Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Maizuru Park 舞鶴公園

Visited 15.03.2014, 26.03.2014

Fukuoka Castle ruins in Maizuru Park.

Luck. The ultimate aim of this trip to Kyushu was to experience cherry blossom season. From late Dec and early Jan onwards, the meteorological center in Japan issues a forecast on the bloom of cherry blossoms and updates the information progressively. Despite efforts to plan this trip based on past years' data, we were still about 1 - 2 weeks earlier than the full bloom period. Visited Maizuru Park on the very first day when we arrived in Kyushu but could only see flower buds. No luck in Ureshino Onsen as well. Nearer to the end of this trip, we finally witnessed the beauty of these flowers in Sakurajima and Ibusuki. On the day before we flew back to Singapore, we made our way to Maizuru Park again and was amazed by the transformation one week later. Was extremely delighted to see the entire park decorated by beautiful blooming cherry blossom trees. 

Day 1: No flowers at all!

Day 12: In time to catch the blooming flowers.

Maizuru Park is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Fukuoka. There is a symbol assigned to every station in Fukuoka subway and the nearest subway station, Ohori Park, is represented by Sakura! There are about 1000 cherry blossom trees planted in Maizuru Park and the blooming period falls between late March to mid April. Maizuru Park is also where the ruins of Fukuoka Castle can be found. Series of activities are kicked off during the cherry blossom festival which typically last over a week or so. This is the time whereby people start to flock in with their picnic mats, enjoy their food and drinks while admiring these pink flowers which appear only once a year.

During the festival week, the stage for these flowers are lighted up brightly at night till 2200 hrs. The contrast against the dark skies makes these delicate flowers look exceptionally mesmerizing and endearing. Therefore, do not forget to pay a visit to the park at night to participate in "夜桜" (sakura viewing at night) during the short cherry blossom period. 

Contented to catch a glimpse of these blooming flowers in Maizuru Park just before going home!

Other Sakura viewing spot? Nishi Park (西公園), located about 7 minutes walk from Ohori Park subway station, is also a well known hanami location in Fukuoka city.


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Maizuru Park 舞鶴公園
〒810-0043　中央区城内1
http://www.midorimachi.jp/park/detail.php?code=302001

How to get there?

By Fukuoka city subway, via Kuko line (orange line) towards Meinohama and alight at Ohori Park (K06). 

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo JR九州ホテル ブラッサム博多中央

Stayed 26.03.2014 (Wed)
Reserved thru' Booking.com
- Twin Room = 12,000 yen (exclusive of breakfast)

This is the 2nd hotel we stayed in Hakata. Compared to Miyako Hotel, JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo is newer in almost all aspects but the former has the classy flair. In terms of price, Blossom is cheaper than Miyako as well. There are two JR Kyushu hotels in Hakata, both strategically rooted near the train station - Blossom Hakata Chuo is located on the Hakata Exit, whereas Blossom Fukuoka is located on Chikusi Exit. Booked the twin room which are larger at 25 m2, with adequate walking space and could even occupy a side table with chairs. Modern design, business hotel concept, equipped with all the things one need for a good one night stay.

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What's nearby?

(1) Hakata JR Station, the busiest train station and gateway to other parts of Kyushu.

(2) Fukuoka city subway: Hakata Station (K11), on Kuko line (orange line)

• 3 stops away from Tenjin Station (K08). Transfer to Nishitetsu train to Dazaifu and Yanagawa. 
• 2 stops away from Fukuoka Domestic Terminal (K13).

Right: Delicious Hakata no Ishidatami from Chocolate Shop; Top left: Hakata JR Station signboard key chain from Tokyu Hands; Bottom left: Visited Doutor for breakfast before we departed from Hakata.

