JET Programme Series: My Foot Hot! Welcome to Kagoshima Prefecture, Ibusuki City - Nalini Nanan
2022/5/4
JET Programme Series: My Foot Hot! Welcome to Kagoshima Prefecture, Ibusuki City - Nalini Nanan
The journey across the North Pacific Ocean was long and tiring, looking out the aircraft I said goodbye to my homeland Trinidad, and hello to my new life in Japan, intense amounts of mixed emotions filled my heart as I was stepping out of my comfort zone and into something I could never imagine. Everything happened so quickly upon arrival and I managed to get accustomed to the shift in time zone during the 14-day quarantine period at a hotel in Tokyo. “This place is so big and beautiful, innovative and extremely advanced” I taught to myself looking out my window and wishing to be out there soon. Finally, I left Tokyo to start my life as an ALT, I arrived in Kagoshima Prefecture on the 13th of December 2021, I was greeted with a brisk winter chill of 4-5OC that escorted me to my home town, Ibusuki. On my way there, I quickly forgot about my cold fingers when my eyes fell upon the beautiful nature of the tall luminous trees, gentle mountains, colorful flowers, blue oceans and breath-taking views that surrounded the city. This place was definitely different from home, especially with the very smooth roads and the pristine well-kept environment. Similarly, there are lots of agriculture taking place which reminded me of Trinidad, two of their main crops are Okura or as Trini’s call it “Ochro” and Sweet Potato.
After a few weeks of settling in, I delved into the numerous adventures that were yet to unfold, as my mother would always say “yuh foot hot” well yes, it is, I can’t stay home, so let me tell you what I’ve done so far. I started at the top with a panoramic view on Mount Uomidake overlooking the entire Ibusuki city, here you can observe the sunrise over the Phillipine Sea and also Mount Kaimondake which is an inactive volcano with a height of 924m, with breathtaking views around the mountain, it was indeed a magnificent feeling to see and be a part of this place. I then visited the very popular Lake Ikeda which is the largest lake in Kyushu, with a circumference of 15km and a depth of 233m, there were yellow Rapeseed flowers that blanketed the area, the atmosphere felt so light as I indulged in the essence of this peaceful place. With some other ALT’s in Ibusuki we visited the outdoor Tamatebako Onsen/hot spring, gazing at the beautiful sunset and ocean view while soaking in highly mineralized, natural spring water. Onsen’s are said to heal sore muscle, decrease inflammation and refresh your skin. Ibusuki is renowned for its volcanic activity, so I then decided to try the Sunamushi or Natural Sand Baths which is very famous for many tourist, the warm dark sands are 50-55oC and infused with minerals from the volcanic hot springs, to do this I wore just a yukata robe which is made specifically to allow the volcanic steam to transfer to your body, I then made my way down to the shaded pavilion on the beach where I was buried in warm sand up to my neck, it encourages the body to sweat which is a natural detoxification and also known to heal from rheumatism to asthma, anemia, and diabetes when you breathe in the geothermal steam. There is also a beautiful Flower Park which I visited twice so far with hundreds of plant species blooming with seasons, I love flowers very much so I consider this my favorite place so far. Eventually, I took a trip to the city of Kagoshima, to the famous Sakurajima volcano, on the island I witnessed little eruptions that spewed thick ashes into the air. It was an amazing sight to see.
Near the mouth of Kinkowan Bay, close to where I live, is the island of Chringashima, with a circumference of three kilometers and a maximum height of 90m above sea level, the island is popular from March to October, when at low and half tide, the island is connected to the mainland by a sand bar known as Chiri Ring Road. There are walking paths throughout the forested island as well as an observatory point at the top. You can ring the bell at the top and wish for happiness, legend has it your wish will come true.
Japan is in the season of spring, and I have the chance to see Sakura or cherry blossoms trees in bloom all over the place, the flowers has a wonderful smell and it is very beautiful, I even saw poui trees which reminded me of Trinidad. To me Japan is Flowers heaven, the people cherish and are totally indulged in the beauty of their nature. I also did a hike on the beautiful Mount Noma, fishing on a boat in the open sea, witnessing the jade vine growing and picking broad bean from a friend’s garden. I have many more places to visit and I can’t wait to have some more adventure.
I am really happy to be in the countryside, it’s not very busy and the nature is very enjoyable and peaceful to me. Also, crime free, I am in no fear to leave my car open with my belongings or even my door open when I leave home.
Apart from the places I have visited, I must talk about the food that I experienced. I’ve had Sushi, Ramen, Bento meals, Nabemono, Oden, Udon noodles, Takoyaki, Soba noodles, Tempura and Katsuo bushi or bonito flakes which is significant to Kagoshima. The food is very healthy and delicious and very different from our Trini style of cooking. I often crave my local dishes, and it’s a good thing, I packed our local “Chief” curry in my suitcase. I was lucky to find duck meat which is my favorite and I often cook “curry duck and dumplings” Trini style. Unfortunately, Japan doesn’t have hot peppers or pimentos like Trinidad, so the food isn’t exactly the same. However, I am still grateful for the little essence.
I have adapted well in my work life in the last few months, being able to speak English to my high school students and teaching them of Trinidad and our culture makes me happy because they are very much interested in what we do. We often talk about the differences between Japan and Trinidad in ways of thinking, cooking and social developments in our classes. I am very willing to help them learn and they are very much interested in what I have to share. All my colleagues have been extremely supportive, kind and helpful to all my needs and made me feel very welcomed.
