Category: Kyushu

Following the Sun

It’s pouring rain all day today (Wednesday) here in Takamatsu, so I’m taking advantage of my Japan Rail Pass. Since the pass removes the financial disincentive to travel, I’m relocating to Oita, which has sunny skies this week and is close to a couple of OLLE hiking courses. The journey is 360 miles, much of it by bullet train.

Following Trail Markers

We spent much of the day hiking an OLLE Trail through the town of Takeo-Onsen and into the hills. We didn’t need to use a map, as we simply followed the special Olle Trail markers. The trailhead was a short bullet train ride from Nagasaki, where we’re staying.

Fake Food vs. Google Translate

Dwight checked out the sampuru, realistic plastic models of food, before we all headed inside for dinner. In the past, I would take a photo of my choice to show the server what I wanted. But these days, Google Translate is so good, we can just point our phones at the menu.

Kumamoto Station

When traveling in Japan, I look for buildings by architect Tadao Ando. Today, while staying in a hotel at Kumamoto Station, I noticed some familiar simple-yet-elegant architectural elements. Eventually, I discovered Ando had designed the station. It was time for a closer look!

Kumamoto Castle

Walked around Kumamoto Castle. An earthquake in 2016 caused extensive damage, including the collapse of several turrets and the destruction of many roof tiles. It will still take years to stabilize and restore the structures. This photo shows a relatively intact section.

Splashing through Kagoshima

We didn’t let the rain dampen our spirits in Kagoshima. We explored via streetcar, bus, and ferry, which made for an inexpensive day out. A “cruise” on the Sakurajima ferry set us back less than $3 per person, round-trip.