(3) JR Hakata City

• Houses two shopping mall: AMU Plaza and Hankyu.
• Tokyu Hands occupies five storeys here. On the first floor, a space is dedicated to the sale of Kyushu souvenirs and JR Kyushu merchandise. If you miss out on some of the merchandises sold on board the train, you may be able to find it here again. Bought a key chain with Hakata JR Station sign board here. 
• Chocolate Shop, located on the first floor just opposite to Tokyu Hands, is a famous confectionery and sweets shop which originated in 1942 in Hataka. One of their signature cake is Hakata no Ishidatami (博多の石畳), made up of layers of chocolate sponge cake and chocolate mousse, sandwiched with fresh cream and covered with chocolate powder. The rich chocolate mousse melts and fills up the pores in the light and fluffy sponge cake, leaving a satisfying chocolaty sensation in the mouth.   

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JR Kysuhu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo JR九州ホテル ブラッサム博多中央
〒812-0011 福岡県福岡市博多区博多駅前2-2-11
http://www.jrk-hotels.co.jp/en/Hakatachuo/

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Kumamon Square くまモンスクエア

Visited 26.03.2014

Meet him in person! Have introduced this adorable mascot of Kumamoto in an earlier post - how popular he has become since he came into the scene in 2011. Had the chance to stay in a Kumamon themed room for two nights (in Mitsui Green Hotel) but nothing beats meeting Kumamon in person! Touted as the most successful ambassador of Kumamoto, his popularity has earned him an "office" in the heart of Kumamoto city. Kumamon Square acts as both a tourist visitor center and local community hall where the goodness of Kumamoto are being promoted here. Kumamon returns to his office occasionally to interact with his supporters and show off his amazingly agile dance movements! 

Also last minute. Slotted this attraction in last minute. Found out that Kumamon will be in his office on the day (at 1500 hrs) when we return to Kumamoto to collect our luggage before heading northwards to Hakata. Gave up the intention to visit Kumamoto Castle again to witness the blooming cherry blossom flowers (was not full bloom a few days ago) and decided to made our way to Kumamon Square shortly after lunch to finally meet this cuddly bear in person. 

Mini theme park. Kumamon Square is situated on the first floor of Tsuruya Departmental Store. Reached ahead of the performance timing by about 15 mins to secure a good spot. A decent crowd started to swarm in to occupy the entire hall as the time drew closer and staffs stopped more visitors from coming in when it was almost full house. Could only scan through the entire compound since we were unable to move around freely among the crowd. Kumamon Square is like a mini Kumamon theme park. His office door was closed and a window blind, which has a picture of him sleeping, was drawn down. Was expecting Kumamon to swing open the door and appear from his office; eventually he entered from main entrance of Kumamon Square. A black letter box (with Kumamon's face on it) was placed outside his office for visitors to drop him notes or letters. A section was dedicated to the sale of Kumamon's merchandises - postcards, stationery, plushies, snacks and tableware, which were created exclusively for Kumamon Square. Did notice that there is a snack counter selling soft serves and drinks too. 

Kumamoto Idol. When Kumamon appeared punctually at 1500 hrs, all the audience of all ages were exhilarated. Kumamon couldn't speak and had to rely on his co host to convey his thoughts; but he was a natural performer - every action he made never fails to tickle everyone on the ground. Every now and then, he will come down from the stage to shake hands with the audience and hug the children seated on the front row. During one segment, his co host asked where the audience came from to see him and I was surprised to see most came from other parts of Japan, some as far as Hokkaido! We were the only foreigners in the group. Raised my hand frantically and exclaimed I came from Singapore to meet him. And of course Kumamon gave a shocked look by means of action and bowed to us to express his gratitude. Had to leave in the middle of the performance to collect our luggage from the hotel and head for the train station. A short yet memorable encounter with the idol of Kumamoto! 

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Kumamon Square くまモンスクエア
〒860-0808 熊本市中央区手取本町8番2号 テトリアくまもとビル 1階
Opening hrs: 1000 - 1900 hrs
Fee admission.
Note: To meet Kumamon in person, do check out his schedule on the official website. 

http://www.kumamon-sq.jp/en/

How to get there? 
Take Kumamoto City Tram (A line from Kumamoto JR Station towards Kengunmachi 健軍町) and alight at Suidocho 水道町. Kumamon Square is located on the first level of Tsuruya Departmental Store East Building (東館).

