Arahira Tenjin

**Check the tide, and decide which version you want.** Low water lets you cross and climb; spring high tide turns it into an island and is the better photograph from the shore. They are two different visits. **The climb is a scramble.** The main hall is on top of the rock and the way up is steep, with chains in places and no proper steps. Not for anyone unsteady, and not in wet weather. **Sakurajima is across the bay.** The view back from the rock takes in the volcano, which on a clear day makes the climb worth it independent of the shrine. **Ten parking spaces.** That tells you the expected volume. On a weekday you will be alone. **Combine with the Osumi coast road.** Kanoya to Nejime along the bay is one of the better drives in southern Kyushu and Ogawa Falls is at the end of it.