Day 8: Fukuoka - Kushida Shrine, Tochoji Temple, teamLab Forest Fukuoka, Souvenir shopping. On the final day of our Kyushu self-drive trip, we took time to explore Fukuoka, a vibrant and historical city that's perfect for travelers who want to blend cultural sightseeing with a touch of modern excitement. We returned our rental car, opting to use public transport to experience the city at a relaxed pace. Fukuoka has an efficient subway and bus system, making it easy to navigate even if you … [Read more...]
DIY Japan – 8D7N Kyushu Self-Drive Trip (Part 4: Yanagawa 柳川 & Itoshima 糸島)
Day 6: Donkubune Canal Ride (Yanazawa), Tenmangu Shrine, Itoshima. Day 6 took us through the picturesque rural landscapes of Kyushu, beginning with a straightforward 1.5-hour drive from Kumamoto to Yanagawa 柳川(岡山県). Our first stop was the charming town of Yanagawa, where we enjoyed the Donkubune Canal Ride —an experience we prebooked through a local website. Drifting down the tranquil canals lined with traditional Japanese homes, our boatman entertained us with local music and shared … [Read more...]
DIY Japan – 8D7N Kyushu Self-Drive Trip (Part 3: Mount Aso 阿蘇火山)
Day 5: Mt. Aso, Helicopter Ride, Kusarenri Observatory, Mt. Aso Museum, Daikanbo Observatory. Journey to Mount Aso: A Scenic Adventure Today’s drive to Mount Aso is an exhilarating adventure, characterized by a series of steep hairpin turns over a 1.5-hour journey. This drive can be quite challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with mountain roads, so we strongly recommend that drivers ensure they are well-rested the night before embarking on this … [Read more...]
DIY Japan – 8D7N Kyushu Self-Drive Trip (Part 2: Kumamoto 熊本 & Takachiho Gorge 高千穂峡)
Day 3: Nagasaki to Kumamoto, Kumamoto Castle, Josaien, Shimotori Shopping Arcade. On Day 3 of our journey, we departed from Nagasaki and embarked on a 1.5-hour drive to Kumamoto. Kumamoto is significantly larger than Nagasaki and has a vibrant atmosphere which reminded us of bustling Sapporo. Hotel: We chose REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS, a modern, contemporary hotel in the heart of Kumamoto city, adjacent to Shimotori Shopping Arcade. We had slight difficulty locating the hotel carpark at … [Read more...]
DIY Japan – 8D7N Kyushu Self-Drive Trip (Part 1: Nagasaki 長崎)
After a five-year hiatus, we found ourselves back in Japan to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We decided to avoid the bustling cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka (in Honshu) and embarked on an 8-day, 7-night self-drive, free and easy adventure across the tranquil landscapes of Kyushu which took us through Nagasaki 長崎, Kumamoto 熊本, Mount Aso 阿蘇火山, Yanagawa 柳川, Itoshima 糸島, and Fukuoka 博多. We enjoyed the casual vibes of Kyushu while taking-in the splendour of nature. We will … [Read more...]
Queenstown New Zealand, 5 Must-do Family Activities.
From Bungy to Quirky…for everyone in the family. We all know that Queenstown aka ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, has tons of activities to offer the adrenaline thrill-seekers. But how about for families with young primary kids like our Buddy? As it turns out, lots! Here’s sharing our 5 must-do activities for families all in the little town called Queenstown! Shotover Jet Queenstown (https://www.shotoverjet.com/): The iconic thrill ride in Queenstown that’s been around since … [Read more...]