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Kourantei 紅蘭亭 下通本店

Visited 26.03.2014 

What is Taipien? A modified version of Nagasaki's famous Champon noodles, known as Taipien (太平燕), is found in Kumamoto. Origin of this local gourmet food can be trace back to a century ago - a soup dish brought to Kumamoto by Chinese immigrants from Fujian Province in China. Similar to Champon, the rich broth is cooked using both chicken and pork bone but is less milky in comparison. Yellow noodles is replaced with vermicelli, topped with a fried boiled egg, plenty of vegetables, shrimps, squids and sliced pork. I prefer Taipien to Champon because it is lighter in flavour and I like vermicelli more than noodles. Rushed to have a bowl of Taipien just before I left Kumamoto at Kourantei (紅蘭亭), an established Chinese restaurant founded in 1934. Came to their flagship store at Shimo Tori (下通). 

Excellent Chinese food. During this trip in Kyushu, I patronised two Chinese restaurants without high expectations of the food quality delivered. The delicious stewed pork belly buns I had in Shihairou (四海楼) changed my impression of Chinese food in Japan. This pleasant experience gave me the assurance that Chinese food in Japan isn't as bad as I thought. At Kourantei, we decided to try out a 6 course meal (円卓料理) inclusive of Taipien. It was impressive and some of the dishes were even better than what I have eaten before in my life! The 6 course meal includes meat dumplings (quite similar to siew mai), a hearty bowl of Taipien, prawns cooked in chili sauce, sweet and sour pork, fried rice and Annin tofu (杏仁豆腐) as dessert. Apart from Taipien, I felt that there were two dishes which stood out from the rest - sweet and sour pork and almond pudding.   

- Sweet and sour pork. We were all stunned by how good this dish turned out to be. Meat was fried to perfection - crispy on the outside while retaining the moisture in the meat. Every piece of meat was well coated with the savory and appetising sauce, accompanied with "wok hei" fragrance! All agreed that this dish was the highlight of the entire course.

- Annin tofu. I have to say this was an excellent finale to complete the meal. Kourantei's version of apricot kernel pudding was very smooth in texture and melt in the mouth - a sensation I have never experienced before with this traditional Chinese dessert!

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Kourantei 紅蘭亭 下通本店
熊本市中央区安政町5-26 2F
Opening hrs: 1130 - 2130 hrs
http://www.kourantei.com/

How to get there?
Take Kumamoto City Tram (A line from Kumamoto JR Station towards Kengunmachi 健軍町) and alight at Torichosuji 通町筋. Walk for another 3 - 4 minutes along Shimo Tori covered walkway.



Note: Kourantei has another branch located along Kami Tori (上通).
Kourantei Kami Tori Pavilion 紅蘭亭上通パビリオン店
熊本市中央区上通町1-15
Opening hrs: 1130 - 2130 hrs

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.

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Ibusuki JR Station 指宿駅

Bottom left: Fureai Ashiyu just outside the train station.

Ibusuki JR Station, on Ibusuki Markurazaki line.

Ibusuki city, located south of Kagoshima city, is most well known for its sand bath. Ibusuki hot spring water actually does not come from the sea, but from deep underground waters. Sand along the coastline is infused with hot spring water and burying your body under the hot sand is said to have therapeutic health effects.

What's nearby?

(1) Fureai Ashiyu (ふれあい足湯). This foot bath facility comes into sight immediately (look to your left) once you exit from the train station. Nothing beats having a good soak in the hot spring waters after disembarking from a train journey. 

(2) Umi Naka Ashiyu (海中足湯), approx 20 minutes walk and 7 mins by taxi from train station.
There are several foot bath spots around Ibusuki city. This particular one is one of its kind. As its name suggests (translates to "footbath in sea"), it is located just beside the sea and only appears during low tide. One thing to note that the hot spring water found in this containment does not come from the sea, but transferred to here from hot spring sources via pipelines. Nevertheless, to be able to soak your legs and enjoy the sea view/breeze at the same time must be a therapeutic activity to calm down one's mind. Unfortunately, I did not manage to find this secret spot during my visit to Ibusuki.
Umi Naka Ashiyu is located at the coastal area, near the cluster of hotels and Natural Sand Bath Center.

