I have been traveling around Oita Prefecture for nearly 20 years now. Actually Oita Prefecture was the first place that I lived in Japan and with so many interesting and amazing locations to explore, it felt like every weekend was packed with sightseeing and adventure activities.
I remember clearly the first time I came to Yufuin. It was a sleepy, tranquil and pristine location that attracted the elite and top end travelers with people coming here for a relaxing weekend or having a holiday house/ cabin in the region. It wasn't particularly set up for the younger, backpacker, type of traveler at all.
Over the decades a huge change has transpired. Of course there is still the high end resorts and Michelin starred restaurants but the younger generation has forced a major change on this sleepy town, with out of the ordinary, trendy and pop culture speciality shops popping up all over. Now, I might be a little on the traditional side now that I am older but a small part of me wishes the Instagrammable culture of this current generation had not found this special area of Oita Prefecture.
Located only 2 hours from Fukuoka City by train, loads and loads of travelers come here everday but weekends can be vert intense. It is a place now that you have to be very careful on your arrival and departure time because parking can be a huge problem, with a limited infrastructure and extremely narrow roads.
Having said this, there are hundreds and hundreds of shops to explore on the main shopping street but the real gem here is Kirin Lake, with its picturesque vistas whilst strolling around the outside walking path. At certain times of the day and the year the refections and mist that radiates off the lake are absolutely spellbounding and shouldn't be missed.
All in all an incredible attraction that an hour and a half is truly needed to fell the real quaintness of this rural hot spring resort town.
Please look below to see Yufuin on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
The drive in is superb
Young people love this place
Get in line for photos
Umbrellas are popular gifts
Lots of shopping to do
Rickshaw options
Yufuin station
Reflections
Pop culture is everywhere
Picture perfect
Please click on the video below to see more about Yufuin:
There is a very impressive place located in the rural confines of Saga Prefecture that has significant historical and cultural connotations. It is called the giant tree of Ureshino and for a green tea buff it is the origins of the green tea industry in this region of Kyushu.
Not only is the location completely in the countryside (it's about as rural as you are ever going to get) but no matter what the season the Green Tea fields are still an amazing shade of vibrant green. It's hard to explain that in the middle of winter that colors like this even exist. The contrast is so mazing that it actually blows your mind. The manicured hedges of the Green Tea fields are absolutely mesmerizing. It could be just me but every time I see another interesting hedge shape along the river bank or on the hill I just have to step out of my car and take another picture. It's like a drug, you just can't get enough!
I have been told that in summer the density of the tree when its leaves are at its peak are quite a lit more than in its current state. However a 340 year old specimen that is 4 meters high and has an 8 meter circumference, i think that it has nothing to apologize for. This is a true indication that nature is incredible and that we need to preserve and protect everything we can for the next generation to enjoy.
Even if there is no English signs to enjoy, this is one of those locations that no explanation is necessary. Nature trumps linguistics every time!
Please check out the Giant Green Tea Tree on the map below:
Please click the photos below to enlarge:
Great all year round
Rows and rows of green tea
Manicured perfection
Beautiful scenery
Big Green Tea Tree
It's massive
Close up of tea
The origins of Tea
Gotta love nature
Please click on the videos below to see more about the Green Tea fields in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture.
Tsunoshima is a 4 square kilometer, hourglass-shaped island located on the Sea of Japan and facing the straits of Tsushima.
Please check out Tsunoshima here on a map below:
Obviously the most sought after experience is the scenic coastal drive across Tsunoshima Bridge, a 1,780-meter-long, toll-free bridge connecting the westernmost tip of Yamaguchi to the picturesque Tsunoshima Island. The island is frequently used as a filming location for TV dramas and commercials because of its beautiful scenery and cobalt blue sea. When looking at all the cars from the observation point you can see immediately that people have come from afar to participate in this adventurous place. This attraction has garnered a lot of attention over the last 4 or 5 years and you can expect quite a bit more traffic on weekends and public holidays.
Please click on the pictures below to enlarge:
It is worth visiting the first Western-style lighthouse constructed in Japan is the Tsunoshima Lighthouse. The lighthouse opened in 1876 and is a designated National Important Cultural Property due to its historical and cultural value. It is one of only 16 lighthouses in Japan that can be climbed. Walk up the 105-step spiral staircase and take in panoramic views of the island and sea from the observation deck. However you must be warned, people like myself who are afraid of heights shouldn't climb to the top. Actually those who have issues with tight spaces are also not encouraged to enter the facility as well. If it wasn't for my professionalism (I only include locations on my itineraries that have been visited in advance) I would have skipped this climb to the top. I must admit that the views are spectacular but in all honesty it isn't something that I will do again, once is enough!
For those who don't feel the need to climb whether it be because of mobility reasons or because they don't want to risk injury (the lighthouse is well over 150 years old) there is an interesting museum to explore. There isn't a lot of information in English but it has many interesting facts and figures about lighthouses in general and specifically the lighthouse history in Japan.
Click on these photos below to see why and to enlarge:
There are restaurants scattered around the island. Locally caught grilled squid is just one of the local specialties offering an authentic taste of Yamaguchi coastal life. Its crunchy texture and mouth-watering sweetness make it an unforgettable experience.
Tsunoshima offers an island escape where you can free your mind with natural scenery with it's beaches a massive highlight even out of summer.
Please click below to enlarge and see the magnificent scenery:
Please click on these videos before to see more about the attractions available on Tsunoshima Island:
