Even though I’m Chinese myself (American-born, raised in a Cantonese-speaking household), that didn’t stop me from experiencing culture shock once I landed in China. The pace, the systems, the lack of English, the little unspoken rules—it was a lot to adjust to, even with the …
Tucked into the forested hills of Kumamoto Prefecture is Kurokawa Onsen, a small hot spring village that feels like it’s been preserved in time. Compared to more well-known Kyushu onsen towns like Beppu or Yufuin, Kurokawa is quieter, more rustic, and intentionally built around soaking, relaxing, and …
If you’re craving a quick break from Osaka’s city energy, Minoh Falls (also spelled “Minoo” sometimes) is the half-day activity you probably need. Just 30 minutes from Osaka-Umeda Station, this easy nature escape offers shaded trails, a towering waterfall, unique snacks, and a surprise temple …
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 …