Foot bath in Ibusuki: http://youkoso-ibusuki.com/top/modules/pico/index.php?content_id=157

(3) Natural Sand Bath Center "Saraku" (砂むし会館 砂楽), approx 20 minutes walk and 7 mins by taxi from train station.
This is the place to visit if you want to enjoy Ibusuki's famous sand bath.

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Commemorative stamp:

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Ibusuki no Tamatebako 指宿の玉手箱

Travelled 25.03.2014

There are a total of 3 round trips per day. For my trip, I boarded Ibusuki no Tamatebako 3 from Kagoshima Chuo Station at 1157 hrs and alighted at Ibusuki Station at 1248 hrs. Do check out the latest train schedule from JR Kyushu website: https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/train/ibutama.jsp.

• Ibusuki no Tamatebako 1, 3 and 5: Kagoshima Chuo > Ibusuki
• Ibusuki no Tamatebako 2, 4 and 6: Ibusuki > Kagoshima Chuo

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Highlights:

Folk tale. Ibusuki no Tamatebako train was designed based on a well-known Japanese folk tale. Urashima Taro (浦島太郎) is a fisherman who rescued a turtle and was rewarded with a visit to Dragon Palace under the sea. He spent a total of three days in the palace, with the King and his princess. Before he left, the princess handed him a wooden treasure box - Tamatebako (玉手箱), and warned not to open the box. To his astonishment, he found everything around him has changed back in his hometown and later he discovered 300 years have passed since the day he left home. Forgotten about the warning, he opened the treasure box and white smoke engulfed him. Urashima Taro was transformed into an old man instantaneously.

Top left: "White smoke" appearing overhead when the train doors open; Top middle: Ibutama Pudding, a popular food item on board the train. 

Facilities & features. Ibusuki no Tamatebako amazes me with the intricate details portrayed in every corner of this train. The train exterior is painted symmetrically monotone black and white. On the "white" side of the train, seats were swiveled to face the windows for passengers to admire the view of Kagoshima bay and Sakurajima. On the "black" side of the train, there are sofa seats and shelves containing books of Japanese folk tales and Ibusuki. Cedar wood from southern Kyushu was largely used to build the interior of the train and makes one feel like he/she is in a wooden treasure box that was mentioned in the folk tale. In addition, when the train doors open, steam is released from the vents on the overhead of the doors, mimicking the white smoke that came out of the treasure box after it was opened. Miniature chairs and baby cot are specially installed for the younger passengers on board this mystical train. 

Train collar pin

Bought an Ibutama pudding from the mobile cart mended by the cabin attendant - one of the exclusive items available on board this train. An item which is inspired by the train, this dessert is made up of two layers of pudding: egg and milk layer on the top of black sesame layer. Adored the creamy and silky texture of pudding, coupled with nutty black sesame flavour. Apart from food, the mobile cart also sells train merchandises such as collar pin and clear file. If you do not plan to purchase any merchandise, one free yet meaningful souvenir that you can bring back home is the commemorative boarding pass and inked stamp designed exclusively for this train. All the elements combined to make this 1 hour train journey on board Ibusuki no Tamatebako a memorable one!  

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Video: Scroll to 20:55 for 遇约九州's feature on Ibusuki no Tamatebako.


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Commemorative boarding pass and stamp: 

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Michi no eki Sarakujima Hinoshima Megumikan 道の駅桜島日の島めぐみ館

Visited 25.03.2014

This was our final destination in Sakurajima before we boarded the ferry back to Kagoshima city. There are numerous rest stops, known as roadside stations (michi no eki), spread all over Japan. Such rest stops are not uncommon in many countries, which are typically located on highways or major roads, meant to let drivers to take a break after traveling long hours on the road. These roadside stations are normally a one stop place which contains shops, restaurants, visitors' information center, etc. In Japan, the popularity of some have elevated these roadside stations status to tourist attractions of that area. I have read that some michi no eki are equipped with public hot spring bathhouses, swimming pools, parks and even museums! Services/facilities that are provided by these roadside stations are just too plenty to name and definitely deserve much deeper exploration on my future trips to Japan (if I get the opportunity to drive).  

