Kyushu Japan Travel Journal Dec 2024
This is a simplified version of the personal travel journal I made while we traveled in Kyushu. Let me know if these kinds of posts are interesting. I'm exploring different themes.
For the last few years, every time we travel, I’ll make a travel log on Apple Notes with the locations that we visit saved from Google Maps and a few comments. I’ll include personal reflections and thoughts. This time I’m cleaning up my journal and posting it. I want to see if it’s useful to others and if I enjoy the process.
Overview
Kyushu is an amazing place to travel with family and young kids. There were lots of parks, family friendly eating options and lots of flexibility with accommodations. I don’t recommend staying too long in Fukuoka. Instead, spend more time driving around and staying for longer periods in interesting smaller cities. We arrived on the 6th and departed on the 22nd. If you have a direct flight to Fukuoka without transit in Tokyo, I recommend taking the direct flight. We have never liked the customs and transit in Tokyo with luggage and young kids.
6 December Singapore → Fukuoka
The flight was exhausting especially because I couldn't really sleep at all. Between helping a 4-year-old sleep and trying to wrangle my body, I didn’t get the best of the hours. Once we reached customs, clearance was smooth and fast. The last few trips we pre-register via Visit Japan and its always super fast.
The car rental arrangements were great, quick feedback and smooth setup. Best car we have had so far while traveling to Japan. Hi-Hi Carrental Fukuoka Airport · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
We then drove to Ohori bird park and stopped first for a lovely brunch and ice cream at the &Locals shop. Then we walked through the center of the lake and stopped at a playground along the other side. Along the way the kids played poo stick with a waterfall along side the walkway. Ohori Park · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Excellent food and yummy Tea: &LOCALS Ohori Park Shop · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
We then checked into our hotel which was a clean and simple hotel with good service and strange parking. THE BASICS FUKUOKA · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
After showering and getting ready we went to the station to walk around, see the Christmas lights, buy some snacks at the Christmas market and have dinner. I carried our youngest most of the time as he caught up on his sleep. Hakata Station · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
We had dinner along a restaurant street next to the station. Many of the shops were fully booked so we ended up that this one. They had awesome food: chicken wings, gyoza and the nabe pots. Great service as well. Great to eat with beer. (Note: we recommend Friday or the weekends, we went again on a weekday night and it seemed the cooks and staff were different.) Call or drop by for a reservation. Hakata Kurogane · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
After dinner, our youngest eventually woke up and we took him here for his dinner and our dessert. They had an awesome baked apple and the pancakes were fluffy and nice. The coffee was standard instant coffee. Campbell Early · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Stopped at 7-11 and a few shops around to stock up on paper towels, razors, snacks and bubble bath. 7-Eleven Fukuoka City Subway Hakata Station Store · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
7 December Fukuoka
We woke up late-ish and rushed to get ready for breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Our youngest has a sore in his mouth and despite that he ate a lot but strangely seemed to feel the pain whenever he needed to eat something he didn't like…
Then we went across the lobby to the coffee shop outside. The coffee was well made but the soy latte had no coffee taste. THE LOCAL COFFEE STAND Fukuoka · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
After breakfast, we drove over to this temple and walked around taking photos. It was really beautiful and seemed like students were out in full force for prayers for their studies and at least one person getting married. Dazaifu Tenmangu太宰府天満宮 · Dazaifu, Fukuoka
About halfway walking around the shrine we went down this street to try the local mochi and some pork pau. No especially memorable shop other than everything being crazy expensive. Tanka inscription of Taira no Shigehira · Dazaifu, Fukuoka
We then climbed up the stairs on the opposite side of the shrine and noticed there are lots of great cafes along the way without any crowd and reasonable prices. After getting to the top we ran down and went back to the car. By our awesome luck we managed to choose the one parking spot in the area that is the most expensive... Tenkai Inari Shrine · Dazaifu, Fukuoka
Possibly the most expensive parking lot in Kyushu. 開運パーク３ · Dazaifu, Fukuoka
We stopped here to buy an iron and hair dryer. My wife found an old uncle who could help her in English while we rested in the car. It’s interesting how older people tend to provide the best service in most countries. Younger people often get caught in the moment or are easily frustrated, worried. Yamada Denki Co.,Ltd. · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
We dropped the car back to the hotel and walked back to the same restaurant that we ate at the day before and ate a ton - chicken wings, nabe, gyoza, oden and noodles.
On the way back to the hotel we stopped and got some more bath bubbles and some other things.
8 December Fukuoka
We got up earlier this morning for a longer hotel breakfast. It was okay but still not worth the price. I'd recommend a Family Mart breakfast instead.
