Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Kotsuki River 甲突川

Visited 26.03.2014

Last minute. As the full bloom period only took place on the last few days of our trip in Kyushu, was hoping to witness the short lived beauty of Sakura again before we depart from Japan. Did a last minute search online and found this cherry blossom viewing spot which is within walking distance from Kagoshima Chuo JR Station. After alighting from the train, we had to quicken our walking pace to get to the park situated alongside Kotsuki River as we had only an hour to spare before boarding the next train to Kumamoto.

The walk from the train station took about 10 minutes. Kotsuki River runs through the city center of Kagoshima. There are about 500 cherry blossom trees planted along the river bank, therefore making this a popular hanami spot during spring, between late Mar to mid Apr. The river bank has started to turn pink on the day of our visit and should be at its best a few days later. Did not walk too far down the river bank because of time constraint. Perform a quick stroll with my head tilted upwards to look at the trees, tapping my camera phone occasionally to capture the different faces of cherry blossom flowers. Mesmerised by the beautiful flowers, we almost forgot about the time and had to rush back to catch the northbound train. Though it was a short encounter, seeing these delicate flowers again was a great way to end my short stay in Kagoshima Prefecture!

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Kotsuki River 甲突川
Cherry blossom blooming period: late Mar to mid Apr

How to get there? 
Approx 10 minutes walk from Kagoshima Chuo JR Station. Turn left from the East exit. Along the way, you will see Kagommafurusato Yataimura (かごっまふるさと屋台村).

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Day 12 & 13 Itinerary: Kagoshima 鹿児島, Kumamoto 熊本, Fukuoka 福岡

Day 12: 26.03.2014
* Day 5 of 5 Day JR Kyushu Rail Pass

Ohori Park

Breakfast: Tsukimiso 旅館月見荘

Tsukimiso 旅館月見荘 > Ibusuki JR Station 指宿駅
by hotel free shuttle service.

Ibusuki JR Station 指宿駅 (0901 hrs) > Kagoshima Chuo JR Station 鹿児島中央駅 (1020 hrs)
by local train.

Visited Kotsuri River 甲突川.

Kagoshima chuo JR Station 鹿児島中央駅 (1110 hrs) > Kumamoto JR Station 熊本駅 (1206 hrs)
by Sakura 552.

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Kumamoto ekimae 熊本駅前 > Torichosuji 通町筋
by Kumamoto City Tram, via A line. Fee = 150 yen.

Lunch: Kourantei 紅蘭亭, at Shimo Tori.

Visited Kumamon Square くまモンスクエア, at Tsuruya.
Watched Kumamon's performance @ 1500 hrs.

Suidocho 水道町 > Karashimacho 辛島町,
by Kumamoto City Tram, via A line. Fee = 150 yen.

Collect luggage from Mitsui Garden Hotel.

Mitsui Green Hotel > Kumamoto JR Station 熊本駅
by taxi.

Kumamoto JR Station 熊本駅 (1559 hrs) > Hakata JR Station 博多駅 (1637 hrs)
by Sakura 562.

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Check in: JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo JR九州ホテル ブラッサム博多中央

Bought 1 day Fukuoka City Subway Pass. Fee = 600 yen.
* 500 yen on weekends & Public Holidays, 600 yen on weekdays.[520 yen & 620 yen from Apr 2014 onwards] 


Hakata 博多 > Ohori Park 大濠公園
by Fukuoka City Subway, via Kuko line (orange line).

Visited Maizuru Park 舞鶴公園.

Ohori Park 大濠公園 > Tenjin 天神
by Fukuoka City Subway, via Kuko line.

Shopping @ Daimaru.

Tenjin 天神 > Hakata 博多
by Fukuoka City Subway, via Kuko line.

Shopping @ Tokyu Hands.

Dinner: Yoshinoya, branch @ Hakata JR Chikusi Exit.

- End of Day 12 -

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Day 13: 27.03.2014

Breakfast: Dotour Coffee, branch @ Hakata subway station.

Hakata > Fukuoka Airport
by Fukuoka City Subway, via Kuko line. Fee = 250 yen.

Fukuoka Domestic Airport > FUK
by free airport shuttle bus.

FUK (1000 hrs) > SIN T2 (1535 hrs)
by SQ 655

- End of Kyushu Spring 2014 Trip -

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Natural Sand Bath Center "Saraku" 砂むし会館 砂楽

Visited 25.03.2014

Sand bath comes into mind almost immediately when you mention Ibusuki to most people. One of items on my "must do" list during this trip to Kyushu was to transfer southwards to experience the therapeutic effects from burying the body under the sand. Currently, Hakusuikan (白水館) is the only hotel/ryokan that has its own sand bath facility, which also explains why it is one of the high end accommodation in Ibusuki, most people will make their way to Saraku to participate in this activity. We stayed in Tsukimiso for a night and came to Saraku, located just opposite the ryokan, after checking in our luggage.

