Travel in Kyushu.
Jun 23rd, 2015, 09:27 PM
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Travel in Kyushu.
Hi Sir/Mdm,
Need your guidance and help for our upcoming free/easy Kyushu trip in December 2015.
This is our 1st trip to Japan where we will be wandering around Kyushu on our own.
Intend to make it a wonderful trip for my family so will need advise from you guys.
We (me, wife, my mum, 11 yrs old daugther and my mum + my friend with his 9 yrs old daughter), will be arriving Fukuoka on 3rd Dec morning and leaving on 12 Dec morning.
My Sis is staying in Fukuoka, so our plan is to stay in Fukuoka on the 1st day (3rd Dec). Mum won't be travelling together with us around Kyushu as she's can't walk too far, will be staying in Fukuoka with my Sis. Though Sis is staying in Fukuoka, but she's not well verse around Kyushu, as her family don't travel much, appreciate that you guys can guide us along on this.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________
Rough Itinerary:
3rd Dec >>
In Fukuoka
4th to 8th Dec >>
Planning to start our trip to:
i) Kumamoto (1 day trip)
ii) Yufuin (stay in Onsen hotel 1 night)
iii) Takachino (1 day)
iv) Aso (1 day)
9th to 12th Dec >>
Spend time with Sis & her family and wander around in Fukuoka
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
I need your help on itinerary from 4th to 8th Dec:
i) Base on the places we select, which prefecture should we start 1st, to ensure smooth journey and also to save time?
Whether is it Fukuoka > Yufuin > Kumamoto > Takachino > Aso > Fukuoka
or
Fukuoka > Kumamoto > Takachino > Yufuin > Fukuoka?
Any suggestion?
ii) We intend to purchase Kyushu Rail pass (3/5 days, Northern area) for this trip, understand that the Northern area pass doesn't cover Takachino, wondering is it advisable to rent a car on that day or should we take bus to Takachino? Any suggestion on where to rent car or where to take bus to Takachino?
iii) Beside staying one night in Yufuin Onsen hotel, will you suggest to stay 1 more night in maybe Kumamoto to make the travelling time to other prefecture easier & smoother?
iv) Is there any farm-stay in Aso to recommend? Or any fruits picking farm that we can go?
Thanks and Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards
Kevin
Need your guidance and help for our upcoming free/easy Kyushu trip in December 2015.
This is our 1st trip to Japan where we will be wandering around Kyushu on our own.
Intend to make it a wonderful trip for my family so will need advise from you guys.
We (me, wife, my mum, 11 yrs old daugther and my mum + my friend with his 9 yrs old daughter), will be arriving Fukuoka on 3rd Dec morning and leaving on 12 Dec morning.
My Sis is staying in Fukuoka, so our plan is to stay in Fukuoka on the 1st day (3rd Dec). Mum won't be travelling together with us around Kyushu as she's can't walk too far, will be staying in Fukuoka with my Sis. Though Sis is staying in Fukuoka, but she's not well verse around Kyushu, as her family don't travel much, appreciate that you guys can guide us along on this.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________
Rough Itinerary:
3rd Dec >>
In Fukuoka
4th to 8th Dec >>
Planning to start our trip to:
i) Kumamoto (1 day trip)
ii) Yufuin (stay in Onsen hotel 1 night)
iii) Takachino (1 day)
iv) Aso (1 day)
9th to 12th Dec >>
Spend time with Sis & her family and wander around in Fukuoka
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
I need your help on itinerary from 4th to 8th Dec:
i) Base on the places we select, which prefecture should we start 1st, to ensure smooth journey and also to save time?
Whether is it Fukuoka > Yufuin > Kumamoto > Takachino > Aso > Fukuoka
or
Fukuoka > Kumamoto > Takachino > Yufuin > Fukuoka?
Any suggestion?
ii) We intend to purchase Kyushu Rail pass (3/5 days, Northern area) for this trip, understand that the Northern area pass doesn't cover Takachino, wondering is it advisable to rent a car on that day or should we take bus to Takachino? Any suggestion on where to rent car or where to take bus to Takachino?
iii) Beside staying one night in Yufuin Onsen hotel, will you suggest to stay 1 more night in maybe Kumamoto to make the travelling time to other prefecture easier & smoother?
iv) Is there any farm-stay in Aso to recommend? Or any fruits picking farm that we can go?
