano hidden in the clouds is Mt. Kaimon, known as Kagoshima's Mt. Fuji.

Lush green fields extend from the foot of the mountain.

Farmers are bringing in the harvest.

The main crop is sweet potatoes.

The soil is volcanic ash
and very well drained.

It's ideal for growing sweet potatoes.

It's hard to grow crops in this type of soil, but sweet potatoes are an exception.

They're also drought-resistant.

Today, Kagoshima is Japan's largest sweet potato producer.

We're arriving at Ibusuki Onsen.

Look at the steam rising from the beach!

Geothermal water is flowing just beneath the sand.

Thanks to this, you can bury your body in the sand with just your face poking out,

like you may have done as a child, for a relaxing spa experience.

This is a "sunamushi" onsen, or hot sand spa.

For five hours, across 90 kilometers, we explored places most tourists miss.

Now, enjoy your hot sand bath!

Please remove all your garments
and change into this robe.