Dinosaur Park in Kagoshima

During our winter vacation in Kagoshima, we visited a lot of beautiful and interesting places. One of the most interesting was Sakurajima, just a short 15 minute ferry-ride (that can transport both passengers on foot and those with vehicles) from Kagoshima City.

Sakurajima Volcano

Sakurajima (literally "Sakura Island") is famous for being home to one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. It has thousands of mini-eruptions per year! Thanks to the most recent large explosion in 1914, it is no longer an island, but rather a peninsula that is connected to the eastern side of Kagoshima Prefecture.

Taken from Japan-Guide

While there are many attractions in Sakurajima, my favorite was a place called Sakurajima Kyōryū Kōen (the Dinosaur Park shown above on the western side of Sakurajima).

The Dinosaur Park is pretty close to the ferry terminal, so we walked there. There is a pretty steep hill to climb up in order to get there, but those that can't/don't want to scale it, it's accessible by car! The climb wasn't easy, but it was totally worth it. We got some good exercise and were rewarded with not only a great view of both Kagoshima City and the volcano, but also a big park with several large dinosaurs and a very long slide to have fun with.

This place was probably meant for families with kids, but I think that anyone could enjoy picnicking, hiking, bird-watching, or taking goofy pictures with the dinosaurs here.

Speaking of, here are some of our goofy dinosaur pictures:

"You'll never take me alive!"

Onwards, trusty long-neck!

The stegosaurus with the infamous "Kristin-face"

Raffiki---I mean Ryan, riding one of our not-so-extinct friends

As you can see, we had a blast here! Best of all, it's totally free, there are tons of parking spaces for those with cars, and it's also very close to the famous Nagisa Lava Trail, Nagisa foot baths, and Magma Onsen!

Nagisa Park Foot Bath (and friendly cat), near the Magma Onsen

Nagisa Lava Trail, perfect for those who love casual hiking

If you ever visit Kagoshima, you should definitely check out Sakurajima. Make a day-trip out of it! You won't regret it. :) (Unless you get volcanic ash in your eyes...but even then...it's totally worth it haha)