Who would ever believe such a beautiful foot spa would be free? When you have been living in England for most of your life, (a place in which the phrase, “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.” probably originated) you learn that almost everything has a price, and usually a quite unreasonable one at that. But not in Sakurajima.
Yogan Nagisa park and foot spa is conveniently located about a ten minutes walk from the ferry port, opposite Sakurajima visiter centre and next to Yogan Nagisa lava trail, where you can see plants and other vegetation literally growing through the solidified lava of previous eruptions. Some of this rocky lava actually leaks out into the sea in full view of the foot spa. So sit back, relax and let your mind wander to the sheer magnitude of a real life volcanic eruption, whilst soaking your feet in the gloriously glistening, volcano-infused water.
Come for the foot spa, but stay for the views.
The park of Yogan Nagisa is an absolutely free, all-you-can-eat buffet for all the senses. And, I am quite frankly still amazed that such a completely natural spa treatment is just sitting there, steaming with perfection for absolutely anyone to use. In front of you: a vast, swaying ocean, bordered with distant, misty mountains. Behind you: the wonder of Sakurajima’s three peaks and the puffing smoke of Minami-dake (the southern, active peak). And, surrounding you: the park and its vivid colours of beautiful trees, flowers and the kind of grass you rarely see anywhere in Tokyo.
The foot spa comes complete with beautifully light wooden panels, rails and disabled, priority access. If it rains, simply shuffle down the pool and take shelter under one of a few wooden hut-style roofs. The spa even stretches far enough to accommodate quite a lot of people at one time, so there’s really no waiting. Just be warned that the water will perhaps be hotter than your average onsen (hot springs), so be careful when you first enter. It’s heated by a volcano after all.
The people of Sakurajima have harvested its natural volcanic warmth and created an absolute masterpiece of soothing comfort and relaxation for your everyday weary traveller. And, while I did see a few other foot spas whilst in Kagoshima (usually charging just ¥100), the views and atmosphere definitely made this one the best. There’s really no reason why you would not visit Yogan Nagisa park and foot spa. It’s beautiful, it’s close, it’s unbelievable and, just to reiterate for one final time, it’s free!