Thanks and Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards
Kevin
Jun 23rd, 2015, 11:23 PM
#2
I don't know that I'd want to do an Aso farm stay in December. It will be cold!
Here is my trip report from last December. It may give you some ideas:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...kawa-onsen.cfm
Definitely try to take the themed trains in Kyushu. The kids will love them.
Here is my trip report from last December. It may give you some ideas:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...kawa-onsen.cfm
Definitely try to take the themed trains in Kyushu. The kids will love them.
Jun 23rd, 2015, 11:51 PM
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I have traveled extensively in Japan, and I recently spent two weeks circling Kyushu. If you want my honest opinion, I must say that I think you can find more interesting ways to spend four nights. First and foremost, Aso-San was closed off when I was there, and I just checked the website, and it is closed off now. You cannot get anywhere near the volcano--you pretty much have to look at it from the gift shop. Also, I thought Takachiho Gorge was a disappointment. There is not much to see there, it is a very small area, and when I visited, there were a bunch of Chinese tour buses there, "ordering" me to get out of their way for a picture.
That being said, I would suggest two nights in the fascinating city of Nagasaki, and two nights in Kumamoto, where I would take a day trip to Amakusa Island for some amazing whale watching (Amakusa is just beautiful). Both of these cities, Kumamoto and Nagasaki, can easily be reached by train from Fukuoka.
If you want to stick with your original plan, then you asked about car rentals. I rented a car from Hertz for visiting Aso and Takachicho. My son is fluent in Japanese, so he called around for me, and they had the best rate. I remember the buses from various places around Takachiho Gorge and Aso were infrequent, and the trains do not even go to the Gorge, so I would definitely rent a car in that area.
While in Fukuoka, be sure and take a day trip to Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki. The children will enjoy the boats and historic buildings in that area. It's easy to get there on a local train--no transfers.
That being said, I would suggest two nights in the fascinating city of Nagasaki, and two nights in Kumamoto, where I would take a day trip to Amakusa Island for some amazing whale watching (Amakusa is just beautiful). Both of these cities, Kumamoto and Nagasaki, can easily be reached by train from Fukuoka.
If you want to stick with your original plan, then you asked about car rentals. I rented a car from Hertz for visiting Aso and Takachicho. My son is fluent in Japanese, so he called around for me, and they had the best rate. I remember the buses from various places around Takachiho Gorge and Aso were infrequent, and the trains do not even go to the Gorge, so I would definitely rent a car in that area.
While in Fukuoka, be sure and take a day trip to Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki. The children will enjoy the boats and historic buildings in that area. It's easy to get there on a local train--no transfers.
Jun 24th, 2015, 09:20 PM
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Hi Icuy & CaliforniaLady,
Thanks for the prompt and informative information.
Definitely will try out the themed trains in Kyushu, think only children, we adults will love it too.
Guess I will have to remove Aso from my itinerary.
We saw beautiful photos of Takachiho Gorge from some Travel magazine, so wife eager to drop-by to have a look.
Some additional queries to check with you all:
i) Any idea or inputs on Yufuin, planning to stay there a night at Onsen hotel?
ii) As for Amakusa Island, are we able to join whale watching in December? How to reach there, do we need to take a boat or ferry? Beside Amakusa Island, is there any interesting places in Kumamoto to visit? Able to just do a day trip, visiting Amakusa Island and other places in Kumamoto?
iii) Any specific places of interest to visit in Nagasaki? Possible just to do a day trip?
iv) Any resonable rate & good hotel to recommend in Fukuoka (probably near Hakata). Realise that hotel room in Japan is quite small, difficult for me to locate a room that can accomodate both me, my wife and my 11 yrs old daughter. Was thinking to stay in apartment, any comment & recommendation?
Heard to hear from you guys soon.
Thanks again.
Kevin
Thanks for the prompt and informative information.
Definitely will try out the themed trains in Kyushu, think only children, we adults will love it too.
Guess I will have to remove Aso from my itinerary.
We saw beautiful photos of Takachiho Gorge from some Travel magazine, so wife eager to drop-by to have a look.
