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.
01/11/2014
Experiencing 300 years old Onsen in Kum…
It was an amazing experience to visit a hot spring which has 300 years of historical background. The 300 year old hot spring known as Kurokawa onsen (黒川温泉) located in Kumamoto prefecture, between Hita and Oita prefecture and about 20km north of Mt Aso.