We then headed to the seaside park which was amazing. A little bit of everything at this park including cycling, cafes, farm animals and in summer a water park. Overall it was a great experience except for my wife falling down and cutting her eyebrow. We wandered around a lot to finally learn that the medical center is closed. Thankfully the cafe had plasters. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The food was decent and the honey donuts were the star. Our youngest had a lot of fun in the indoor kids play area cooking for everyone and playing with another little girl and boy. I talked with the girls dad for a while. It was a nice chat meeting someone random. Play Cafe
After lunch and lots of playground and some duck feeding, we went to the shopping mall near by to run errands. Iwataya Salon Aeon Mall Kashiihama · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
We ate dinner here. The food wasn't amazing but okay price and decent portions. The kids liked the free toys at the end. It kind of felt like a copy of Ma Masion but with a bit of a more trendy menu. Kokonoe Coffee · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
This was a weird one. The kids got the stuff they wanted but it seemed like a shop that was just there temporarily - exposed shelving and all. Our youngest had a lot of fun building Legos with a little girl and I even built a Christmas tree which the girl then decorated and expanded. It was a nice experience apart from the norm. It was unfortunate that her mom was so into her phone. Toys R Us · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
9 December Fukuoka → Kumamoto
We got up early, went for breakfast, got packed and then were off to our next location. We thought to pump petrol first and I got overwhelmed by the options on Google maps. Then we ended up on the highway without pumping. So I selected a recommended option from maps next to the highway offramp. Yet realized that it was the real Costco and members only so we drove a bit further to the normal petrol station. Costco Gas Station · Ogori, Fukuoka
Thankfully there was an Eneos just a short drive near by. For some reason I couldn't put my card in the machine properly and the attendant helped me. Eneos Chikugoogori Inter Filling Station · Ogori, Fukuoka
We then got back on the highway and stopped at the service area a few KM away. The food way excellent (much better than the hotel) and turns out there was a petrol station there as well. Next time we won't get off the express way. Yamada Service Area (down) · Asakura, Fukuoka
We stopped here to buy tons of groceries, bento and other things for our holiday house. Pieces and selection were okay for food and limited for other things but we could still find everything we needed. Coop Hita Miyoshi · Hita, Oita
Then we drove the rest of the way to our house. We took a route that went up through the back of Kurokawa hot springs and was crazy narrow. We recommend the other two-way route which is separate to the Onsen. Rakuten STAY VILLA 阿蘇黒川 · Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto
10 December Kumamoto
Woke up late and after a quick breakfast of bread and coffee we hit the road. Everyone was still hungry so we stopped here for an early lunch. All the food was amazing and all-you-can-eat pickles. Yasaiya Country Cooking · Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto
We had a great visit to this shrine. The climb up the stairs was nice and fun getting our youngest motivated with the gummies and then walking sticks. 上色見熊野座神社 参拝者駐車場 · Takamori, Aso District, Kumamoto
We then stopped by here for a snack and tea time. The affagato was excellent and the cakes and jelly were great too. Nice people running the shop. Kuroshiba Coffee · Takamori, Aso District, Kumamoto
On the way home we stopped here to get more bentos, snacks, water and paper towels in a box for dinner back at the house. Lawson Aso Takamori · Takamori, Aso District, Kumamoto
11 December Kumamoto
Today was pretty much all about the castle. We had a quick breakfast at home and then drove to the castle. We had a strange lunch at the Cafe at the base of the castle and then spent the next few hours exploring and learning about the impacts from the earthquake. We even got to see a Bushu performance which was mostly intro and disclaimers.
We got memorable coins made and engraved. On the way out we stopped at the food street to quickly walk through the Castle Museum and then snack along the different shops. Nothing really stood out as especially tasty or amazing. Kumamoto Castle · Kumamoto, Kumamoto
Then we headed back home. We stopped along the way for Family Mart dinner take aways and had a very spooky and challenging drive home in the pitch dark.
Back at the hotel I scolded the kids a bit as they didn't even ask any of the last 3 days to clean up after themselves. This has been their lazy vacation…
12 December Kumamoto
I overslept again and struggled to wake up. Eventually we got up. I helped make breakfast of reheated bread and then we got in the car and drove over to the mountain. We went on one nice boardwalk around the visitor center and then headed for lunch. Chojabaru Visitor Center · Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita
We had lunch here. The food was affordable and nice. After finishing the food I took the kids around the gift shop and got to taking with a tour guide who wanted to practice his English. It was overall a nice experience. くじゅう野の花の郷 · Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita
On the way to the next stop, we stopped here for a coffee but it was more of the same machine made coffee that was okay. They were doing a photo shoot for the pizza when we stopped by. Italiasso · Minamiaso, Aso District, Kumamoto
We then drove to Aso Farm to feed animals and look around but were shocked by the cost - about 3,600 for us 5 to get in and then another few thousand in feed for the animals. But it was a pretty small location with the animals soaking/swimming in their poo.