Being a person who loves nature and respects the environment, I admire how waste is treated in Japan. Each waste stream has a significant color garbage bag for burnable items, plastics, cans, styrofoam and recyclables. Your name must be written on the garbage bag and there is a designated place “city hall” for Ibusuki where your garbage can be manually dropped off. Burnable garbage is collected twice a week at a designated spot of each area. I really wish a system like this can be implemented in Trinidad so we can have a safer and cleaner country.
This whole experience so far has taught me a lot, having to manage my own lifestyle, cooking, cleaning, paying bills, making groceries and managing finances has taught me much responsibility and has matured me tremendously. I do miss my family and my country a lot, but I’m going to represent and make everyone proud.
JET Series: My Foot Hot! Welcome to Kagoshima Prefecture, Ibusuki City (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
After a few weeks of settling in, I delved into the numerous adventures that were yet to unfold, as my mother would always say “yuh foot hot” well yes, it is, I can’t stay home, so let me tell you what I’ve done so far. I started at the top with a panoramic view on Mount Uomidake overlooking the entire Ibusuki city, here you can observe the sunrise over the Phillipine Sea and also Mount Kaimondake which is an inactive volcano with a height of 924m, with breathtaking views around the mountain, it was indeed a magnificent feeling to see and be a part of this place. I then visited the very popular Lake Ikeda which is the largest lake in Kyushu, with a circumference of 15km and a depth of 233m, there were yellow Rapeseed flowers that blanketed the area, the atmosphere felt so light as I indulged in the essence of this peaceful place. With some other ALT’s in Ibusuki we visited the outdoor Tamatebako Onsen/hot spring, gazing at the beautiful sunset and ocean view while soaking in highly mineralized, natural spring water. Onsen’s are said to heal sore muscle, decrease inflammation and refresh your skin. Ibusuki is renowned for its volcanic activity, so I then decided to try the Sunamushi or Natural Sand Baths which is very famous for many tourist, the warm dark sands are 50-55oC and infused with minerals from the volcanic hot springs, to do this I wore just a yukata robe which is made specifically to allow the volcanic steam to transfer to your body, I then made my way down to the shaded pavilion on the beach where I was buried in warm sand up to my neck, it encourages the body to sweat which is a natural detoxification and also known to heal from rheumatism to asthma, anemia, and diabetes when you breathe in the geothermal steam. There is also a beautiful Flower Park which I visited twice so far with hundreds of plant species blooming with seasons, I love flowers very much so I consider this my favorite place so far. Eventually, I took a trip to the city of Kagoshima, to the famous Sakurajima volcano, on the island I witnessed little eruptions that spewed thick ashes into the air. It was an amazing sight to see.
Near the mouth of Kinkowan Bay, close to where I live, is the island of Chringashima, with a circumference of three kilometers and a maximum height of 90m above sea level, the island is popular from March to October, when at low and half tide, the island is connected to the mainland by a sand bar known as Chiri Ring Road. There are walking paths throughout the forested island as well as an observatory point at the top. You can ring the bell at the top and wish for happiness, legend has it your wish will come true.
Japan is in the season of spring, and I have the chance to see Sakura or cherry blossoms trees in bloom all over the place, the flowers has a wonderful smell and it is very beautiful, I even saw poui trees which reminded me of Trinidad. To me Japan is Flowers heaven, the people cherish and are totally indulged in the beauty of their nature. I also did a hike on the beautiful Mount Noma, fishing on a boat in the open sea, witnessing the jade vine growing and picking broad bean from a friend’s garden. I have many more places to visit and I can’t wait to have some more adventure.
I am really happy to be in the countryside, it’s not very busy and the nature is very enjoyable and peaceful to me. Also, crime free, I am in no fear to leave my car open with my belongings or even my door open when I leave home.
Apart from the places I have visited, I must talk about the food that I experienced. I’ve had Sushi, Ramen, Bento meals, Nabemono, Oden, Udon noodles, Takoyaki, Soba noodles, Tempura and Katsuo bushi or bonito flakes which is significant to Kagoshima. The food is very healthy and delicious and very different from our Trini style of cooking. I often crave my local dishes, and it’s a good thing, I packed our local “Chief” curry in my suitcase. I was lucky to find duck meat which is my favorite and I often cook “curry duck and dumplings” Trini style. Unfortunately, Japan doesn’t have hot peppers or pimentos like Trinidad, so the food isn’t exactly the same. However, I am still grateful for the little essence.
I have adapted well in my work life in the last few months, being able to speak English to my high school students and teaching them of Trinidad and our culture makes me happy because they are very much interested in what we do. We often talk about the differences between Japan and Trinidad in ways of thinking, cooking and social developments in our classes. I am very willing to help them learn and they are very much interested in what I have to share. All my colleagues have been extremely supportive, kind and helpful to all my needs and made me feel very welcomed.
Being a person who loves nature and respects the environment, I admire how waste is treated in Japan. Each waste stream has a significant color garbage bag for burnable items, plastics, cans, styrofoam and recyclables. Your name must be written on the garbage bag and there is a designated place “city hall” for Ibusuki where your garbage can be manually dropped off. Burnable garbage is collected twice a week at a designated spot of each area. I really wish a system like this can be implemented in Trinidad so we can have a safer and cleaner country.
This whole experience so far has taught me a lot, having to manage my own lifestyle, cooking, cleaning, paying bills, making groceries and managing finances has taught me much responsibility and has matured me tremendously. I do miss my family and my country a lot, but I’m going to represent and make everyone proud.
JET Series: My Foot Hot! Welcome to Kagoshima Prefecture, Ibusuki City (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives