Walk around Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE

The Asakusa area in Tokyo, a classic tourist destination, had many foreign tourists. I was surprised by the crowds, but places like Nakamise dori and Tokyo Mizumachi were bustling with energy, and the shop staff were friendly. The TOKYO SKYTREE stood out even from a distance—a modern structure with a design that still exuded a Japanese essence. I'd love to visit again, especially during cherry blossom season—it must be stunning.

Water Bus (Tokyo Cruise)

I took about 30 minutes to tour around Asakusa. The view of the TOKYO SKYTREE from the Sumida River was beautiful. Especially when it was reflected on the water's surface, it created a special and unique sight. Along the way, passing under bridges was a bit thrilling due to the close proximity of the boat to the bridge. The boat ride was comfortable, allowing me to enjoy the scenery while avoiding the crowds.

Walk around Rikugien and Yanesen

It was a beautiful Japanese garden with vibrant greenery, although it was a bit early to enjoy the autumn foliage. Discovering such a serene and stunning place within Tokyo was surprising. The garden wasn't too vast, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll amidst travels.
Exploring Yanesen was a different experience from the Asakusa area. It had a vibe akin to a market frequented by locals, and there were enticing smells wafting around. At Kikuju-Do Isetatsu Yanaka Main Store, there were numerous colorful traditional Japanese goods. They had a wide variety of Japanese paper, each with a beautiful design.

Lunch: Kayaba Coffee

It was a café with a concept not found in UK. An old Japanese building was operating as a café, and despite its exterior, the interior had a distinctly Japanese atmosphere. It was a tranquil spot, perfect for a break during travels, and it helped me forget the hustle and bustle of the city. The sandwiches had soft egg fillings that paired perfectly with the bread and were delicious.

Dinner: Asakusa Tsurujiro

At Asakusa Tsurujiro, I had the opportunity to eat okonomiyaki and monjayaki. The staff cooked it right in front of us, almost like a performance, which made dining there a really enjoyable experience. It was a chance to savor dishes not found in the UK.

Accommodation: Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku

The Asakusa Annex in Tokyo was chic and modern, with the top-floor lounge the icing on the cake. Gaining height is a must to appreciate the city’s incredible and iconic night-time skyline, so drinking complementary tea while taking in the view was a reviving start to the trip.

Tokyo Airport was impressive when we flew to Kyushu, as there was a Baggage Drop service that lets you automatically check in your baggage by placing it inside a Baggage Drop machine. I haven’t seen this anywhere else in the world. Also, traveling on the ANA flight was very comfortable, and the staff’s response was great. Japan always seemed incredibly efficient to me – transport runs on time and technology is used to the full advantage.

Lunch: Isoryori Amimoto

Isoryori Amimoto served an incredible banquet; it was visually stunning as well as delicious, so colourful and skillfully prepared.

Aoshima Shrine

The Aoshima Shrine is right by the coast. It's a shrine that almost seems to float above the beach, giving off a tropical vibe. The shrine's vivid vermilion color was incredibly beautiful. Just visiting it made me feel like I gained some sort of energy.
On the way to Aoshima Shrine, I saw the unique sight of "Demon's Washboard," rocks stacked like boards, as the torii gate came into view. It's said that during low tide, this landscape is more visible. It was an incredibly mystical sight.

Dinner: Oyodo-kahan Miyachiku

It was a restaurant where you could savor delicious Miyazaki beef, cooked right before your eyes on a hotplate by the chef. We had seats with a splendid view overlooking the Oyodo River. That was simply the best piece of meat I’ve ever had. You could even enjoy the aroma and sounds as the Miyazaki beef cooked. The meat, vegetables, and desserts—all were incredibly delicious. The presentation of the dishes, from the tableware to the arrangement, was beautiful, making it a restaurant that offered visual enjoyment alongside the delightful flavors.

Accommodation: Miyazaki Kanko Hotel

The Miyazaki Kanko hotel was a brilliant introduction to the Japanese onsen culture, with its indoor and outdoor pools. It was also my first encounter of the ‘easy kimono’ and sandals - it’s a fun cultural experience to pad around a fancy hotel in the pretty, comfortable kimono. The restaurant where we tried the delicacy of Miyazaki beef for dinner is located inside this hotel. At the breakfast buffet, you can enjoy “local production for local consumption” dishes made with the blessings of Miyazaki, which ranks first in the hotel breakfast rankings in Kyushu.

Takachiho Amaterasu Railway

The travel time is approximately 30 minutes, and from the open-top vehicle, you can enjoy a grand panorama. Especially thrilling and exhilarating was the view from the 105-meter-high iron bridge. It felt like experiencing a thrilling attraction ride.

Lunch: GOKOKU

The Gokoku restaurant was extremely stylish – and I was impressed to find just one talented person cooking and serving the exquisite food.

A mystical journey to a hidden waterfall “Takachiho Packrafting”

We explored the mysterious world deep within Takachiho Gorge on a rubber boat. It's an activity that allows you to feel nature in its grandeur. Being able to reach spots inaccessible by foot made it a valuable experience. Embracing the power of nature throughout the body was refreshing and incredibly invigorating.

Dinner: IL gardino della corasita　

I had the chance to savor delicious Italian home cooked dishes. They were visually stunning and clearly prepared with care. Amid an atmosphere that felt like it came out of a fairy tale, I could peacefully enjoy the meal.

Accommodation: CORASITA

The Corasita Hotel felt like walking into a movie set. It had been designed with such flair. The dining room was a romantic setting of mood lighting and cream drapes over big windows – and it was a great surprise to find an Italian menu. It’s a family-run business and that’s how it felt, like being at a – huge! – welcoming, family home.

Transportation by train was another highlight.; the big windows provide a panoramic view of the countryside, so it’s a great way to see Kyushu. If I was in Japan for longer, I would definitely consider touring more places by train.

Lunch: Japanese Restaurant Yasuna (Arita-cho)

I enjoyed visually stunning and delicious Japanese cuisine. I had the opportunity to taste both seafood and mountain delicacies. Among them, I can't forget the beauty of Arita-yaki pottery and the dishes served in them. The restaurant also had an attached Arita-yaki pottery gallery, creating an experience where I could appreciate both delicious cuisine and the charm of Arita-yaki pottery.

Kouraku Kiln Inc(Treasure hunting in Arita)　

Within a 90-minute time limit, you can search and bring home your favorite pottery. You're free to select and take home pottery until your basket is full. Discovering lovely pieces felt like unearthing treasures. It was a truly unique experience.

Dinner: Mizuno Ryokan

I was able to unwind in my room and enjoy dinner, allowing me to recover from the fatigue of the journey. The cuisine mainly focused on fresh seafood, and I could taste delicious Japanese dishes. The tableware was beautiful as well, adding to the enjoyment of the meal.

Accommodation: Mizuno Ryokan

The rooms, designed in a Japanese style, provided a space to relax and enjoy the wonderful view of nature from the room. Being able to relax in a room with Japanese-style tatami mats was a refreshing experience not available in the UK.

Seven Caves Sightseeing Cruise

I boarded a unique boat shaped like a squid and enjoyed a 40-minute sightseeing tour. I felt a bit nervous entering the caves of Nanatsugama, but being so close to nature's artistry was impressive. It was a truly mystical cave.

Lunch and break: Gyoza Kaikan

I had tonkotsu ramen. When you think of tonkotsu ramen, you usually imagine a rich and heavy flavor, but this pork bone ramen was surprisingly light. In Japan, ramen flavors can vary depending on the region, so it's interesting to eat and compare different types.

Yoko Museum ・Japanese Garden Keishu-En(making accessory using ceramic parts)

Keishu-En was a beautiful Japanese garden where water flowed through stone arrangements. It presented a landscape not often seen in Japanese gardens, which made it enjoyable to observe. At the Yoko Museum, there were displays of ancient Chinese ceramics and jade. The museum had an appearance that seemed to float on the pond in the Japanese garden. Additionally, I had the experience of creating original accessories using some cute pottery. Being able to craft a unique piece of jewelry became a memorable memento of the trip.

Dinner: The Hamilton Ureshino

The Western-style Hamilton hotel made a nice change, especially as I love Italian food and that was the restaurant’s specialty.

