24/12/2015
Food, Balloons, and Other Diversions
Kyushu is sometimes known as the "Food Island", and with good reason. Between the sweetest strawberries imaginable, trees bent with persimmons, Saga beef (served at the G8 summit), and internationally famous shochu- Needless to say, seize every opportunity to sample the food!
24/12/2015
Nagasaki: Port of Adventure
It was early August when I first arrived in Nagasaki. Although I'd lived in Japan before, I'd never set foot on the island of Kyushu. This left me both nervous and excited for the adventures that lay ahead. I had heard that Kyushu was famous for its hot springs and had a wealth of nature to offer those eager to explore its wilderness. Guide book in hand, I promised myself I would make the most of my time in Nagasaki.
24/12/2015
Beppu
I am passionate for Onsen, especially in Beppu. At least twice per year I go there by bus from Hakata and I just love the view of mountains and rice field.
23/12/2015
Yanagawa
Yanagawa city is located southwest of Fukuoka prefecture. It is well known mainly for typical local cuisine "unagi" (eel fish), that is prepare in a particular way, and for "donkobune" (boat) that rides across the river called "kawa kudari".
"Donkobune" is very interesting, that is manually powered by a long paddle and led by guide who will explain the history of the region throughout tour. This tour is available all year, and in winter the boats are equipped with "kotatsu" (a blanket with a heater), so that the passenger can enjoy more pleasant and cozy way. In addition, you can enjoy the view with the beauty of ancient architecture and natural beauty on the banks of the river and in the city.
23/12/2015
Experience Kagoshima Like Us
When you visit Kagoshima like we do, you have to go to Ibusuki first.
The train to Ibusuki from Kagoshima Chuo Station is about 1hr15mins. We got a group discount for the ticket. Once you come in through Ibusuki station, you may get a one day bus pass at the tourism information desk to allow you to visit the entire area which has nice facilities like Cape Nagasakibana, the Nagasakibana Parking Garden (which has a number of animal, and a great petting zoo for children), the Flower Park Kagoshima (which is truly someplace you have to go to fully appreciate the "zen-ness" of it all), Lake Ikeda (where you can eat noodles spinning in circle, really fun!!!), and Healthy Land (which offers the famous sand bath, and other onsen experiences). Most of these can be rushed through in one day, but if given the choice, I would prefer spending the weekend in Ibusuki, just to be able to take my time and enjoy each experience as they were meant to be appreciated. One must bear in mind that the last bus leaves most locations at about 17:00 and accordingly, most of the places close around the same time. Once you're done and you are ready to head back to Kagoshima city, feel free to dip your feet into the foot onsen before boarding your train.
20/12/2015
JAPANESE HOLIDAY IN KYUSHU (Part 3: Ku…
The next day proved to be excellent. The temperature had dropped. Originally we had booked a Japanese coach tour to visit the Kunisaki Peninsular, but by chance Wakoka who organised our whole trip met an American working for the Kunisaki local government and he offered to take us round. This area is "old Japan" but as often happens with these traditional areas, it is suffering from depopulation, so they are trying to attract foreign tourists and help to regenerate the area. The mountains rise from the sea.
19/12/2015
JAPANESE HOLIDAY IN KYUSHU (Part 2: to…
The next day we started our tour of the Aso Caldera area with a few days at Mt Aso. We first booked into our hotel and then wandered around the village in pursuit of a shrine which we did not find; it turned out to be a long walk exploring the surrounding flatlands and cultivated fields. We had previously left our bags at the hotel but could not clock in until 3pm. Found good coffee and snacks in the cafe next to the hotel and noted that opposite the hotel was a very good patisserie, had to participate each day. (Does this show that we revert to our European roots!!?)The hotel is referred to as a ryokan. However we were a bit taken back when we saw it was a 20th century high rise building. We had a “Japanese room”, but a bit faded and a lot of imitation wood. The futons seemed rather thin, so sleeping on the floor, not the most comfortable for us. It did however have a seating area with chairs. The reception staff are cheerful and helpful, but the eating arrangements are more like eating in the works canteen and the women who kind of clear up and deliver your food look as miserable as sin. This to us seems very unusual because Japanese people are usually cheerful and friendly. On one occasion we actually walked out thinking the meal had finished, before being summoned back for a couple of pieces of fruit.
Friday off to the Volcano Museum, cannot walk anywhere near Nakadake as it is a little active. Looked around the museum, but it is looking a bit tired and in need of a revamp. We also did the circuit of allowed walks, guards being on duty to stop you straying into prohibited areas. Before coming to this area we had heard that there was a local helicopter trip, but it took a lot of finding! We finally discovered that if you went to Cuddly Dominion then they contained the flights. Cuddly Dominion is a kind of children’s zoo. Not so sure about the treatment of the animals, but you have to pay the entrance fee for this, in order to be able to get on the helicopter. A beautiful day so flew as close as we (or the pilot) could to the crater. Well worth doing.
17/12/2015
My Adventure in Kyushu - My Excitement …
Immerse yourself in the heart of natural beauty of Japan!
I have been staying as an exchange student in Kyushu University in Fukuoka City, located in the island of Kyushu for around 2.5 months since last October 2015. Everyday here is like a wonderland! Because of eagerness to discover new places, I've taken any break time and visited dozens of awesome places. Here I want to share it with you.. Hopefully you got a chance to be here someday in the future!^^
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October 2015
#Sanmaparty #Futamigaura #SakuraiShrine
#Kyudou #HakataTomyoLanternWatching #Hanabi
6th October - Sanma Party