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| Mt Aso region |
Japan, I missed you so. It had been about two years since we met.
It was Kyushu this time round instead of my usual favorite - Tokyo. Just thought of exploring somewhere new and less populated.
When researching for the trip to Kyushu, I realised that one week was definitely inadequate to explore the whole of Kyushu. Hence, it was going to be just northern area to optimise the use the Kyushu JR Pass for Northern area.
Here's my itinerary for one week in northern Kyushu via public transport.
Day 1:
- Arrive in Fukuoka 福岡 in the afternoon.
- Ramen lunch at Ichiran 一蘭 which is found in an underground mall, Sun Plaza, that was linked to Hakata Station. This was a famous chain of tonkotsu ramen (pork bone soup base) in Japan.
- Shopped at the Marinoa City (outlet mall). There was a direct bus from Hakata station (west exit) to the mall.
- Overnight at JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Fukuoka which was next to Hakata station.
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| Ramen at Ichiran. |
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| The rest area got sparkling at dusk. |
Day 2:
- Morning stroll in Ohori Park 大濠公園. This wasn't in the plan initially since we intended to set off to Yufuin 由布院 in the morning.
- Start using the JR pass to take train to Yufuin 由布院. The train tickets were selling very well (not sure if it was due to the higher number of tourists from neighbouring countries during the Chinese New Year period). Hence, our departure schedule had to be postponed to the afternoon. Choose the Yufuin-no-mori themed train which would made passengers feel like the outing starts right at the moment you stepped on board.
- Overnight stay in Yufuin Hanayoshi ゆふいん花由, a ryokan that offered in in-room onsen bath and exquisite dinner and traditional breakfast. It was late afternoon when we arrived at Yufuin station. As arranged with the ryokan, a driver came to pick up the guests. The night ended with a delicious fine-dining kind of Japanese dinner and a good night sleep on the futon on the tatami room.
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| Ohori Park |
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| in-room outdoor bath |
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| the start of the fine-dining Japanese dinner when a lot of times I had no idea what I'm eating. |
Day 3:
- Intended to visit Lake Kinrin 金麟湖 in the early morning to see the unusual mist over the lake. But, we were unsuccessful in making arrangement for cab service before we set off. Nevertheless, we visited Lake Kinrin after we checked out of the ryokan in late morning.
- Strolled between Lake Kinrin and Yufu station and explored the unique shops along the way. Though the walk between the two places was about 20 min, the actual journey was longer as we stopped, ate, shopped and repeat. To be able to walk around baggage-free, we had deposited our luggages at the left luggage shop across the Yufuin station.
- Took train to Kumamoto 熊本 .
- Since it was evening time when we reached Kumamoto, we took the local tram to the Kamitori / Shimotori area for dinner and shopping. Had katsu dinner at the popular Katsuretsu Tei.
- Stayed at JR Kyushu Hotel Kumamoto for three nights.
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| Mt Yufu at sunrise |
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| Lake Kinrin |
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| Tram in Kumamoto city |
Day 4:
- It was a day trip to to the active volcano, Mt Aso 阿蘇山. Took the train from Kumamoto to Aso station, then transferred to a shuttle bus that looped at the Mt Aso Ropeway. It was a matter of natural forces and luck that determined if we could really get to see the crater. In the end, luck wasn't on our side. What else could we do when the ropeway was closed? Experienced forces of nature at Aso Super Ring, had a bowl of ramen at the eating house, shopped for souvenirs and be caught by surprise when it snowed. All these activities killed time till the next bus arrived.
- Our next stop was Kusasenri草千里. This was a huge plain and we got to see the smoking Mt Naka when the sky cleared.
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| Prayed for sudden clear weather that would allowed the ropeway to run to the Naka crater. |
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| Kusasenri |
Day 5:
- Visited the Kumamoto Castle 熊本城. We were fortunate to see the grandeur of this intricate replica because the castle was closed (till further notice) after the the earthquake in April 2016.
- Travelled to the port city, Nagasaki 長崎 via train.
- Visited the Mt Inasa for its night scenery which was reputed to be the top 3 night scenery in Japan.
- Had reunion dinner of Champon noodles at Chinatown.
- Overnight at Hotel New Nagasaki.
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| Kumamoto Castle |
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| One of the top three night scenery in Japan. From Mt Inasa. |
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| Champon noodles. Didn't look as good as it tasted. Another bowl, pls. |
Day 6:
- Took a coastal train ride to the next destination, Huis Ten Bosch ハウステンボス.
- Immersed in the holland-themed park. The buildings' facade looked a lot like Holland ones. It was a well-timed visit as we would love to see the tulips field at the start of the season. Later in the night, it was the night illumination that fascinated us.
- Optimised the JR train pass on the 5th day since its use.
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| Huis Ten Bosch - the tulip season just started then. |
Day 7:
- Had wanted to do the Yanagawa river punting in the morning. Unfortunately, R was feeling sick and aborted it.
- Instead, it was time do some last minute shopping.
Kyushu was not characteristic of Japan except for its many active volcanos around. Nevertheless, it was ideal destination should one like to avoid crowds yet experience Japanese culture, hospitality and the cuisine.
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