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Steps:

(1) Buy a ticket and receive a yukata from the reception located on the second floor. Do note that you can buy a head towel for 120 yen and rent a towel for 200 yen as well. Otherwise, please bring along your own towels or those provided by the accommodation you are staying in.

(2) Change into the yukata in the dressing room (separated by gender) located on the first floor and proceed to the outdoor sand bath area. Wait for your turn until the attendant signals/directs you to any empty spots in the sand field. After lying down, he/she will place the head towel over the neck and around the head. Next, sand will be scooped onto your body to cover the entire body under sand. Brought along my phone as I was hoping to take some photos. Fortunately, the staff was eager to help capture a shot after "burying" me under the sand. After the photo is taken, he put my phone into a plastic bag and placed it at a nearby aisle within my sight.

(3) Duration of sand bath is approx 10 minutes. Halfway through the course, I was already perspiring and the heat from the sand helped to ease my backache as well. To end the session, just wriggle your limbs to loosen the sand and sit upright. Try to sweep off some the sand and return to the main building. Deposit your soiled yukata at a collection counter and head down to the public bathroom equipped with hot spring facilities. Change back into your clothes at the dressing room.

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Natural Sand Bath Center "Saraku" 砂むし会館 砂楽
〒891-0406　鹿児島県指宿市湯の浜五丁目25番18号
Opening hrs: 0830 - 2030 hrs
http://sa-raku.sakura.ne.jp/saraku00.htm

Bottom left: Visitors can also enjoy footbath here. 

How to get there?
(1) By bus. From Ibusuki JR Station (指宿駅), board the bus heading for Iwasaki Hotel (いわさきホテル) or Higashi Ogawa (東大川) and alight at Suna Mushi Kaikan mae (砂むし会館前). Bus journey takes approx 4 mins.
Bus schedule (in Japanese): http://www.city.ibusuki.lg.jp/modules/xfsection/cache/uploaded/basubasu.pdf

(2) By foot. Approx 20 minutes walk from Ibusuki JR Station.

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Tsukimisho 旅館月見荘

Stayed 25.03.2014
Reserved thru' email.
- Half board (dinner & breakfast), twin sharing Japanese style room: 14,850 yen/person

View of Tsukimisho from Saraku.

Spent some time searching for a hotel/ryokan in Ibusuki and decided to go with Tsukimisho, a family operated ryokan located just opposite Saraku, the public sand bath facility. Most of the accommodation here are located near the coastal area, about 20 - 30 minutes walk away from Ibusuki JR Station. Wanted to avoid large scale hotels which are normally crowded with tour groups such as Shusuien (秀水園) and Ginsyou (吟松), yet stay close to Saraku, and Tsukimiso fulfilled both criteria aptly.

Hospitality. Tsukimisho is a small scale, half century old (founded in 1957) ryokan operated by a family. Currently the business is managed by the third generation. With only seven rooms available, do make sure room reservation is arranged as early as possible especially during peak holiday seasons. Sent my enquires and reservations through email and the owner was prompt in reply. Upon request, he also helped to arrange a sightseeing taxi for us to visit several attractions in Ibusuki. Majority of the staffs here are not proficient in English, but they are patient in their explanation, coupled with hand gestures and always seen to be full of smiles and energy. Met the family - the owner's parents, his wife and adorable children on the next morning, who greeted us warmly and gathered the reassurance that our stay had been pleasant so far. Tsukimisho also provides shuttle service to/from Ibusuki JR Station - just need to inform them beforehand to enjoy this complimentary service (service is available after 3 pm, departing from Ibusuki JR Station and before 10 am, departing from the ryokan). 

Facilities. During our 3 hours long sightseeing journey in Ibusuki, our driver stopped by a coastal road and explained to us that several of laydown pipings seen here were used to transfer hot spring waters from the source to hotels/ryokans in Ibusuki, including Tsukimisho. Frankly speaking, hot spring facilities in Tsukimiso is not at its best. There are two communal public bathroom, separated by gender, each having an indoor and an outdoor section. The outdoor pool is actually a sheltered extension of the main building to the road and is totally covered, therefore you won't get to see the nearby beach despite the close proximity. Room was typical Japanese style with tatami mats. As this ryokan is only two storey tall and is separated from the nearby coastal area by Saraku, we could not get enjoy a sea view from the rooms.

