Driving from Kagoshima Airport, I arrived at Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The warm climate and bright sun, along with the blue sea and lush green mountains, enhance the tropical vibe.

Continuing along the coast with a pleasant breeze, I arrived at my destination, "Teiemu Farm Hot Spring." As the name suggests, there used to be a farm nearby, and the owner, a horse breeder, would pump hot spring water to the farm to bathe the breeding mares and foals.

Entering this new place with excitement, I was greeted by Mr. Yamamoto at the reception, who casually asked, "Where are you from?"

The hot spring gushes from a depth of 1,300 meters, and while the water is about 47 degrees where it flows out, it cools to around 37-38 degrees by the time it reaches the bath. "Our water is lukewarm, so some people soak for about two hours. It's great for relieving body tension and stress. Plus, the view of the sea while soaking is our pride. On calm, sunny days, dolphins come to play!"

With Mr. Yamamoto's stories heightening my excitement, I headed to the hot spring.

Gazing at the vast Kinko Bay from the window, the gentle breeze feels delightful. The temperature is just right for a long soak. I thoroughly relaxed my tired mind and body in the smooth, soothing water.

If you visit around 4 to 5 PM, you can enjoy the view of the sunset while soaking in the hot spring. I plan to come back during twilight next time.

After soaking in the hot spring and feeling hungry, I headed to "Minato Shokudo" in Kanoya City, recommended by the staff when I made my hotel reservation.

Minato Shokudo is a restaurant directly operated by the Kanoya City Fisheries Cooperative, where you can enjoy fresh kampachi caught early in the morning and prepared the same day. When you visit the restaurant, you can see locals coming and going continuously, indicating its popularity.

Feeling hungry, I ordered the recommended 'Kampachi Zuke Don' set meal along with 'Kampachi Sashimi'.

According to Chef Dozono, who brought the set meal, the firm texture of the kampachi sashimi is proof of its freshness. "We serve sashimi that was caught fresh that day, and the kampachi in the zuke don is marinated for a day in our chef's secret sauce that has been used since our founding." The secret sauce, based on a sweet soy sauce unique to Kyushu, pairs perfectly with the fatty kampachi.

"Actually, we've been keeping the seasoning unchanged since our founding. I want people to think, 'Iˇll leave this place for a while, but Iˇll come back to eat again' or 'This is definitely the taste I remember.' That's why we continue to preserve the taste from our founding." While listening to Dozono-san, I couldn't help but express, "I want to come back here again!"

Leaving Minato Shokudo feeling full, I decided to take a drive to Sakurajima. At the 'Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Park' I stumbled upon, I relaxed while enjoying views of Kagoshima city and the summit of Sakurajima.

Surrounded by nature, I played with friendly cats and soaked my feet in a foot bath, thoroughly enjoying my time alone.

To wrap up the day, I headed to the 'Teiem Onsen Center,' which has a sauna. It is run by the same owner as the Teiem Onsen Ranch and is another hot spring loved by the locals.

According to the manager, Shirakubo-san, who greeted me at the reception, the sauna is particularly popular. "Some regulars who love the sauna can stay in for two hours, alternating between the sauna and cold bath.

Unlike Teiem Ranch Onsen, the water at Teiem Onsen Center is odorless and colorless. Thereˇs a pleasantly warm bath at 41 degrees, a hot bath at 42-43 degrees, an electric bath, and both a sauna and cold bath, offering a variety of options. After warming up in the hot bath, I headed to the sauna I had been looking forward to.

The hinoki wood sauna has a refreshing scent, making you feel like youˇre in a forest. In the 90-degree room, I gradually warmed up from the core of my body, and as the 12 minutes I had aimed for passed, I moved to the cold bath. Water continuously poured from above, drenching me like a waterfall. It felt amazing!

After spending plenty of time at the hot spring and feeling completely refreshed, I fell into a deep sleep as soon as I returned to the hotel.

Thanks to the hot spring, I woke up feeling good and light. I had heard that you could see Sakurajima from the hotel terrace, so I had breakfast here this morning. The towering Sakurajima, the sound of waves crashing on the beach, the tropical sea breeze, and the serene atmosphere created by nature were truly soothing.

I came to this place aiming for the hot springs and sauna, but perhaps it was the overall atmosphere of Tarumizu that truly 'totonou'd me. Before I knew it, I was planning my next visit. This time, I intend to enjoy the sunset in Tarumizu.