Quite a few reasons for liking Kyushu

I travelled to Kyushu with my friend in end March to early April this year, trying our luck to catch the cherry blossom bloom. We were lucky to be there right during the 2-week bloom. The Japanese are very serious about enjoying this season, picnicking or barbecuing under the Sakura tree with their friends and family. We also booked a spot here and there.

And I must say that I didn’t expect much of China Eastern Airlines. We booked it since it was the cheapest, best schedule available. We took the flight from Singapore and transited at Shanghai Pudong Airport for Fukuoka. The flight and food were good, transit very efficient, but don’t expect a smile. And just that the return flight got delayed, gate changed at Pudong airport. We made it back to Singapore, but our luggage did not. Luckily, we bought travel insurance, so not a bad deal that my suitcase earned me a few hundred bucks by spending a night in Shanghai. The Shanghai-Fukuoka leg was very Japanese, from food to crew’s attire to safety video. Lots of Japanese businessmen onboard the evening flight from what looked like a day trip to Shanghai.

The Hakata airport is in the middle of town, it is so convenient to get there – under 15 minutes by normal train. I could imagine the plane landing at the doorstep of my hostel which by the way is a great one Fukuoka Hana hostel http://fukuoka.hanahostel.com/. Very convenient location – 5-10 min walk from train station, through the covered shopping arcade. Lots of food 24 hours.

There are so many reasons to like Kyushu:

1.    Off the beaten track – tourists, if any, mainly from Korea and Taiwan, but a fair share of shopping in Fukuoka like any other Japanese cities.

2.    Kyushu railways and trains – by far the most in variety and color. The bright yellow and red trains are very unique, I haven’t seen them in Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto. No locals trains in NagasakI and Kagoshima, but they have trams!

3.    Onsen – at Yufuin. We stayed at this ryokan called iyotomi (http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowUserReviews-g1023445-d1106652-r133727899-Iyotomiso-Yufu_Oita_Prefecture_Kyushu_Okinaw.html), 15 minute walk from the JR Yufuin station. Dinner included, appetizers were great, but not sure of the chicken hotpot. The meat was too salty and tough for our liking. It has an open air onsen and 2 family room onsens.

Such a serene sight, i wondered how these fat ducks will taste like....

On the other side of the main tourist belt in Yufuin are farms and residences. The residents seemed to be living such a peaceful life, it is almost paradise. Of course, Mt Fuji is way more magnificent, but the small town charm of Yufuin is perfect for a relaxing holiday. It is amazing how a touristy town can keep its peace and quiet.

4.    Ramen – Fukuoka is famous for its ramen and is home to the famous Ichiran and Ippudo. The famous Champon noodles of Chinese origin in Nagasaki was however, not something I particularly remembered.

Champon men

5.    People – Those I came across were much friendlier than their counterparts in bigger cities, and spoke more English. Even the old ladies did!

6.    History – the heavier stuff. The atomic bomb museum in Nagasaki is a humble one, but shows a good collection of exhibits, the bits and pieces of the effects of the bomb on Nagasaki (but of course didn’t explain in detail how the war started). Detailed English captions which are rare in Japan. The Peace Park next to it has a melancholic atmosphere.

The Peace Park in Nagasaki with its iconic statue

Kagoshima was an important city of the Meiji Restoration. Statues of important historical figures are all over the city, historical paths are marked.

Sakurajima from afar

And for many reasons to like Kyushu. It's a pity we disdn't cover Kumanmoto, home of the black bear. One thing for sure, I'll be back in Kyushu one day.