Hello again.

We've reached the second part.

From the previous trip to northern Kyushu in just over 2 days

For this second part, it will be about the different places, shrines, and small details that I collected from Japan.

Destination : Northern Kyushu, Japan

Period : March 21-23, 2016

Equipment: Fujifilm X-E2, XF18-135 and XF 35 f1.4

Last time, we talked about Things to see, point 3. Now, let's start with point 4.

Things to see point 4: A memorable place

After the last time, we took you to see various images with a focus on the subject. This time, starting with point 4, we will step back to look at the wider angles of each location we visited.

In just two days, with a small number of technicians and a leisurely pace of travel, we were able to visit the following locations in northern Kyushu:


Mojiko Retro Town

A port city by the sea with retro Western architecture, good weather, a city suitable for sightseeing, walking around, or finding something to eat. While enjoying the view, don't forget to try the Mojiko Retro Beer that we presented in the previous post. The chill will increase by 8 times.

Location: Mojiko, Kitakyushu

Getting there: From Kokura Station, take the Local train to Mojiko Station. It is convenient to walk around or rent a bicycle. If you want to be comfortable and get a retro feel, you can ask about the price of a Rickshaw ride around the city.

What's interesting: Retro port city, Western architecture, good weather, lively, cute, cuddly


Unveiling Mijiko Retro Town with an orange building on a clear blue sky day.

Not far from here, we will find the Blue Wing, a bridge that can be lifted to allow ships to pass through. The lifting and lowering times are shown in the picture.

This bridge is perfect for a walk, as the surrounding views are breathtaking.

As the old man is standing and looking.

Young students by the bay

The dog also came out to enjoy the chill with him.

The surrounding area is filled with various shops, each with its own designated space. There are souvenir shops, beverage shops, dessert shops, and restaurants, all setting up stalls and preparing fresh food right in front of you.

Kitsuki Town

This small old town is dubbed the Little Kyoto of Kyushu. It boasts a seaside castle and an intriguing cityscape landscape. From late morning to early afternoon, you'll see female tourists in rented kimonos strolling through the town, adding to the old-world charm.

**Location:** Kitsuki, Oita **Getting there:** From Kokura Station, take the Sonic Nichirin to Kitsuki Station. Then, take a bus from the station for about 15 minutes. (To avoid getting lost, we showed the bus driver a picture we saved from the internet. When we reached our stop, the driver stopped and told us to get off.) **Highlights:** Steep stone paths on both sides of a street, several old samurai houses, old merchant houses, charming townscapes, and female tourists in kimonos.

Landmark of this city

This young couple teased each other all the way, so cute that it made me think that if Ayutthaya, our home, had a cool weather of about 15 degrees Celsius and there were shops renting Thai costumes to walk around Wat Phra Si Sanphet, then we would probably see many young couples going on dates like this as well.

A small, charming town full of flowers like this throughout the city.

I don't remember the history of this house, but I know the view in front of the house is very beautiful.

This is what the sea view looks like from the front.

Turn left for a view of Kitsuki Castle.



Shiranoeshokubutsu park or Shiranoe Botanic Park

It is a flower garden with flowers blooming in rotation in each season.

During our visit, the cherry blossoms had not yet bloomed, but there were still some small surprises to keep us entertained. What those surprises were, you'll have to wait for the next episode to find out. For now, I'll keep them under wraps.

Location: Shiranoeshokubutsu Park, Kitakyushu

Getting there: From Kokura Station, take the Local train to Mojiko Station and then take bus number 41 (the bus stop is in front of the station). Walk for another 3 minutes.

What's interesting: A variety of flower gardens, including cherry blossoms and seasonal flowers. There are also light trekking trails around the park, which are easy to walk and suitable for older people.

This long-distance camera angle offers a view of the sea ahead.

This is a popular spot for children. The branches that spread out nearby, if it were during the cherry blossom full bloom, this corner would be many times sweeter and more moist.

Besides the various species of cherry blossoms (the picture only shows the branches), other flowers and grasses are also available for viewing throughout the area. Therefore, this garden is truly suitable for visiting in all seasons.


