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.

From our inn near Mount Aso we all went for a walk up the mountain through the beautiful countryside.

We hiked up the mountain and looked down into the steaming volcano. You could smell the sulphur in the air.

After a day's hiking there is nothing better than an open air hot bath in warm volcanic waters; the great Japanese tradition of onsen.

The inn had prepared dinner for us; sashimi fish and a barbecue of delicious fish and meats. All we had to do was put the skewers on the BBQ until cooked to perfection.

And of course some cold beer and warm sake goes perfectly with the food.

We even had time the next morning to do some exploring around the area on bicycles, which gave us a great feeling of freedom and independence. Cycling in Japan is very safe.

Fukuoka is famous for yatai, which are street food stalls that you sit inside while the chef cooks a meal for you right in front of you. They may not look appetising but see if there are free spaces to sit down, open the curtain and say konnichi wa and the chef will invite you in. The food was delicious and our chef was very hospitable. The children loved the noodles.