Food. A good spread of food was served during dinner, and this included some dishes which I have not eaten before. Like their signature pork spare ribs which were stewed in shochu, brown sugar and miso - well-caramelized on the outside, tender and moist in the inside. Had my first taste of banded blue sprat sashimi (きびなご) as well; though it looked slimy, the sashimi was fresh without any tint of fishy smell. Other dishes served include an appetizer platter, chicken tataki, sashimi, tempura, kurobuta (black pig) hot pot, etc. Breakfast was much simpler - rice accompanied with salad, pickled vegetables, soft boiled egg, meat balls, grilled fish and miso soup.

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Tsukimisho 旅館月見荘
〒891-0406 鹿児島県指宿市湯の浜5-24-8天然砂むし温泉「砂楽」前
http://www.tsukimi.jp/

How to get there?
(1) By taxi. Approx 4 mins from Ibusuki JR Station.
(2) By foot. Approx 25 mins from Ibusuki JR Station.

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Nagasakibana 長崎鼻

Visited 25.03.2014

Last attraction we visited during our three hour long taxi sightseeing ride in Ibusuki. Our driver recommended us to include this place into our itinerary since there was ample time. Nagasakibana is located at the southernmost tip of Satsuma Peninsula, but this is not the most southern point of Kyushu. From the car park, we walked along a path, lined up with shops on one side, that leads all the way to a white lighthouse. Along the way, spotted a stone statue of Urashima Taro and the turtle which he rescued - a depict of the scene from the well known Japanese folk tale. Nagasakibana is said to be the place where Urashima Taro left to visit the Dragon Palace under the sea and returned 300 years later. A beautiful bright red Ryugu Shrine (龍宮神社) stands at the cape, where Princess Toyotama (豊玉姫), the god of sea's daughter, is being worshipped here. Weather was good in the afternoon and we were able to see the majestic cone shaped Kaimondake, referred to as the "Mt Fuji of Satsuma", clearly from here. 

Left: Ryugu Shrine; Right: Snap dragons and rape seed flowers carpet.

Remember... This taxi sightseeing journey has been very memorable; fine weather and we came at the right time for hanami (sakura viewing) as well. Apart from these external factors which were not within our control, credits should also be given to our taxi driver for making this short day trip a smooth and enjoyable one. Despite knowing only a few simple English phrases and minimal communication between us, he was a credible ambassador of Ibusuki and took pride in his tour guide role. In every attraction we visited, he offered to take group photos for us, before we requested for it. At Nagasakibana, he bought a bag of mikans to us, hoping we could try the locally produced fruits. Another action that left a deep impression occurred during our way out from Nagasakibana. Was hoping to see a field of rape seed flowers at Nishi Oyama JR Station but we reached slightly after the blooming season. As the car drove out of Nagaskibana, we spotted a flower farm which has a carpet of bright yellow rapeseed flowers and vibrant snap dragons flowers. Not sure whether he read my mind or saw the disappointment on my face when I was at the train station previously, he turned into the flower farm and gave us some time to look around. It was indeed a pleasant surprise for me and we were exhilarated! Had to thank him a couple of times for the great hospitality he has shown throughout the journey, before we parted. To me, simple acts like these make travelling in a foreign country comfortable and create memories that I will reminisce for a long time. 

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Nagasakibana 長崎鼻
鹿児島県指宿市山川岡児ケ水
http://www.ibusuki.or.jp/ml_english/tg003_nagasakibana/index.php

How to get there? 
From Ibusuki JR Station (指宿駅), board the bus heading for Nagasakibana. The duration of the bus journey is approx 35 minutes.
Bus schedule (in Japanese): http://www.city.ibusuki.lg.jp/modules/xfsection/cache/uploaded/basubasu.pdf

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Nishi Oyama JR Station 西大山駅

Visited 25.03.2014

Nishi Oyama JR Station, on Ibusuki Markurazaki line.

This is one of the many unmanned train station in Kyushu with only a bus stop equivalent shelter and is served by local trains. Yet with such simple infrastructure, why are people all flocking to this train station when they visit Ibusuki?

Map with locations of JR train stations at 4 extreme points of Japan.

Significance. Geographically, Nishi Oyama is JR's southernmost train station in Japan. Many people (railway fans in particular) made their way to this symbolic train station to capture a shot with the geographical marker erected on the platform. With mere 16 local trains making a stop here per day (total number in both directions), visitors need to be familiar with the train schedule prior the visit. From the train station, one can also capture a scenic view of blooming rapeseed field (in spring) and majestic Mt Kaimon in the background. With such significance and beautiful surroundings, Nishi Oyama JR Station has grown to become one of the many tourist attraction in Ibuski.

Sent a postcard home through the yellow postbox.