Some additional queries to check with you all:
i) Any idea or inputs on Yufuin, planning to stay there a night at Onsen hotel?
ii) As for Amakusa Island, are we able to join whale watching in December? How to reach there, do we need to take a boat or ferry? Beside Amakusa Island, is there any interesting places in Kumamoto to visit? Able to just do a day trip, visiting Amakusa Island and other places in Kumamoto?
iii) Any specific places of interest to visit in Nagasaki? Possible just to do a day trip?
iv) Any resonable rate & good hotel to recommend in Fukuoka (probably near Hakata). Realise that hotel room in Japan is quite small, difficult for me to locate a room that can accomodate both me, my wife and my 11 yrs old daughter. Was thinking to stay in apartment, any comment & recommendation?
Heard to hear from you guys soon.
Thanks again.
Kevin
Jun 24th, 2015, 09:54 PM
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We enjoyed Takachiho Gorge, but were disappointed that it was not possible to boat along it during our November visit because of water levels or current speeds or something, I forget which. We were still able to walk along the path that runs alongside, but I had hoped to see it from the water level, which I too had seen images of. For us it was not a huge diversion from route as we self-drove and had built it into the itinerary.
I agree that Kumamoto is worthwhile, both the castle and one of the local gardens are worth a visit and it's a charming town.
For me Yufuin didn't have much of anything to see - the pretty old town section shown in tourist images is very very small and very very packed with tourists.
Beppu is ugly as a city but has the famous Hells to visit, which we found fascinating. We did a day trip there from Yufuin as it didn't appeal to me for an overnight.
I agree that Kumamoto is worthwhile, both the castle and one of the local gardens are worth a visit and it's a charming town.
For me Yufuin didn't have much of anything to see - the pretty old town section shown in tourist images is very very small and very very packed with tourists.
Beppu is ugly as a city but has the famous Hells to visit, which we found fascinating. We did a day trip there from Yufuin as it didn't appeal to me for an overnight.
Jun 24th, 2015, 11:07 PM
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I stayed at the Dormy Inn Hakata Gion in Fukoka. It's not fancy, but it sure is a fun place to stay in a good location. They do have rooms for three people, with a big bed for the adults, and a smaller one for your daughter. They have a free onsen in the hotel, free ramen in the evening, and the most amazing buffet breakfast.
In Kumamoto, the castle is really nice. In fact, I spent so much time there, that I never got to the garden that day. The castle is really like a city--there a lots of buildings spread out over a park-like setting. Your daughter should enjoy it.
Nagasaki has many sites, but I would like to suggest the top three that I enjoyed, that I think your daughter would like too: The Peace Museum, a boat and walking tour of Dejima Island, and the Museum of Culture (very hands on, fascinating). It's a really nice city, one of my favorites in Japan.
Regarding Amakusa Island, I meant to say I went dolphin watching, not whale watching. I have never seen so many dolphins! I took a bus in the early morning from Kumamoto the the city of Hondo on Amakusa Island. From there, I took an afternoon group bus tour than included lunch and dolphin watching. Then, I took a bus back to Kumamoto the same day.
Regarding your itinerary, are you still planning on staying in four separate places over four nights? That's really too much. I would just choose two places.
In Kumamoto, the castle is really nice. In fact, I spent so much time there, that I never got to the garden that day. The castle is really like a city--there a lots of buildings spread out over a park-like setting. Your daughter should enjoy it.
Nagasaki has many sites, but I would like to suggest the top three that I enjoyed, that I think your daughter would like too: The Peace Museum, a boat and walking tour of Dejima Island, and the Museum of Culture (very hands on, fascinating). It's a really nice city, one of my favorites in Japan.
Regarding Amakusa Island, I meant to say I went dolphin watching, not whale watching. I have never seen so many dolphins! I took a bus in the early morning from Kumamoto the the city of Hondo on Amakusa Island. From there, I took an afternoon group bus tour than included lunch and dolphin watching. Then, I took a bus back to Kumamoto the same day.
Regarding your itinerary, are you still planning on staying in four separate places over four nights? That's really too much. I would just choose two places.
Jun 24th, 2015, 11:41 PM
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We stayed at the Dormy Inn Hakata Gion and it was a good location.
I see from their listing on booking.com the have triple/quad rooms available and also charge 1000/y/night fee for 3-12 yo using existing beds.
