Going Ashore in Japan

Drum Ceremony

After a restful day at sea, we arrived in Kagoshima Japan which is in the southern most part of Japan. This experience almost qualifies as the stop from hell. The day before landing were needed to be checked out by Japanese immigration. That was fair enough. We reported at the appropriate time for finger printing (thankfully they did it electronically) and picture taking. That was to get out departing form signed. It was a bit slow but we did that on our sea day. However the next day we had to go through 'medical screening". That involved another form and thermal scanning. I guess with the flu scare it was somewhat understandable. We even received a medical mask. Every person including the crew needed to do that before they would release the ship and let the passengers go ashore. This screening started at 6 am. That was the time we came alongside. It was also the time of fireworks and the 30 minutes of marching songs by the local band! Who gets up at 6 am! In any case it was nearly 11 am before they released the ship and we were suppose to be on a tour and the ship was leaving early. The captain was on the blower apologizing; the tour office offered to refund any money so people could cancel, etc. When was the last time you heard of that!
We headed ashore, took the very fast 15 minute ferry ride and were off to visit the volcano. The guide we had was very good and explained all the details about the last eruption and the ash that occasionally comes down on the city. Walking around the volcanic area was interesting as the ground was still "warm" although the last eruption was many years ago. After that it was back to the town and a tour of on of the feudal lords original estates. It was not that big but the gardens and the view were very nice. She did point out the bullet holes in some of the walls from a past revolution. Then it was back to the ship.
It the officials were slow to accept the ship, the people were not. There was a traditional Japanese drum performance and many people were out to see the ship depart. After the 5 hour custom wait it was a good way to end the day. Cheers!