Although I’ve lived in Kirishima for nearly ten years, I’m still discovering places I’ve never seen before.
A few days ago, someone told me about a beautiful natural spring in Yokogawa.
I wanted to visit right away, but the weather wasn’t good because of the typhoon, so I had to wait.
This morning, I woke up to clear blue skies.
I packed some sandwiches and a cup of coffee, then set off.
One of Kagoshima’s best-known natural springs is Maruike Spring in Yusui Town. I’ve been there several times.
It’s only about an hour away by car, but it’s the kind of place you have to decide to visit before setting out.
After watching the video that introduced this spring, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
I simply had to see it for myself.
After getting a little lost, I finally arrived.
A short flight of steps led down to crystal-clear spring water, glowing beneath the sunlight filtering through the trees.
The only sounds were the distant chorus of cicadas, the gentle bubbling of water rising from the earth, and the quiet flow of the stream.
Softly.
Endlessly.
I stood there without saying a word.
It was deeply moving to think that rain falling high in the mountains had slowly made its way underground before emerging here as pure spring water.
That thought alone filled me with a deep sense of peace.
I simply stood there, watching the water.
I felt the same sense of wonder when I visited the nearby Manoi Ouketsu, a series of giant potholes carved into the rock by flowing water.
I’ve visited Kirishima many times over the years, yet it still surprises me.
Even now, there are beautiful places less than thirty minutes away that I’ve never seen before.
It makes me wonder how many more places are waiting to be discovered—not only in Kirishima, but throughout Kagoshima and the rest of Kyushu.
Perhaps I won’t have enough years to see them all.
Somehow, I like that thought.
—
Later that afternoon, I drove to the sunflower fields in Mizobe.
I arrived just as the sun was beginning to set.
I’ve seen countless sunsets over towns and cities, but this one felt different.
Layer upon layer of mountains stretched into the distance, fading gently into the evening haze, while a deep red sun slowly disappeared behind them.
The scene looked almost like a traditional Japanese painting.
Whenever I spend time surrounded by beautiful scenery, I can feel a quiet sense of peace returning.
It’s as though nature gently reminds me to slow down and notice the world around me again.
The most memorable moments aren’t always found in famous places.
Sometimes they’re quietly waiting just around the corner.
On my way home, I noticed a small praying mantis.
I crouched down until we were almost at eye level.
For a brief moment, it felt as though we exchanged a simple greeting.
It made me smile.
Even the smallest moments can become treasured memories.
Days like this remind me how fortunate I am to call Kirishima home.
出張や観光で霧島に来られた方で、
静かに過ごせる場所を探している方は、こちらもご覧ください。
