Plans for Kagoshima

Tomorrow I have something a little different scheduled... Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Here is the ship's description:

Chiran Samuri Houses & Ibusuki
Duration
Approximately 8 hours
Description
Chiran, 19 miles south of Kagoshima City, is sometimes called "Little Kyoto" for all the Samurai residences that have been preserved there. Ten houses have been preserved along with several beautiful gardens, all approximately 250 years old. The gates to the residences, moss-covered stone walls, hedges and black tile roofs help recapture the flavor of the Edo Period. Several of the residences are still used by the samurais' descendants, but seven gardens are open to the public. Then drive to Lake Ikeda, which is the largest lake in Kyushu and about eight miles in circumference with a maximum depth of 700 feet. It is a caldera lake, made through the collapse of a volcano. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Ibusuki Hot Springs to observe the "sand bath" process. Participants put on a light Japanese robe -- a yukata -- and lie in a shallow pit prepared by workers. They are buried up to their necks in the refreshing, cleansing sand. The effect on the body in the bath is highly valued as a beauty treatment for the skin. Tour participants do not have a chance to experience the bath. You will just watch other people in the process. Continue on to visit the Kinko Pottery Kiln, originated by Korean potters brought by Shimazu Yoshihiro during the Korean campaign of the 16th century. Although the original technique has been lost in Korea, their descendants are still perpetuating the technique here in southern Kyushu. Finally, drive to Mt. Kaimon, a 3,000-foot high volcano that draws comparisons with Mt. Fuji for its nearly perfect conical top. Part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park, Mt. Kaimon is sometimes called "Little Fuji" or "Satsuma Fuji."