19/11/2014
A Journey the Length of Kyushu
We arrived at Fukuoka/Hakata airport after a long but uneventful flight from London. The great thing about this point of arrival in Japan is that the airport is so close to the centre of the city - after a short metro ride we found ourselves checked in and eating delicious meat skewers for a light evening meal at a small local bar. Although we were still in the centre of a modern city small things like a shop totally devoted to chopsticks or fans immediately gave hints of a change from our normal surroundings, and the bowing reception we received from all staff as the first customers to enter a large department store the next morning was both slightly disorientating and delightful.
15/11/2014
River Rafting in Kumamoto
My husband and I travelled around Kyushu in October 2014. Kyushu is an amazing place with castles, volcanoes, onsen, beautiful cities, fantastic gardens and great food. The highlight of our trip was river rafting on Kumagawa river. We booked this through Japan Travel, half day £126.
13/11/2014
The Healing Waters of Kurokawa
Japan’s beauty exists in many forms. Far-removed from the technology-rich metropolis of Tokyo is the south western region of Kyushu. Its rustic elegance and wildlife are captivating like a jewel unscathed by the passage of time. Despite being a mere 14,000mi² in total (roughly the same size as Maryland), Kyushu houses 9 active volcanoes. This high concentration of geothermal activity nourishes thick green forests and a colourful array of wildflowers even in winter months.
Situated in Kumamoto prefecture between mainland Kyushu’s tallest mountain and a caldera that encompasses Japan’s most active volcano is the onsen resort of Kurokawa. Many outdoor baths provide scenic viewpoints of a river which winds through this quaint village. As an onsen enthusiast who has been hot spring hopping in 6 of Kyushu’s 7 prefectures, my retreat to Kurokawa has been the most rewarding so far. The food, nature, architecture, inhabitants, and water will heal even the tiredest bodies.
10/11/2014
Yatai, karaoke, onsen and volcanoes
One Spring we took a train from Tokyo to Kumamoto and then boarded this bright red train for the last part of the journey to Mount Aso from Kumamoto. Spring and Autumn are the greatest seasons in Japan; sunny and warm.
10/11/2014
Hanami in Sasebo
Hanami time in Sasebo!
Are you are looking for a relaxing place in the Sasebo (佐世保) city area to celebrate the Japanese tradition of Hanami? Then take a little venture outside the city to visit Hana no Mori Koen (花の森公園) in Nozaki-cho. It’s a quiet little park with ample free parking, overhead shelter, nice walking paths and lots of clean ground space to spread out your “blue tarp”. In the spring time Hana no Mori koen not only has plenty of beautiful cherry blossom trees to enjoy a bento under, but additionally right across the street is an observation deck to view the nationally famous 99 Islands (九十九島). On a lucky day, you might be able to enjoy the Hanami experience to the sounds of a local chorus groups practicing their songs in the park.
Access to Hana no Mori park in Sasebo city, Nagasaki prefecture is an easy 25 minute drive by car on route 149 along the Tawara ga-Ura honto. But if you are opting for public transportation there are 7 daily Sasebo city busses, costing 810円Yen One-Way, the first running at around 9:00am. From stop #2 at Sasebo main terminal, take a bus heading for Nishi Kojima (西小島) & Tawara ga Ura (俵ヶ浦). After about a 50 minute ride get off at Nozaki (野崎), turn left and walk up the country road following the signs for Nozaki Junior High school. Pass the school on your right and continue walking 5 more minutes and you will see the sign for Hana no Mori park on the right hand side of the road.
Hana no Mori Koen is a great place to have a Hanami-kai, but as a humble suggestion- please prepare/bring all your food and drinks with you that you’ll need for the day. This area is a bit rural and there are no markets or convenience stores close by. And don’t forget the carry in, carry out trash policy.
花見楽しんでください!!!
07/11/2014
Fuku no You Should Go: Nagasaki's …
If you've ever planned, or attempted to plan a trip to The Land of the Rising Sun, you've probably already been asked something along the lines of “Oh! Will you visit an onsen?” Many prospective travelers are already well-aware of Japanese public baths and hot springs, but this question still throws some people for a loop. Several months ago I was no different; I had just settled in a town not too far from Nagasaki City and, after what felt like months of travel, was able to sit down, sip some coffee, and write an e-mail to my family. Alongside the usual questions and praises, the most frequent question I received from my extended family and friends was of course, “Oh! Will you visit an onsen?” It's much easier to wave the question away when comes from an e-mail, but when my coworkers began to ask me, it became a tad more difficult. The idea of an onsen didn't exactly frighten me, per se, but I wasn't in a hurry to visit one either. The very idea of seeing someone else of the same sex nude in a casual setting is somewhat off putting at best. While public baths are considered perfectly normal and valid social gatherings to the Japanese, in the West even stripping to your skivvies in public is fairly taboo. Suffice to say, I was a bit nervous about visiting an onsen, as I'm sure many other travelers are. The phrase “Try it, you'll like it!” has never been so appropriate. Visiting the spa and onsen hybrid known as Fuku no Yu, I can safely say that I have never been in a more relaxing and comfortable place filled with naked people.
01/11/2014
First time to Onsen at Nakagawa
I have always heard from my friend that there is a “worth to go” onsen at Nakagawa. The name of the Onsen is called Nakagawa Seiryu. When my family visited me in Fukuoka, I brought them to experience it. Since my brother in law was not interested on it, he brought his son to enjoy shopping at Canal City while I brought my mum, sister and my niece to Nakagawa.
01/11/2014
Family Trip to Nagasaki
My family and I departed to Nagasaki from Hakata Station by JR. It took about 2 hours to reach Nagasaki JR station. Once we arrived, we bought the one day pass for city tram, which cost about 500 yen per person and children under 3 years old are free.
Then, we took the tram to Chisun Grand Nagasaki hotel in order to leave our luggages in hotel before going to any tourist spots. The hotel located just 2 stations after Nagasaki Ekimae tram station. The hotel staffs were very friendly to us. After resting for a while, we decided to find for food.
We went to Dejima tram station to check on any restaurants, and we saw Chanpon (noodles soup with variety of ingredient in it) near the port. Nagasaki is famous with Chanpon, we decided to try it. We also went to Hamanmachi and to try the special rice with chawanmushi. After done with our late lunch, we took the tram and visited Nagasaki Peace Park. The park just near to Matsuyamamachi tram station. When I reached the entrance of the park, I was so glad that there was escalator next to staircases. I came with my mum so it would be easier for her to enter the park by escalator and not walked through the long way of staircases.