Beppu Beach Sunayu

Beppu Beach Sunayu: A Relaxing Onsen Experience by the Sea

Beppu is renowned for its onsen, and a popular tourist activity is the "Eight Hells Tour." However, for those with limited time, like us, who are looking for an onsen to soothe tired muscles after a long day of walking, we recommend Beppu Beach Sunayu.

Location: Beppu Beach Sunayu, Beppu, Beppudaigaku Station

Getting there: From Beppu Station, take the local train to Beppudaigaku Station and walk for 2-3 minutes.

Highlights: This is a hot sand bath by the sea, and next to it is a free foot onsen. You can soak your feet while enjoying the sea view. A short walk away is a seaside park with a large sailing ship docked there (we didn't go in because we had to rush back to catch the train).

Actually, this place is a hot sand bath. When we went, it was close to closing time, and the staff were busy smoothing out the sand, making it beautifully even under the golden light that hit the hot sand.

What we're really interested in is the Sea View Foot Onsen (which is free to use).

As the sun sets and the wind dies down, we encounter couples, tourists, and Japanese people taking turns soaking their feet in the hot spring. The water is so hot that after trying it out, my feet feel much more comfortable.

The old man ignored the ocean view in front of him and instead enjoyed the small rectangular screen.

Next to it, there is a seaside park called Shoningahama Park. The atmosphere seems good, but we only stopped by the entrance and had to hurry back to the train station.

The golden light of the setting sun as I walked back to Beppudaigaku Station.


Fukuoka Castle Ruins

We are looking for a park near the hotel to walk and breathe fresh air in the morning, before dedicating the afternoon to shopping!

And so, Fukuoka Castle Ruins was the best choice for us that morning because it was close and easy to get to.

Location: Fukuoka Castle Ruins, Fukuoka

Getting there: Take the Fukuoka Subway to Ohorikoen Station or take the bus to the Park stop (recommended).

The sun was peeking in and out this morning. We were waiting at this corner for a while when this Fukuoka resident walked right into the camera.

March 23, 2016 The cherry blossoms in this garden have not yet bloomed, even though there are only branches and buds, it does not make the cherry blossom tree less beautiful.


Things to see Point 5: Shrine

The shrine was on our initial list, but when we looked at the plan, we found that there were no shrines on our list at all!!

Coincidentally, on the last morning, while I was strolling out of Fukuoka Castle Ruins, my eyes caught sight of a giant torii gate towering on the other side of the street. Glancing at my watch, I saw that I still had some time, so I decided to walk over. And this shrine did not disappoint me.


Gokoku Shrine

After passing through the torii gate, the path is surrounded by large, lush trees. The shrine is not big, not small. You can walk around it in a short time.

Location: Gokoku Shrine, Fukuoka

Getting there: The shrine is located near Maizuru Park. Cross the road to the south and you will see a giant torii gate at the entrance.

In the early morning, the shrine is relatively quiet, with only a few people coming to worship. You will often see groups of high school students and working people using the shrine as a shortcut to the main road.



Things to see No. 6: Details of Japanese identity

This category attempts to collect the various small details that we have encountered.


Green maple

The maple leaves we encountered in March were still green, with some trees just beginning to sprout new leaves. We took photos of the green leaves as a reminder that we would return to photograph the maples when they turned red.

The Brick Wall at Mojiko Retro Town

Brick basket

I found these baskets lined up around the bay at Mojiko Retro Town. I don't know what they're for. Does anyone have any information?

Small grass on the roof

Japanese garden water scoop

On a roadside in Kitsuki City, we rested our legs in the weeds and rapeseed flowers.

In front of the door of a house

Your aunt's big radish

This bike has a classic style.

And finally, this orange tree full of fruits, on my way back to Kitsuki Station.

Permission to end. Episode 2 ends here.


In the next episode, the final episode, we will be joined by images of both old and new Japanese houses.

Including a special bonus that we didn't expect to find on this trip. What it is, stay tuned for the next episode.

Good morning for today.

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