Experiencing Family Life in the Countryside & Onsen Trip
On a cool, clear Monday, I headed south on the bullet train from Hakata Station to begin my 3-day tour across Kyushu. I experienced zipping through nearly the entire length of Japan’s fourth-largest main Island as the train sped south to Kagoshima City. My plan was to spend two nights in unique and different accommodations, experiencing both family life in the countryside of Kagoshima and a quiet, luxurious night at an upscale ryokan (Japanese Inn) in a small, ancient onsen town in Oita. I would drive to local attractions on the way to the town of Yufuin and nearby Oita and Beppu Cities and wind up the tour with a drive around Shikanoshima Island to Kinin Park. The island is connected to Kyushu by the Uminonakamichi, literally, the road in the middle of the sea.
My most favorite places on this trip were Mt. Sakurajima and Yunohira Onsen near Yufuin. Standing on the flanks of Sakurajima, an active volcano, was unforgettable as I was able to witness a small eruption and could capture images of the ash billowing up with my camera phone. I was able to look back on the mountain against the evening sky from a safe distance in the comfort of a quiet, seaside foot bath, which was nice and warm as the night air grew chilly and the sunset over the city across the bay.
I loved walking among the many tourists from Korea, China, and SE Asia through the touristy parts of Yufuin with its multitude of craft shops and eateries, but found that the town’s quiet natural scenery just a few blocks away impressed me the most. I’m glad that Yufuin has concentrated so many fun attractions all in a single route because that leaves all the natural beauty wide open for the lone explorer to enjoy in peace on foot or by bicycle. I was able to see colorful autumn hues on the trees everywhere, even though it was the very end of November. During the day, it was still warm enough to enjoy a quiet solo walk along the flowing river, taking in the autumn leaves, the deep blue sky and the unobstructed views of Mt Yufu.
Exploring the quiet and intensely beautiful Yunohira Onsen town on foot, without a single hint of modern life like convenience stores, vending machines, talking elevators, bells ringing, and such was a real, personal “Truly Japan” experience I will treasure forever. The English-speaking staff was informative and hospitable.
On the final day of my tour, I enjoyed the drive through misty mountains on the way to Oita Sports Park Stadium and was impressed by the sheer size of this modern facility and its massive parking lot.
The city of Beppu has a long been a destination port for cruise ships. I enjoyed watching the other tourists.
My final destination took me across “Uminonakamichi,” the road in the middle of the sea in Fukuoka.
I think travelers to Kyushu will fall in love with the great diversity of mountains, fields, and sea that are all within easy reach. Certainly experiencing the warmth of Kyushu’s people, the great food, beautiful traditional gardens, and architectures are treasures that time won’t erase.