Accommodation: The Hamilton Ureshino

The room was extremely comfortable, with huge beds and a cosy sofa where I could stare out of the window at the rolling green landscape. I enjoyed my welcome drink in the imposing reception – and the onsen made my skin feel smoother than ever.

We arrived in no time.
The seating was comfortable, and there was plenty of space between the seats in front, so I could relax.

Lunch: Uosou

I tried the specialty eel dish in Isahaya City. I had always wanted to try it when I came to Japan, and the eel I had here was plump, tender, and left an unforgettable taste. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also pleasant, allowing me to enjoy the meal in a calm and cozy setting.

Unzen Hell

It was a special place with a dynamic landscape of steam and heat rising from the depths of the earth.
It can be toured in about an hour, making it enjoyable for a wide range of ages.
With a guide, you can gain a more detailed understanding of the history. Our guide, Ichi, had an infectious enthusiasm for the region and its unique environment.

Dinner: Hamaichi

While fine dining is wonderful, experiencing an izakaya is an essential part of the journey and should definitely be experienced in Japan. You can encounter unique local specialties at reasonable prices and get a feel for the residents' way of life.
The restaurant where you shout through the hatch made a refreshing contrast to formal dining experiences and showed how local people might enjoy a meal with friends. The casual atmosphere was fun and the posters on the wall were an insight into Japanese pop culture, too.

Accommodation: Tsutaya Ryokan

The Tsutaya Ryokan was stylishly minimalist and comfortable, with lovely views out to the bay. The best part was that you could book 15-minute slots in a private rooftop hot spring, to enjoy the stars and the cool night air in a serene atmosphere.

Trekking in Mt. Unzen

The 6-hour trekking was a fantastic experience that I highly recommend for outdoor enthusiasts. Being able to choose a course according to one's level was great.
There was interaction with the guide, and I learned about the history of trail maintenance on Mt. Heisei Shinzan, Japan's newest mountain. Throughout the journey, I enjoyed dynamic and expansive landscapes, discovering a new facet of Japan beyond its urban impressions.

Dinner: Tsutaya Ryokan

Eating sashimi, with its fresh raw fish, felt very unusual to me as I'm not accustomed to consuming raw seafood.
I believe it could be quite appealing to health-conscious travelers interested in Japanese cuisine.

E-bike cycling in Unzen

Even for beginners, as it was a downhill path, it was an easily approachable journey. It's refreshing and I particularly recommend this active side of Kyushu to younger individuals.
The scenery can differ depending on the timing of your visit, but during this autumn visit, I was able to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage. During the trek, I visited a local fisherman making dried sardines. I was surprised by the effectiveness of the eco-friendly scrubber made from fishing nets that was recommended to me, as it cleans remarkably well.

Lunch: Yoshicho

In the scenic spot of the Obama area surrounded by mountains and overlooking the sea from the window, I had champon for lunch. Champon is a local dish from Nagasaki, still not widely known in the UK, offering unique flavors typical of the region. It was packed with plenty of vegetables and seafood, very filling and flavorful.

The JAL staff’s response was great, the flight was comfortable, and we arrived at Haneda Airport in about 90 minutes. I felt the proximity between Tokyo and Kyushu, and I realized I'd like to incorporate domestic flights in Japan into my travel plans.

In Tokyo, I was able to experience both the atmosphere of a bustling metropolis and the vibrant energy of Japan. When coming to Japan, starting with a visit to Tokyo allows you to explore both the latest cultural trends and iconic tourist destinations, deepening your interest in Japanese culture.

Even in the urban setting of Tokyo, there are Japanese gardens and lively markets, providing an opportunity to discover the charms of Tokyo that you may not have known before.

After traveling a long way from the UK and then taking a domestic flight from Tokyo may seem challenging for some, but viewed differently, it's an opportunity to not miss out on experiencing the contrasting facets of Japan. Kyushu, being a region with diverse attractions in a relatively small area, allows travelers to see a lot in a limited time. Moreover, this route satisfies the curiosity that every traveler to Japan has about how people in regions outside major cities live.

In Kyushu, I encountered a different aspect of Japanese culture, with healthy and fresh meals, perfect hot springs, stunning landscapes for hiking, and the philosophy of Japan embedded in shrines and historic sites. It provided an opportunity to delve into a Japan that is distinct from Tokyo.