If you’re burnt out on the Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka tourist circuit and craving something less overrun, Fukuoka is a breath of fresh air. It’s the largest city on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, and serves as the perfect gateway to a region filled with hot springs, lush …
By now, if you’ve spent any time at all on social media platforms researching Japan trips, you’ve probably seen your feed flooded with photos of misty hot spring towns, people walking around in yukata, and perfectly plated kaiseki meals. These days, it’s hard not to …
If you’ve already tackled Japan’s major hubs such as Tokyo’s Akihabara, Kyoto’s temples, Osaka’s food scene, you’re probably ready for something new. If you’re craving something quieter, greener, and way less commercial, the Aso region in Kumamoto Prefecture is the perfect contender for your next …
After six previous trips exploring Japan’s more well-trodden regions like Kansai and Kanto, I was ready to see a different side of the country. During my latest visit, I finally made my way to Kyushu, a region that had been sitting on my travel list …
The island of Kyushu had been sitting pretty on my travel list for nearly a decade. I had always planned to explore the entire region in one go, but once I actually started researching, I realized there was just way too much to see. Between …
When you look up things to do in Beppu, you’ll quickly notice that “visit the seven hells of Beppu” usually gets listed as a single activity, as if it were something you can check off in under an hour. I think these geothermal landmarks deserve …
During our two-day stay in the Beppu and Oita area as part of our week-long Northern Kyushu road trip, we knew we didn’t need to see all seven of the famous “hells.” We handpicked just two: Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) and Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond …
When we were planning our Northern Kyushu road trip, we weren’t totally sold on visiting all seven of Beppu’s famous “hells” (known locally as jigoku), but Umi Jigoku was never in question. It was the one hell we knew we had to see—and honestly, that …
Kyushu is Japan’s third-largest island, and yet hardly anyone I know has been. It’s a total shame, because the region is packed with endless greenery, steamy hot springs, terraced rice fields, and cultural gems that feel untouched by mainstream tourism. It’s nowhere near as popular …
Arizona is like the epitome of the American West. The desert terrain, red rock canyons, and wide-open highways feel like you’ve driven straight into a classic western movie—and honestly, there aren’t many other places in the world that offer this kind of landscape. From dusty …