Top left: Delicious mikan soft serve; Bottom: Legendary Sakurajima's radish.

I am always looking forward to visit michi no eki because they serve another important purpose: to introduce the local specialties to visitors abroad. Sakurajima's agricultural products are being showcased here in the Farmer's market. Sakurajima produces the biggest radish variety in the world. This gigantic sized radish reminded me of the fairy tale "The Gigantic Turnip" almost immediately. It is normally about 6 kg in weight, but the bigger ones can weigh as heavy as 30 kg! The diameter of each radish is about 40 to 50 cm in length. You can bring back processed and pickled radishes as souvenirs. There is a small plot of land in front of the rest house where radishes are being cultivated. Small mikans are also a specialty of Sakurajima. One of the food that you should try here is the mikan soft serve! The flavour and texture of the soft serve is fabulous - sweet with a well-balanced tinge of sourness. The usual souvenirs such as biscuits and cakes are also on sale here and are made from the locally produced mikans.

Afterthoughts. Though the time spent in Sakurajima was short, I was satisfied with all three places/attractions covered within a short time span. As a city dweller from Singapore, a country which is unharmed by natural disasters, I am amazed to see how humans can inhabit on a land with an active volcano and cope comfortably despite the looming dangers of volcanic eruption all year around. Continuous spurting of volcanic ash brings along inconvenience to the lives of the locals, but ironically this is what makes the land fertile for agriculture. Sakurajima, a dangerous yet attractive island - hope to explore this place more in future!

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Michi no eki Sarakujima Hinoshima Megumikan Rest Stop 道の駅桜島日の島めぐみ館
〒891-1419 鹿児島県鹿児島市桜島横山町1722-48
Opening hrs:
Farmers' Market: 0900 - 1800 hrs;
Restaurant: 0900 - 1700 hrs;
Closed on 3rd Monday.
http://www.megumikan.jp/

How to get there? 
Exit from Sakurajima Pier and turn right. Turn left at the first traffic light junction. Approx 5 - 10 minutes walk from Sakurajima Pier.

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Commemorative stamp: 

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Yogan Nagisa Park & Footbath 溶岩なぎさ公園&足湯

Visited 25.03.2014

100 m long footbath facility, choose any spot you like!

The second place we visited in Sakaurajima. This is another attraction which is nearby the ferry terminal: turn right after exiting from the ferry terminal. What is unique about this park is its footbath facility which is 100 m long, the longest I have seen so far. There are several sections that are sheltered, but most remains open. Hot spring source comes from 1,000 m deep underground and water is brownish in colour. This footbath was especially welcoming to us especially after this morning's ascend up Dinosaur Park. Sat here for quite some time to sooth our aching legs, while admiring Kinko bay and Kagoshima city from afar. Recharged and moved on to our last destination in Sakurajima before heading back. 

Kinko bay and Kagoshima city on the opposite of Sakurajima.

Travel tip: As there are many free footbaths in Japan, I have gradually cultivated the habit to carry a small towel wherever I go... just in case I spot a footbath and want to have to soak! To me, this is one of the simplest pleasures that I always look forward to on every trip I embark in Japan.   

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Yogan Nagisa Park & Footbath 溶岩なぎさ公園&足湯
〒891-1419　鹿児島市桜島横山町1722-3

Opening hrs: 0900 hrs to after sunset.
Free admission.
http://www.sakurajima.gr.jp/tourism/000677.html

How to get there? 
Exit from Sakurajima Pier and turn right. Approx 10 mins walk from there.

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Video: Scroll to 30:25 for 遇约九州's feature on Yogan Nagisa Park Foot Spa.