AirBnB has a lot of interesting deals in Japan and although I haven't used any as of yet I'm shopping them.
We took the Yufuin no Mori train to Yufuin and stayed at a modern onsen ryokan. You can check my trip report.
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...ay-2013.cfm?30
Seeing your limited time I think a trip to Kumamoto then back through Nagasaki would be a good itinerary .
Also a day trip to Dazaifu and the Kyushu National Museum would be a thought.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/r...a/dazaifu.html
The town of Yanagawa could be fun
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/s.../yanagawa.html
There are also worthy destinations in Saga
Keep in mind the season of the year, it could be cold in some of the higher elevations and driving could be a hassle.
In December they have night illuminations in Fukuoka that should be interesting
Have Fun
I see from their listing on booking.com the have triple/quad rooms available and also charge 1000/y/night fee for 3-12 yo using existing beds.
AirBnB has a lot of interesting deals in Japan and although I haven't used any as of yet I'm shopping them.
We took the Yufuin no Mori train to Yufuin and stayed at a modern onsen ryokan. You can check my trip report.
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...ay-2013.cfm?30
Seeing your limited time I think a trip to Kumamoto then back through Nagasaki would be a good itinerary .
Also a day trip to Dazaifu and the Kyushu National Museum would be a thought.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/r...a/dazaifu.html
The town of Yanagawa could be fun
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/s.../yanagawa.html
There are also worthy destinations in Saga
Keep in mind the season of the year, it could be cold in some of the higher elevations and driving could be a hassle.
In December they have night illuminations in Fukuoka that should be interesting
Have Fun
Jun 25th, 2015, 01:42 AM
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Hi CaliforniaLady, Thanks again for the detailed info.
Regarding Amakusa Island dolphin watching, wondering whether is it available in December? Do I need to check from web before hand?
Only plan to stay in 1 or 2 places (1 night each); Yufuin and maybe another preferture. Any reco for another place, Kumamoto, along the way?
After reviewing all these inputs, probably will visit Kumamoto, Yufuin, Nagasaki from Fukuoka...still considering.
Appreciate your help. Thanks!
Thanks
Kevin
Regarding Amakusa Island dolphin watching, wondering whether is it available in December? Do I need to check from web before hand?
Only plan to stay in 1 or 2 places (1 night each); Yufuin and maybe another preferture. Any reco for another place, Kumamoto, along the way?
After reviewing all these inputs, probably will visit Kumamoto, Yufuin, Nagasaki from Fukuoka...still considering.
Appreciate your help. Thanks!
Thanks
Kevin
Jun 25th, 2015, 01:49 AM
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Hi mrwunrfl, no idea on Yokagura in Takachiho yet. We are also finding places of interest to cater for kids as well, welcome that you can provide us some good recommendations.
Appreciate & Thanks for the input.
Appreciate & Thanks for the input.
Jun 25th, 2015, 01:58 AM
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Hi kalihiwai2, Thanks for the detailed input.
Dormy Inn Hakata Gion definitely a good place, cause recommended twice, we will check booking.com for more info.
Yes, definitely we will try to take Yufuin no Mori train to Yufuin, the train ride should be fun. We will reach Fukuoka in December, wondering will it opereate during Dec & whether is it cover under 3/5 days Kyushu Rail pass (northern area)?
Can a day trip cover both Kumamoto & Nagasaki, or is it better to stay 1 night in Kumamoto then visit Nagasaki?
Thanks!
Kevin
Dormy Inn Hakata Gion definitely a good place, cause recommended twice, we will check booking.com for more info.
Yes, definitely we will try to take Yufuin no Mori train to Yufuin, the train ride should be fun. We will reach Fukuoka in December, wondering will it opereate during Dec & whether is it cover under 3/5 days Kyushu Rail pass (northern area)?
Can a day trip cover both Kumamoto & Nagasaki, or is it better to stay 1 night in Kumamoto then visit Nagasaki?
Thanks!