Inside the resort, it seemed slightly better with a nice gift shop and lots of different selections. But everything was expensive and clearly over priced. If given the choice I'd have gone the near by earthquake museum instead. Aso Farm Land · Minamiaso, Aso District, Kumamoto
Then we stopped here to stock up on snacks, dinner and breakfast before driving back to the hotel. Lawson Kumamoto Aso Choyo · Minamiaso, Aso District, Kumamoto
On drive back we ended up behind a car that kept weaving in and out of the lanes. I tried honking and flashing high beams to get them to pay more attention. I was worried they might be falling asleep. We kept our distance and they stopped weaving. We were worried the person might do something crazy.
On the drive back we stopped here to get some fruit and it was well worth it. Especially the local fruits and the dried persimmon were amazing. Aso Tenku Terrace · Aso, Kumamoto
December 13 Kumamoto
Today was overall a good day. It was also pretty silly. We got up early and prepared breakfast. Then we went out for a long drive to the dinosaur museum.
We ate lunch here after the long drive. The food was tasty but it was strange that they didn't really have much of a non alcoholic drink selection. イチニコ食堂 熊本御船 本店 · Mifune, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto
The museum was nice and worth the price but then we weren't able to go to the playground near by as it started raining. We bought some dino toys for the kids in the gift shop and otherwise had a lazy time. The only downside to the Museum is a lot of things are in Japanese so it wasn't so interesting for the kids who don't speak and it was a very long drive. Mifune Dinosaur Museum · Mifune, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto
Then we had a long drive back to Kurokawa to walk around the hot springs in the cold and wet rain. If we were to go again we would go earlier in the day and try more of the snacks at the different shops. It was a lot of climbing up and down. べっちん館・黒川温泉自治会事務所 · Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto
We tried these pastries as they seemed famous but the taste was disappointing. If you get the chocolate loafs I'd recommend eating them hot as they tasted much better that way. Pâtisserie Roku · Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto
We stopped at a convenience shop along the way back after visiting some of the shops. Overall everything seemed very expensive. Then we started to head home. We ended up not preparing enough for dinner and betting on the vending machine food next to the hotel which was pretty bad.
In the end it still worked out well - we had lots of backup food that we could clear - but it wasn’t a smooth experience. The kids were really silly playing the Nailed It game on the iPad and playing with the dino toys.
December 14 Kumamoto → Nichinan
Driving, driving, driving all day. We stopped at the same Inaka Yasai Country Cafe for lunch before starting the trip We stopped at a drug store near the end of the trip and it was weird - capsules and cash only. They had the equivalent of pochai pills. Then we got to the hotel and it was cold. So cold. Showered and slept. PAAK HOTEL 犀 · Nichinan, Miyazaki
December 15 Nichinan
We woke up late and had a rush to breakfast - called first and had some interesting chats with the hotel manager. The breakfast was amazing and everyone really enjoyed the food. ギャラリーこだま · Nichinan, Miyazaki
After breakfast I stopped by a cafe near by which is part of the same PAAK group as the hotel we are staying. I chatted with the owner a bit and then enjoyed the coffee as we went around. Negaru Coffee
Then went to walk around the castle town and all the restored buildings. The town was beautiful and it was nice that there wasn’t much of a crowd or other tourists. Lots of activities and a lot of old restored buildings with beautiful yards. I recommend getting the all-building-pass and getting the kids to collect the stamps. The kids found it generally interesting to see the different yards and ask about the different things in the old buildings. They especially enjoyed when we stopped by a school playground. And there is an amazing cedar forest at the top of the castle. It was a relaxing and fun time and place to take photos and enjoy the peace with everyone. Obi Castle Town · Nichinan, Miyazaki
We ate late lunch at the same cafe as breakfast. Then grocery shopping just down the street, Family Mart, home, cooking and fighting over iPad games with the kids. Part of parenting is helping kids see the traps they put themselves into while also appreciating that they aren’t able to see those traps.
December 16 Nichinan
Same breakfast place as the day before. Then to Aoshima temple and some exploring.
The temple was beautiful and the kids enjoyed doing the plate throwing to grant a wish. Then they tried collecting some stones and shells on the beach on the way back. Aoshima Island · Miyazaki, Miyazaki
We stopped here on the way back for some food, lots of ice cream and gift shopping. Rainforest cafe · Miyazaki, Miyazaki
On the way back to the car we got pulled into a quilts exhibit of the local ladies. It was really beautiful and special seeing the quilts and chatting with the ladies. The exhibit was just next to this Cafe: パラボラチョカフェ · Miyazaki, Miyazaki
We then drove back stopping at many different lookouts to take pictures. We stopped at the super market near our hotel to get dinner and picked up a giant plate of cheap sashimi that was fresh and tasty. We realized the hotel has an entire story and history - 空き家バンクで見つけた築100年の古民家を、宿泊施設にリノベーション！
December 17 Nichinan
Slow start to the day. Then we went to a cave temple and the same cafe chain as the Aoshima Temple.
