Travel Designer Wietske has just returned from a study trip in Japan. After short stops in Tokyo and Kyoto, she takes a domestic flight to Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. Rarely visited, this southern island is diverse, charming and has everything that makes a trip to Japan so special. Kyushu is rich in breathtaking landscapes, from volcanoes and hot springs to vast green tea fields. At the same time, you will find vibrant cities full of culture and local specialties. The island is also home to ancient pilgrimage routes through the world of hermits, monks and Shoguns. In this blog, Wietske likes to introduce you to this diverse and fascinating part of Japan. Where the world can’t find you…
Fukuoka
The main purpose of this study tour is to visit the island of Kyushu. The first stop is Fukuoka, a bustling city of 1.6 million people with a wonderful mix of old and new. The city breathes history but at the same time has everything that characterizes a big Japanese city: neon lights, huge shopping malls and an abundance of restaurants and bars, while the old part still exudes charm and history. Among all these contrasts, I also visit a very different side of Fukuoka’s surroundings. For example, I take a boat ride on the Yanagawa Canal, while the gondolier sings opera songs in the heavy rain. I taste unagi, a Japanese delicacy of grilled eel, and visit a matcha plantation in Yame known for some of the best matcha in the world. Naturally, I taste this matcha as well. I end the day with drinks at the bar of the beautiful Ritz-Carlton, and we stay at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Fukuoka, located within walking distance of the Nakasu Food Stall Street on the river.
Kumamoto
From Fukuoka, the journey continues to Kumamoto, where the first stop is at the Dazaifu Temple. The temple is currently under restoration, but the beautifully maintained gardens make up for much. A fun fact is that Kumamoto has strong ties to the Netherlands. During the VOC period, many Dutch traders were active in the region, and that influence is still subtly visible. In the quaint stores around Dazaifu, Miffy is remarkably popular, and several stores have shelves full of merchandise and snacks. Following Dazaifu is a visit to Kumamoto Castle, known as one of Japan’s most important castles. Due to a severe earthquake in 2016, only part of the original structure is still standing and the rest is being rebuilt brick by brick. We will stay at the OMO5 Kumamoto Hotel, where we can enjoy a Japanese drum band provided by the hotel in the evening.
Mount Aso and Beppu
In the morning we visit the Suizenji Jojuen Gardens, a vast park where it is surprisingly quiet despite the lively city. While visiting the temple in the gardens, a special moment also takes place: a maiden dance, a traditional dance seen only twice a month. From Kumamoto, the journey continues on the Aso Boy theme train toward Mount Aso. Kyushu is known as the island of fire because of its many volcanoes, and Mount Aso is the largest on the island. The area is surrounded by an impressive and vast landscape. As it is the end of winter, I watch farmers burn the old grass to remove insects that can harm livestock. In spring, the landscape turns fresh green again and the region comes fully alive.
Volcanic activity also brings hot springs, and these mark the beginning of the next destination: Beppu. With a bento box on the train, the route follows through the mountainous landscape to this town, famous for its onsen. Heat from the earth here is not used to heat homes, but feeds the many baths to which visitors come from all over the world. A number of special experiences are scheduled in Beppu. We do a shochu tasting, a Japanese spirit made from sweet potato, rice or barley, followed by a traditional kaiseki dinner with several small, sophisticated dishes. We stay at the beautiful Hoshino Resort Kai Beppu, a modern ryokan right on the bay with sea views from all rooms.
Return trip
With a final stop in Tokyo, where I visit the restaurants and bars in the atmospheric food street Golden Gai, explore the Japanese retail chain Don Quijote and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from my 5* hotel Bellustar Tokyo, this unforgettable trip is slowly coming to an end.
Does Kyushu sound like the perfect destination for you? We are happy to help you put together your dream trip. Travel Designer Wietske will create a tailor-made trip for you, completely tailored to your needs: the highlights you want to see, the type of accommodation that suits you and the desired length of travel.