Bell of happiness & yellow postbox. Headed down to a nearby shop to purchase a proof of visit certificate (100 yen) which came with commemorative train station stamp (かいもん市場　久太郎). Apart from the certificate, one other goal of my visit was to drop a postcard in this unconventional yellow postbox located beside the train station. In Japan, locals deemed paying a visit to such symbolic places (e.g. the name, history, or in this case due to its geographical location) as a sense of achievement and it is said that one will be blessed with good luck or one's wishes will come true after that. The ritual that most visitors go through here is to first make a wish, followed by sounding the bell of happiness and lastly, send a letter/postcard through the yellow postbox. A simple action to fulfill the spiritual well being for some.     

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How to get there? 

* Did not come here by train due to the infrequent train service. Covered this attraction as part of my 3 hours sightseeing taxi hire in Ibusuki.

(1) By train.
From Ibusuki JR Station, catch a local train to Nishi Oyama JR Station. Duration is approx 17 minutes.
Ibusuki > Nishi Oyama: 0609, 0713, 1127, 1318, 1715, 1826, 1947, 2120 hrs
Nishi Oyama > Ibusuki: 0544, 0706, 0829, 0900, 1418, 1656, 1928, 2052 hrs

Check exact train schedule on Hyperdia: http://www.hyperdia.com/

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Video: Scroll to 33:25 for 遇约九州's feature on Nishi Oyama JR Station.

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Commemorative stamp:

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Lake Ikeda 池田湖

Visited 25.03.2014

View of Lake Ikeda from an elevation.

This was the second place we came to during our sightseeing taxi ride in Ibusuki. Lake Ikeda is largest lake in Kyushu: about 15 m wide in circumference and 233 m deep.

Our driver brought us to two different spots to view Lake Ikeda. The first one was at an elevation, which provided a panoramic view of this beautiful caldera lake with the majestic Mt Kaimon in the background. Could not locate the exact position on Google Map. The only information I could trace about this place was from Ibusuki Kankou Taxi website (指宿観光タクシー) and it is known as Ikeda Ohashi (池田大橋). Cherry blossom trees are found at this observation spot, which further elevate its beauty during spring. I believe this place is only accessible via car at this point of time.

Bottom right: Statue of a long neck creature, which was once spotted in the mysterious lake, found at the second spot

The second location is at ground level and is accessible via local buses. A huge statue of a long necked creature is erected beside the lake. It was said that many years ago, this creature named Isshi (イッシー) was spotted in the caldera lake. Huge mottled eels, which inhabited in Lake Ikeda are kept in an aquarium that occupied one small section of the souvenir shops. One other attraction at this spot is the adjacent fields which are covered with flowers at different time of the year - rape seed in spring and cosmos in summer.

Which is better? I will recommend admiring the scenery of the lake and Mt Kaimon from an elevation. The view at grade level felt less captivating despite the blooming field of flowers in the foreground.

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Lake Ikeda 池田湖
〒891-0312, 鹿児島県指宿市池田中浜
http://www.ibusuki.or.jp/modules/xfsection/article.php?articleid=1

How to get there? 
From Ibusuki JR Station (指宿駅), board the bus heading for Mt Kaimon and Nagasakibana. The duration of the bus journey is approx 35 minutes.
Bus schedule (in Japanese): http://www.city.ibusuki.lg.jp/modules/xfsection/cache/uploaded/basubasu.pdf

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Uomidake 魚見岳

Visited 25.03.2014 (Tue)

Reached the summit of Uomidake. 

Uomidake is the first out of four places we visited in Ibusuki during a three hours long sightseeing taxi journey and is my favourite amongst them. So far, I'm not aware of any local buses which will serve this area, therefore you have to depend on an automobile to visit this spot.

Nearby Chiringashima and blooming sakura forms a beautiful scenery.

It was a pleasure peering out the windows to see blooming cherry blossom trees that lined the side of the winding road to the summit. This hill stands at 215 m tall and commands a good view of Chiringashima (知林ヶ島), an inhabited island, Ibusuki city and as far as Mt Kaimon on a good day. There are about 1,000 cherry blossom trees around here and blooming period falls between mid March to early April. I was already quite satisfied with the amount of blooming flowers I saw at Sakurajima Dinosaur Park in the morning, but this place was an elevation from what was experienced earlier in the day. Lush greenery with patches of pink forms a breathtaking picturesque scenery with the nearby Chiringashima. Was also lucky enough to capture the appearance of a faint sandbank that connects Chiringashima to the mainland (which occurs during low tide between March and October). Yet again mesmerisd by the beauty of nature and hopefully I get to cross over to Chringashima on my next trip to Ibusuki (if the sandbank appears on the day of my visit). 

Paragliding can be carried out here. 

Another breathtaking shot.

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Uomidake 魚見岳
鹿児島県指宿市東方
http://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/10657/

How to get there?

(1) By car. Takes about 20 mins by car from Ibusuki JR Station 指宿駅.