Thursday, December 31, 2015

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).

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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 -

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

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.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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.

Monday, December 21, 2015

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:

Sunday, December 20, 2015

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


Saturday, December 19, 2015

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.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

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:


Thursday, October 15, 2015

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: 



Wednesday, October 14, 2015

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: 

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

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.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Sakurajima Dinosaur Park 桜島自然恐竜公園

Visited 25.03.2014

Dinosaurs co-existing with cherry blossom trees.
The plan was to visit several spots located near the ferry terminal because we could only spare one morning in Sakurajima. Selected three and the first was Sakurajima Dinosaur Park, which is opened to public 24/7 everyday. Direction to the park is quite straightforward: once exit from the ferry terminal, turn left and walk straight ahead. After about 2 minutes walk, a road signboard came into sight. What I did not expect was that this park was actually located on a small hill and we had to overcome the gradient and a winding road to reach this park. If you plan to visit the park, be prepared to spend another 10 - 15 mins to walk up this hill as there are no public transport service to Dinosaur Park.

An overcast on the volcanoes of Sakurajima.
Highlights: 

From its name, one may have perceived it to be some science park with dinosaurs exhibits. This is essentially a park for the local community, with some dinosaur replicas built as playground facilities for kids - though much better looking (and adorable) than those we have in our HDB playground. To me, the main reason that led me here is definitely not the replicas of dinosaurs. Because of the numerous cherry blossom trees planted here, this area becomes a popular "hanami" spot (or sakura viewing) during spring. It was a good day for us as 50% of the trees have started blooming beautiful and elegant flowers and would have reach full bloom if we came several days later. The altitude makes this park an excellent observatory to catch a glimpse of fuming volcano eastwards and an overview of Kinko bay and Kagoshima city westwards. Even though I would not specifically pick this park as a must visit attraction in Sakurajima, the unexpected encounter of "hanami" has somehow made my visit here a memorable and unforgettable one.


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Sakurajima Dinosaur Park 桜島自然恐竜公園
891-1419 鹿児島市桜島横山町
Free admission
http://www.sakurajima.gr.jp/tourism/000354.html

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Sakurajima Ferry 桜島フェリー

Travelled 25.03.2014


Not an island anymore. Despite its name, classifying Sakurajima as an island is not entirely true now because part of its circumference is linked to the mainland (Osumi Peninsula) as a result of an eruption that occurred in 1914. High volcanic activity results in varying amount of ashes being released to its surrounding area everyday. Despite the looming danger of volcano eruption all the time, a small population chose to stay on this island, harnessing the fertile soil for agricultural needs and hot spring generated by the earth.

The most convenient way to get to Sakurajima is by ferry which can carry both passengers and automobiles. 
  • Ferry runs between Kagoshima city and Sakurajima 24/7 everyday. 
  • One way fare is 160 yen for adult and 80 yen for child. You will not asked to pay any fare when you board the ferry from Kagoshima Port because the conductor is stationed at Sakurajima Port and will collect the fare when you get off/board from there. 
  • Ferry ride takes about 15 minutes. A ferry disembarks from either port every 15 minutes interval between 0600 - 2030 hrs.  


Oishii Udon! Started the day early and took a cab to the ferry terminal. The driver broke the silence and started to engage in a casual conversation with us, though I could not comprehend majority of what he said. Just before we reached, he mentioned "oishii udon" with his finger pointing towards the ferry terminal. From the enthusiastic tone of his voice, you can really feel that the he meant what he said. However, I could not really relate what udon has to do with this ferry at that point of time. This burning question which was eventually resolved when I caught sight of this small food stall inside the ferry and yes, it was selling udon and soba. Was still full from the early breakfast and decided to try this during our return route instead.

In fact I was skeptical at first because it looks like any udon I have eaten before. Had high expectations because udon is also one of my favourite Japanese food, Nevertheless, decided to give it a try. Ordered my bowl of udon and added a piece of fishcake to it. I was fully captivated by the taste after delivery the first spoonful of noodles and soup into my mouth. Dashi (soup) is very light but immersed with the flavours of bonito flakes and kombu. Udon was firm and smooth, to the point I could slurp the entire strand into my mouth in one breath! Having tasted many different bowls of udon, I must say this is the best I have eaten before. May sound overly exaggerated but this is the type of comfort food that warms the stomach and heart.

