16 July 2017 Sunday.
We checked out around 0930 hrs and started our Journey to Kagoshima. The stretched of Highway from Fukuoka to Kumamoto was easy drive with long straight road. Occassional paddy field brightened up the sight….
Once we drove pass Kumamoto, we moved into a very mountainous region and we were going through tunnel after tunnel. The tunnels vary in length from several hundred meters to around 6 KM. There were no stop points in this mountainuous area.
After exit the mountainous region, we stopped at the Yamae Service station for a break and some food. We were surprised that the service station sell exceptional tasty Katsudon.
It was almost another hour drive before we reach Kagoshima Dolphin Port. The complex consists of wet market, a small local supermart and many eateries. Crowded with locals, kids enjoying and parents chit chating over afternoon tea.
Kids have very enjoyable time playing with water
We explored the local supermart….
They sold everything from local catch to clothing and cosmetics.
Very Nice Ice-cream
We struggled a little before we locate the Mekkemon Sushi Restaurant. It was on ground level, just beside the supermart.
It was packed with people and we had to wait for 30 mins.
The restaurant practice colored plate system and the price ranged from 130 yen to 432 yen.
Finally it was our turn… the Sushi were exceptional good, probably one of the best we ever had. This is a “MUST” outlet for anyone who came to Kagoshima.
The Uni were exceptional and we had several portion of Uni Sushi.
Looking up…. we saw the sushi master at work… happy and enjoying what they were doing.
After all the wonderful sushi… a picture with their very friendly staff.
We gave it a “LIKE”
After checked into APA kagoshima, we followed the locals through the shopping alleys of Tenmonkan.
Many Japanese ladies in Traditional Costumes flood the alleys. Aggressive selling.
Exit Tenmonkan Alley
In front of Terunkuni Shrine, flooded with locals celebrating Rokugatsudo Lattern Festivals.
and reporter going live on FaceBook.
It was some struggle before we managed to get to the front of the Shrine where all the lanterns were displayed.
It was surprisingly less crowded when walking amid rows of lanterns
Occasion for families….
Majorities of these lanterns were art pieces by students….
driving your dream and think no evil…
Pictures with Kimono Ladies
We joined the queue to enter the Shrine.
Making prayer.
Inside the Shrine…
Exit the shrine…. Crowds moved in more aggressively.
Just outside the Shrine, many stalls lined the street. Kiddy stuff.
Most stalls sold foods…..
Kimono Ladies patronizing their favorites stalls…
Short clip on this lantern Festivals.
The event ended with fireworks…
After the event, we strolled to Yataimura (local Food Village) for dinner.
At the entrance…
Inside the Food Village, many small stalls lined the alley and people gathered in small tables…. very cosy feeling.
We had Beer, Ramen, cumcumber and fried dumpling. Delicious….
End of Day 3 : It was a long drive to Kagoshima. Arriving at Dolphin Port, we love the local comforts and we love the very tasty Sushi at Mekkemon.
We joined the locals at Rokugatsudo Lattern Festival. It was through such festivals / events that we could get a true local taste. We had our dinner at Yataimura – another place where we enjoyed local taste and local ambience.
Return to : Food and Festive Kyushu Day 2
Continue to : Food and Festive Kyushu Day 4
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