JAPAN Inspiration Gallery 11 Japan
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Kagoshima

Right down at the tip of Kyushu - the southernmost of Japan's four main islands - is the pleasant port town of Kagoshima. Kyushu's climate and the more mercurial temperament of its people has led to it being called the Mediterranean of Japan. If that is the case then Kagoshima is most certainly Naples, with a buzzing Japanese cafe culture and Sakurajima volcano - one of the most active on the Pacific 'ring of fire'. It has quietened down since a big eruption in 1914, but still belches smoke and ash daily. It is an impressive sight in itself and its island can be easily visited by ferry for views down into the crater. To see it in all its glory from the city, we recommend visiting Sengan'en Garden and taking a wander around the pretty Japanese-style landscape garden. Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Culture (Reimeikan) is also worth a visit when staying in the area for it is home to an array of local artefacts of folklore, craft-works and arts.

Nature lovers will also appreciate the beautiful highlands, volcanic lakes, hidden historic shrines and remote ‘onsen’ (Japanese hot spring baths) scattered around in national parks near here; our favourite has to be Kirishima-Yaku National Park. Just south of the city along a scenic coastline, seekers of revitalising minerals can bury themselves in sand on the beach at Ibusuki – you may well recognise photographs of locals doing this unusual activity beneath colourful umbrellas as this has become a rather iconic image! Further south lies the subtropical, almost magical, island of Yakushima: heaven for those after complete and utter tranquillity, this remote spot has been awarded UNESCO Heritage Site status and offers scenic walking trails that crisscross through atmospheric moss, lush vegetation and ‘yakisugi’ 1,000-year-old cedar tree forests. To experience this lost world, we advise you to stay in the Sankara spa property that is a first-rate hotel offering modern comforts and striking views.

Much of the cuisine served in Kagoshima is unique to the region due to its isolated location so we recommend tasting these rare delicacies while visiting. Local dishes include herring fish sashimi, breaded pork in miso sauce and special type of ‘shocho’ liquor.

Thanks to the bullet train, the 1,400 km back to Tokyo can be done in less than seven hours, or there are connecting homeward flights from Kagoshima Airport if you are tempted by a quicker journey.

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When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller

Client Testimonials

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
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I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
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- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
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- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
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- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
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- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
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- Mr David Wallace, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
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- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
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- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

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