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Sakurajima Ferry 桜島フェリー
http://www.city.kagoshima.lg.jp/sakurajima-ferry/


How to get there?

(1) Take Kagoshima City Tram bound for Kagoshima ekimae, alight at Suizokukan-guchi. Takes another 5 mins to walk from here to ferry terminal.

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Commemorative stamps: 



Sunday, September 20, 2015

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Day 11 Itinerary: Sakurajima 桜島, Ibusuki 指宿

Day 11: 25.03.2014
* Day 4 of 5 Day JR Kyushu Rail Pass

Mt Uomi
Breakfast: Hotel Urbic Kagoshima ホテルアービック鹿児島

Hotel Urbic Kagoshima ホテルアービック鹿児島 > Kagoshima Port
by taxi. Fee = 700 yen.

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Kagoshima Port > Sakurajima Port
by Sakurajima Ferry 桜島フェリー. Fee = 150 yen/one way.
* 160 yen/trip from 1 Apr 2014 onwards.

Visited
(1) Sakurajima Dinosaur Park 桜島自然恐竜公園
(2) Yogan Nagisa Park & Footbath 溶岩なぎさ公園&足湯
(3) Michi no eki Sarakujima Hinoshima Megumikan 道の駅桜島日の島めぐみ館

Lunch: Udon, on board Sakurajima Ferry 桜島フェリー back to mainland.

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Suizokukanguchi 水族館口 > Kagoshima chuo ekimae 鹿児島中央駅前
by Kagoshima City Tram, via line 2. Fee = 160 yen.

Kagoshima chuo JR Station 鹿児島中央駅 (1157 hrs) > Ibusuki JR Station 指宿駅 (1248 hrs)
by Ibusuki no Tamatebako 指宿の玉手箱

Check in: Tsukimiso 旅館月見荘

Hired sightseeing taxi for 3 hours. Fee = 13,000 yen.
Visited
(1) Uomidake 魚見岳
(2) Lake Ikeda 池田湖
(3) Nishi Oyama JR Station 西大山駅
(4) Nagasakibana 長崎鼻

Visited Natural Sand Bath Center 'Saraku' 砂むし会館 砂楽.

Dinner: Tsukimiso 旅館月見荘

- End of Day 11 -

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Tenmonkan Mujaki 天文館むじゃき

Visited 24.03.2014

Top left: Tenmokan, busiest district in Kagoshima city; Right: An adorable white bear welcoming you to Mujaki.
After dinner, we made our way this dessert shop which is easily recognized by a huge white bear figurine placed in front of the shop, located along Tenmokan dori. Mujaki originated from Kagoshima an has been a household name for more than half a century. It started off selling a kind of shaved ice dessert. This popular local dessert is named "white bear ice" or Shirokuma (白熊) because the ball shaped shaved ice which is topped with raisins and cherry, looks like an expression of bear when viewed from the top.

The original white bear ice - Shirokuma. 
Japan version of ice kachang? Shop was quite empty on the day of visit; was expecting to see a reasonable crowd during meal time as this shop was quite heavily publicised in travelogues. The variety of shaved ice available here made us spoilt for choice. Ordered two different bowls of shaved ice to share - the top two best selling cold dessert in the shop: the original "white bear ice" and strawberry flavoured "white bear ice". Do note that the shaved ice comes in two sizes: the regular and the "baby (ベビー)" size. Had two regular sizes to share among four persons. Contrary to our ice kachang which has atap seeds, you will find agar, banana, orange and beans at the bottom of the bowl. After filling the bowl with fine, shaved ice, condensed milk and honey are drizzled over it, with final touches of fruit toppings such as orange, peach, banana, strawberry, etc to complete this dessert. The combination makes this a welcoming dessert to cool one down during the hot summer period here in Kyushu.

Strawberry Shirokuma
Looks better than it tastes. Could not resist the hearty bowl of snow like ice with colourful fruits when it was served. However, I didn't find this cold dessert exceptionally good taste wise. I prefer my shaved ice to be finer and melt at the moment I put into my mouth. Milk was fragrant and sweet but diluted by the melting ice overtime. If asked to choose between shaved ice and parfait for dessert, I will choose the latter as I feel that fruits go better with ice cream than shaved ice. If you are unable to make your way to the flagship store at Tenmokan, Mujaki has another branch located at AMU Plaza (Kagoshima Chuo JR Station).