Kevin
Jun 25th, 2015, 04:55 AM
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The Guardian had some good articles on Kyushu a while back:
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...egion-by-train
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...very-traveller
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...egion-by-train
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...very-traveller
Jun 25th, 2015, 05:11 AM
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I meant to add that you can read about the special trains here:
http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/train/sl.html
A really good sight in the north is the massive Yayoi-era excavation and reconstruction at Yoshinogari:
http://www.yoshinogari.jp/en/content...egoryId_3.html
Nearby, the Yutoku Inari Shrine is good. On the east of the island, the Usa Shrine is good. Also Nakatsu (south of Usa) has a decent castle and the home of Yukichi Fukuzawa (that's him on the 10,000Y bill).
http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/train/sl.html
A really good sight in the north is the massive Yayoi-era excavation and reconstruction at Yoshinogari:
http://www.yoshinogari.jp/en/content...egoryId_3.html
Nearby, the Yutoku Inari Shrine is good. On the east of the island, the Usa Shrine is good. Also Nakatsu (south of Usa) has a decent castle and the home of Yukichi Fukuzawa (that's him on the 10,000Y bill).
Jun 25th, 2015, 07:10 AM
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Kevin, Here's link to the Amakusa dolphin watching that you requested:
http://www.t-island.jp/en/amazing/dolphins.html
I don't know how the dolphin watching is in December, you will have to call the number on the website.
http://www.t-island.jp/en/amazing/dolphins.html
I don't know how the dolphin watching is in December, you will have to call the number on the website.
Jun 25th, 2015, 09:24 AM
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Kevin,
The Yufuin no Mori train was covered by the rail pass.
You'll have to check Hyperdia about the schedule but it looks like there will be some limitations.
https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/t...in_no_mori.jsp
Check out the links provided by Adastra2200 in this thread, some good useful youtube videos of Fukuoka and other Kyushu destinations
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-rail-pass.cfm
I agree with CaliforniaLady that four nights in four places will be a little hectic. Always hard to edit but I'd cut one of the destinations.
Fukuoka is a good base for day trips.
In any case have fun
The Yufuin no Mori train was covered by the rail pass.
You'll have to check Hyperdia about the schedule but it looks like there will be some limitations.
https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/t...in_no_mori.jsp
Check out the links provided by Adastra2200 in this thread, some good useful youtube videos of Fukuoka and other Kyushu destinations
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-rail-pass.cfm
I agree with CaliforniaLady that four nights in four places will be a little hectic. Always hard to edit but I'd cut one of the destinations.
Fukuoka is a good base for day trips.
In any case have fun
Jun 25th, 2015, 11:19 PM
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In Fukuoka, we stayed at the Dormy Inn Premium Hakata Canal City which also had a good location. We booked a free private guide for a day, she created an itinerary just for us based on emails we exchanged beforehand -- for the free guides you simply pay a fixed amount to cover their fare to reach you / go home and then during the day you cover their food and drink, travel and any entry tickets etc. I also took a thank you gift along with me.
Jun 25th, 2015, 11:27 PM
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Oh and here's a photo-heavy report on Kumamoto: http://www.kaveyeats.com/2014/02/sui...-kumamoto.html
The rest of my Japan stuff is tagged too -- the most recent few posts are photo essays but go farther back and you'll find lots of posts with more text, on temples and food and other experiences. http://www.kaveyeats.com/tag/japan
The rest of my Japan stuff is tagged too -- the most recent few posts are photo essays but go farther back and you'll find lots of posts with more text, on temples and food and other experiences. http://www.kaveyeats.com/tag/japan
Jun 29th, 2015, 04:03 PM
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Hi Someotherguy,
Thanks for the update, I will go take a look.
Hi CaliforniaLady,
I will check out their websites. Thanks!
Hi kalihiwai2,
Thanks for the info. Wondering is there any way that we can secure the tickets for Yfuiin No Mori in December? Higher chance if we get the Yufuiin No Mori train ticket separately (ask Sis in Jap to help purchase) instead of using the JR 3/5 days pass?
Hi Kavey,
Thanks alot, will check out the link you provided.
Thanks for the update, I will go take a look.
Hi CaliforniaLady,
I will check out their websites. Thanks!
Hi kalihiwai2,
Thanks for the info. Wondering is there any way that we can secure the tickets for Yfuiin No Mori in December? Higher chance if we get the Yufuiin No Mori train ticket separately (ask Sis in Jap to help purchase) instead of using the JR 3/5 days pass?
Hi Kavey,
Thanks alot, will check out the link you provided.
