A Day Down South …. We started the day early by once again jumping on the Shinkansen for a 90 minute, 250 km journey down to Kagoshima, a beautiful, modern Japanese city. We purchased a one day bus pass and jumped on the bus and headed for the Shiroyama Observatory which towers above the city. A fantastic weather day provided us with great views across the city and best of all views of the active volcano, Mt. Sakurajima.
Back On The Bus …. Our next point of call was the famous Sengan-en Gardens established in the mis 1600’s. These are beautifully maintained traditional Japanese gardens and with the autumn colours, trickling streams and the peacefulness made this a very relaxing place. That was until we came across the filming of parts of a Japanese movie with many actors parading around in traditional Japanese dress. It became an interesting interlude in our walk around the gardens.
Now Onto A Ferry …. Another short bus ride to the ferry terminal and we were on our way to the island of Sakurajima made famous by the fact that it has one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Our one day bus pass entitled us to a tour of the island stopping off at many key vantage points to view the island and the volcano. It was then back on the bus to return to the station and a leisurley 90 minute ride back to our apartment.
An Early Start …. Next morning we jumped once again on the Shinkansen and headed for Oita on the east coast of Kyushu. From there onto a local train to travel to a small town called Yufuin. This 50 km trip was fascinating as it passed through small villages, across mountain streams and rivers with beautiful autumn tonings everywhere.
Yes, Another Bus …. We purchased a bus pass for a scenic tour of the town and visited a nursery, then a temple followed by a shrine. The one hour trip was a scream as we were the only tourists on the small bus and we communicated with the driver in broken English with many laughs between us.
Walking the Town …. After our entertaining city tour we walked the main street of Yufuin which has many tourist shops selling souvenirs, local foods and a whole range of unidentifiable goods. It was then back on the train to Oita for an overnight stop.
We Walk Oita …. Oita is another modern Japanese city with wide streets and of course plenty of shopping. Our hotel was at the end of a long shopping arcade so we took the opportunity to walk the length of this covered mall and take in the local atmosphere.
We Visit Hell …. Back on the train for an 8 minute train ride to Beppu. Purchased another one day bus pass and was on our way to ‘Hell’. That is the western name given to the Jigoku Meguri Hot Springs area in Beppu. You purchase a ticket that covers the 7 main hot springs which are separated by either a short bus ride or walk between each. You see geysers gushing out boiling water, boiling mud, steam and red ponds called blood ponds. This is a fascinating area and presented in pristine gardens. We even took a foot bath in the very hot thermal water.
Now Into Heaven …. From hell we literally went to heaven. Another bus ride climbing further up the mountains to the Beppu Ropeway. This ropeway takes you to 1300 meters above sea level to offer views over all of Beppu and Oita. The autumn colours on the way to the top were magnificent.
We Return To Our Apartment …. We then jumped on another train back to Fukuoka and our Airbnb after two fantastic days on the east coast of Kyushu. Our final day was spent exploring parts of Fukuoka we hadn’t yet visited and the following morning onto the Shinkansen for our trip to Kyoto.