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Tenmonkan Mujaki 天文館むじゃき
〒892-0843  鹿児島市千日町5-8 天文館むじゃきビル
Opening hrs: 1100 - 2200 hrs
http://mujyaki.co.jp/

How to get there?
From Kagoshima Chuo Ekimae (鹿児島中央駅), take Kagoshima City Tram Route 2 heading for Kagoshima Ekimae (鹿児島駅) and alight at Tenmokan dori (天文館通). Approx 2 - 3 minutes walk away.



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Video: Scroll to 8:55 for 遇约九州's feature on Mujaki. 

Friday, September 11, 2015

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Ichi Nii San Tenmonkan Branch いちにいさん天 文館店

Visited 24.03.2014


First night in Kagoshima. First thing that came to my mind was to find a good restaurant that serves superior kurobuta (black fur pig) that Kagoshima is proud of! Have bought kurobuta from Kagoshima from Isetan in Singapore to savour during steamboat sessions at home and I love the sweetness and tender texture of the meat. Followed the travel guide book - took the electric tram from Kagoshima Chuo to the shopping district of Tenmonkan. Ichi nii san is easily distinguished by this huge symbol of Kurobuta's rear and its short tail with white marking at the end.


Bottom center: Dipped the meat into "soba tsuyu"; Bottom right: yuzu pepper can be added to ponzu sauce.
Kurobuta vs soba. Ordered the shabu shabu set which comes with kurobuta, vegetables, meatballs and buckwheat soba. Kagoshima's kurobuta is raised on sweet potatoes which gives the meat that distinct flavour and sweetness. Ichi nii san selects the belly portion of kurobuta for shabu shabu. Only a few swishes of each thinly sliced of rosy marbled meat in boiling water is required and the mouth watering meat is ready for consumption! Ichi nii san actually originated as a restaurant selling buckwheat soba. Therefore, instead of the usual sesame dipping sauce provided for shabu shabu, Ichi nii san created their very own ponzu sauce, known as "soba tsuyu", to match both the meat and soba. Spicy yuzu pepper and crispy white spring onions (白ねぎ) can be added to the sauce to further elevate the taste of the meat. Was my first time eating shabu shabu this way and I enjoyed my dipping sauce with a huge serving of freshly cut white spring onions. Had a satisfying dinner as the meat did not disappoint at all. Looks like Kagoshima's kurobuta is going to stay on our menu for future steamboat sessions back at home!

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Ichi Nii San Tenmonkan Branch いちにいさん 天文館店
鹿児島市東千石町11-6 そばビル2・3F (2nd & 3rd floor)
Opening hrs: 1130 - 2200 hrs
http://ichiniisan.jp/


Other branches in Kagoshima:

Ichi Nii San Kagoshima AMU Plaza
鹿児島市中央町1番1 アミュプラザ鹿児島5F (5th floor)
Opening hrs: 1100 - 2300 hrs

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Hotel Urbic Kagoshima ホテルアービック鹿児島

Stayed 24.03.2014
Booked thru' Booking.com.

Top left: View from hotel room
Most hotels are found in two main areas in Kagoshima city - near Kagoshima Chuo JR Station and Tenmokan area. Decided to go with Hotel Urbic, which is a stone throw away from Kagoshima Chuo JR Station. Its operation follows the typical business hotel model in Japan, which is aimed to provide economical and no frills accommodation to travellers.

Booked twin room (inclusive of breakfast) at an affordable rate of 10,000 yen. Was surprised to get a rather spacious room (22 m2) with reasonable walking space. Similar to other hotel chains, all basic amenities are well taken care of here. A decent number of dishes were served during breakfast buffet. Though I could not find one prominent feature that make this hotel more outstanding than others, its competitive rates, strategic location and clean environment are good enough reasons for a traveller to stay in this hotel.

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What's nearby? 

(1) Kagoshima Chuo JR Station & AMU Plaza, less than a minute walk away from the hotel.

(2) Kagoshima Chuo Ekimae Station, less than 2 minutes walk away from the hotel.

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Hotel Urbic Kagoshima ホテルアービック鹿児島
890-0045 鹿児島県鹿児島市武1丁目3番1号
http://www.urbic.jp/