Journey through Kyushu
Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu! Happy New Year! I hope everyone, whether near or far had a wonderful holiday season. I’m sure it was a different type of holiday season. Like us, it was just 3 of us (Alex made it to college and out of quarantine at the beginning of Dec), no other family to visit us, but it was nice to relax, enjoy some time off, explore and appreciate the little things in life- family, health and love. Around December, covid numbers were starting to increase in Japan. The snow this winter in Hokkaido and other mountainous areas were getting record breaking levels, but unfortunately, we are not snow lovers or skiers, (island girl from Hawaii), so we decided to go south to the sub- tropical part of Japan- Kyushu. We adventured to 7 new prefectures over 12 days, it was incredible. Highlighting a few favorites from each prefecture.
Kagoshima
When I started doing research about Kyushu, I read about the active volcano Sakurajima. I had to visit it. It was spectacular. Everyday, the volcano is erupting letting off varying amounts of steam and ash. I found a hotel with views directly of Mt. Sakura. We couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous views.
Sakurajima is an active volcano and smokes with minor eruptions daily. The island is inhabited by roughly 4500 people. From Kagoshima port you take a 15 min ferry ride to the island. On the island we walked to the visitor center and had some fun at the Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park 100 meter long outdoor foot bath. Water is from the natural hot spring water from 1000 meters underground. It was very hot on this cold December day and just what we needed for tired feet. Andrew refused to dip his feet since the water had minerals and was not entirely clear. It was amazing!
Oita
One famous town in the Oita prefecture is Beppu- known for the hot springs and Onsen (Japanese hot springs bath). It was spectacular! Definitely a place to relax and enjoy nature. Probably the most famous place to visit are the Hells of Beppu- 7 amazing hot springs to see, not to bathe in, but to see. Take a taxi and at any of the 7 hot springs you can get a walking map. Each “hell” hot spring has a special theme.
Our hotel was on the water, a Japanese Ryokan with a private Onsen. So tranquil and peaceful. Beppu is a must on your list when you travel to Kyushu. We will be back.
Miyazaki
Miyazaki is a large prefecture. We decided to visit the picturesque Takachiho Gorge and waterfall. It was definitely a gorgeous site to visit and one of my favorite places in Japan. Takachiho Gorge can be experiences from the top and on the water. You must rent a little row boat to view the Manai Falls. Beware that some tourist don’t know how to steer a row boat. Takachiho was a very quaint town, with very limited dining options. We stayed at the lovely Shonenji Temple Lodge and had a private tour of the 440 year old pure land Buddhist temple. You will definitely want to rent a car for this destination, but totally worth the trip.
