Kagoshima Trip (Part Four)

 Inside the Sengan-en Gardens is the Cat Shrine!

The one thing that I really wanted to see, but in the end I couldn't.

The shrine sat at the top of a steep path. Walking up would have been fine, but I wasn't confident I could get down. Not only was it steep, but it looked very slippery after the rain. I thought about it for a while, but in the end decided that it was safer for Hannah to go up and take photos for me. I wandered around the gardens while Hannah went up. At least I have an excuse to go back.  

Here are the photos from Hannah.

Hannah said that it was so beautiful and peaceful. 

I took a little video of the gardens and Sakurajima.

The weather was starting to turn again; no rain, but the wind was picking up, so we walked back toward the shops and cafes.

Hannah wanted to buy a little something, as part of the money went to cat charities in the area.

We found a little shop that was serving mochi and tea.

We shared mochi and tea as we wanted to try, but we were not very hungry.

Hannah bought a card and a lucky charm.

We decided to walk up to another museum as the wind was really blowing and the clouds were threatening rain again. We are right on the seafront, and I think this kind of weather is normal.

The museum was the former residence of the engineers who came from England to build the first Western-style spinning mill in Japan. Seven engineers came in the mid 1800s. It must have been very hard to come and live in such a different country back then. I often wonder how people who came from other countries survived in Japan!

The former residence of the engineers who came from England.

The view from upstairs.

Hannah looking over the grand staircase.

After looking around here, we went back to the bus stop.

A few photos on the way back.

This was the path to Starbucks.

A last look at Sakurajima.

We had a bit of a wait for the bus and then a shock when we got on! Almost everyone was foreign! There was only one Japanese lady and Hannah. I think I'm so used to being the only obvious foreigner that it felt a bit strange suddenly being surrounded by a busload of foreigners!

We made our way back to the hotel to rest for a bit. I keep forgetting that Hannah can walk and walk and walk! I was so tired, but it was still early, about 4 o'clock. So after a rest, we headed out again!

Again, I've run out of time!