Udo Jingu was a really pretty shrine. The kids enjoyed getting their fortunes and walking around. We tried climbing up to another temple building but the walkway was washed out. The road in to the template was winding and very narrow. Udo Jingu · Nichinan, Miyazaki
On the way back to the car we stopped here for coffee, snacks and gift shopping. Nothing especially special other than the shop being run by one guy who did everything and that the HyouGaNatsu juice was awesome. 三ツ和荘 · Nichinan, Miyazaki
We stopped at an udon place near the house and a co-op for groceries then back and relaxing at home. While the PAAK hotel was very cold, it was a very comfortable house to stay at and we really enjoyed the experience.
December 18 Nichinan → Oita
The hotel has a later checkout time which we fully utilized. We went to the same aunty's shop for breakfast before starting the long drive. Stopped at a rest stop along the way and Lawsons and then checked-in to the next hotel.
After getting settled we went for dinner and did our own self-BBQ. The portions were good but I'd pack extra next time. It was crazy cold and we went and had an onsen bath before heading to bed. There was an enormous long legs spider hanging out by the pool and I had to move it away so the kids didn't freak out. The hotel room had an amazing star machine which was nice because it was a cloudy night. 由布院温泉グランピング 風の響き · Yufu, Oita
December 19 Oita → Fukuoka
It snowed! The kids quickly got ready and went out to make snowpeople and have snowball fights. We cooked breakfast and checked out.
After checkout we went to the nearby famous shopping street. Yunotsubo Street and Yufuin Floral Village. Overall it was okay but nothing really stood out. It seemed more touristy and typical shopping place than something especially unique.
We then continued our drive back to Fukuoka and checked back into the basics hotel and went back to the Christmas Village at Hakata Station. The kids got to try a candied apple. Then we had dinner and went back to the hotel. We spent some time in the lounge and relaxed.
December 20 - Fukuoka
Work up later and had a relaxing morning and breakfast at the 33 Cafe near by. We tried a bit of everything at this shop. The sandwich and hotdogs were nice and the drinks okay as well. The seating was a bit funky for all of us. But otherwise it was a nice breakfast. ３３ ＣＡＦÉ ＧＲＥＥＮ · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
We packed up a bunch of our gifts and other items in boxes we bought from the post office near by and shipped them out. It’s much more convenient to ship than when I was studying in Japan ~20 years ago. You can buy the boxes at the post office, pack at home and complete an online form with all the details.
We parked next to the ruins of the old gate and then walked through the park and up through the castle. As we were walking back we got some drinks from the vending machines near the entrance. It was a long walk all around but beautiful views and fun. Fukuoka Castle Ruins · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
We then headed to Tenjin and really struggled to choose parking. I'd recommend deciding where you want to park before heading there. These is underground parking for the mall itself but we didn't find the entrance. Tenjin Underground Mall · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
We stopped at a coffee shop and went back the same place the next day. We eventually ate at a restaurant at the top of one of the shopping malls along the street but I can't find back the name. The food was okay so not missing much.
We then drove back to the Maizuru Park to visit a night market that we saw they were setting up. The kids played a cork shooting game and tried to hit a moving train and won nothing. Then back to lounge and some more rest (after more bath bombs for the kids!)
December 21 Fukuoka
Today was a nice last day in Fukuoka. We had a bread feast at the Aeon near our hotel. Hankyu Bakery · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
And did some more shopping at ToysRUs. Our kids are in love with Sylvanian Families and Japan has an amazing selection for much cheaper than Singapore. We then dropped everything back at the hotel and returned the car.
The car rental company dropped us back at Tenjin Station. And we went for another walk around the underground. Halfway we stopped here for lemonade which was surprisingly good and we got a few more. Ueshima Coffee Tenjin Underground Street Shop · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
After shopping at different shops like a bag shop, lindt, gloves and kitchenware places, we went for an early dinner at Parco.
We ate at this steak restaurant and it was nice. A lady next to us also asked about our kids and we had a short nice chat. Kiwamiya Fukuoka Parco Store · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Then we took the train home. Got packed and went to sleep early.
December 22 Fukuoka → Singapore
We woke up early, got ready and headed out to the airport via two taxies we called via GOTaxi. I recommend the app as an easier way to coordinate taxi rather than via the hotel. If you need a large taxi / van make sure to book at least 2 weeks in advance. Taxi App GO │ GO Inc.