08/12/2015
I Love Kyushu
Love the intricate character designs on this float. This was a display in Fukuoka Airport
02/12/2015
Kitsuki, samurai districts and kimono
Welcome to Kyushu and welcome to Kitsuki city !
Located on the south of Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita prefecture, Kitsuki is one of the few places called the Kyushu's little Kyoto because of its remarkably preserved historic center and its efforts to preserve Japanese traditionnal culture.
Because Oita prefecture is mostly well-known for its onsen culture so I was surprised to discover that there are places with some unique historic heritage too.
29/11/2015
Pleasure life at Myouban hot spring
Last year, I visited Myouban hot spring in Beppu city for taking a private family bath. Myouban onsen is one of a famous area in Beppu Hatto, located under Oita express way, on the hill that can see Beppu bay in your sight.
27/11/2015
Unforgettable Kyushu with my mom
Konnichiwa, everybody. I’m Tan from Bangkok. This is the first time in my life to travel with my mom in a foreign country. My mom has visited Japan a couple of times before. Specifically, she has been to Tokyo and Osaka with tour agents. I, myself, have traveled with friends to several cities in Japan during the past few years. But, for both of us, this is our first visit to Kyushu.
My mom was very impressed with Kyushu because of her last experienced in Japan mostly with tour agents and travelling in the big city but actually she really like country-side more than city-side.
Thanks to the nature of Kyushu that make her very happy. She said to me, “This is like the first time that I can feel really Japan.”
26/11/2015
My Second Kyushu Trip
I visited Kyushu again during 13-19 November 2015. My first time in Kyushu was in the same month of last year. Why Kyushu? The answer is because of the beautiful scenery of many perfectures and of course because of hot springs.
This year I've been to Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Saga and Oita Perfectures. With the rented car, I could go to many attractions. Kikuchi Keikoku Valley was also one of my destinations.
26/10/2015
Hana no Mori Koen
Are you are looking for a relaxing place in the Sasebo 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!!!
16/10/2015
Welcome To Hell
“The path to paradise begins in hell” -Dante Alighieri
I am on a tour of hell in the city of Beppu, Oita, on the beautiful southern island of Kyushu, Japan. Serene and inviting, the cobalt blue water of Ume Jigoku – literally, sea hell – emerged during a volcanic explosion a millennium ago. Its billowing bursts of steam from 200 metres deep are blistering. I continue past my second hell, Oniishibozu Jigoku, where boiling mud slowly bubbles up to appear like a monk’s shaven head; and Shiraike Jigoku, named for its piping-hot milky water. At the murky Kamado Jigoku, a demon statue oversees boiling ponds. Drinking the filtered water here is like sipping hot tea from a Sprite can. While hand and foot baths are tempting, the allure of Oniyama Jigoku, Monster Mountain Hell, beckons. This lugubrious pond is kept watch by crocodiles writhing and slithering as they snap their jaws for food. The intense force of its steam can pull one and a half train cars. At Chinoike Jigoku, the Blood Hell, hot water from deep within the earth melts clay and seethes a bloody red. Its mercurial glow is hypnotic.
26/12/2014
A Visit to Miyazaki Prefecture
My name is Mugabi Jophous an international student from Uganda; and first year master student in the school of bioresource and bioenvironmental sciences in Kyushu University.
I live in Fukuoka city and this year summer I visited Miyazaki prefecture with my Home visit mother. Lying in the south east coast of Kyushu Island, Miyazaki prefecture is about 5 hours drive by bus from Fukuoka city. The journey seemed tiring but when I reached Miyazaki it was really rewarding. My home visit mother’s family warmly welcomed me and brought back my childhood memories of the visitations to my grandparents.
Miyazaki is not a crowded city and I really enjoyed walking freely in the streets and its blue skies no wander they are many places named Ao (blue) such as Aoshima.