(Day 1 & 2) Honolulu – Fukuoka
Despite the typhoon approaching on its way to Japan, we didn’t have much turbulence also no rain in Fukuoka. Yay!!
First meal in Fukuoka – tonkotsu ramen (pork base soup).
(Day 3) Fukuoka – Imari – Arita – Nagasaki
We are in Saga pref. today and visit Imari and Arita town where it’s known for porcelain. As I get older I find myself admire and interested in Japanese porcelain. Sign of aging? Anyone?
(Day 4) Nagasaki
It was a nice sunny day in Nagasaki, view from Glover garden was fantastic, only if able to walk up steep hill… At the peace memorial park we were fortunate to meet with surviver and he talked to us his story and we were so touched by that. No good come from the war…only pepople suffere.
Soms of us visited famouse night view spot which is recently named for One of “The world’s three best Night View Spot” in Ngasaki. Over looking the port from Glover garden, the mountain across is THE SPOT! The rest of member enjoyed massage and Nagasaki chanpon or sara udon dish in China Town. My best kept secret shop was a big hit among the traveller. There is a small shop sales fruit mochi (fruit inside of mochi with azuki beens), this time they had more than 20selection to choose from. Chestnut and strawberry was everybody’s favorite.
(Day 5) Nagasaki – Shimabara – Kumamoto
This day we took ferry from Shimabara to Kumamoto. Member got so close and enjoyed each otheres company. In kumamoto we visited Suizenji park. You should not pass on sweet potato bun at the entrance, it is sooooo gooooood!
(Day 6) Kumamoto – Mt’ Aso – Takachiho
In Mt. Aso we were unable to go on top due to wind blow towards to us (gas), but we had great night show in Takachiho – Naight Kagura Dhow in full moon.
Takachiho is used as inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki,famous anime movie maker to create wonderful story both child and adult can anjoy.
(Day 7) Takachiho – Beppu
After visit to Takachiho gorge we proceeded to Beppu. In beppu we had time to take foot bath at “Jigoku”. Also at out hotel in Beppu, they had such cute display of Hello Kitty. Aren’t they look cute?!
(Day 8) Beppu – Matsuyama
We took about 3hr ferry ride to Matsuyama in Shikoku. Free Wi-Fi was available on the ferry. Some slept on cabin carpeted room. I think it was good to catch up some sleep since some still waking up early due to time difference. As an excursion we visited Dogo onsen by catching trams. Tour inside the oldest bath house was good fun, we saw (Picture taking was not allowed) where emperor took bath. This bath house was used an image for “Sprited away” movie. It is true to detail. You should at least take tour (250yen) even you are not taking onsen bath.
(Day 9) Matsuyama – Takamatsu
Finally we had fair share of rain due to typhoon approaching. But no big deal for todays’ activity. ; )
(Day 10) Takamatsu – Tokushima – Naruto
Udon making first thing in the morning – which was included nice hip shake excersise, the udon master made it so fun to make udon and we all had to tip in to make great udon!
After that we clime 786steps up to Konpira Shrine – special golden charm is only available if you clime up this much. Half of members able to made it to the top!
Followed by udon luch made by ourselves. It is so deliciouse!
Another special event was Awa odori dance. Do you see anyone you know?
(Day 11) Naruto – Awaji – Osaka
Naruto whirpool boat ride was cancelled due to typhoon but we manage to add Osaka Kaiyukan Aquerium.
(Day 12) Osaka – Honolulu
Last min. shopping in longest archade in Japan ( 1.5mile long) “Tenjin bashi suji shopping archade.”
Lots of cheap eats and good deals. You should visit next time!
Over all we were fortunate to have nice weather even 3 typhoon approached Japan during our stay. We all made new friend and people joined tour from L.A. stayed back to enjoy Japan little longer than us. We all ate and shop too much. Some folks had to ship a box to last hotel we stayed in Osaka because they had too many things to carry everyday which is part of leisure trip’s fun part! Well. Please contact us for escorted tours. We already have tours listed for next year and some has limited availability.
Posted by Linda Okabe
Please inquire detail for 2014 escorted tours at:
JTB USA Honolulu Office 1555 Kapiolani Blvd,Suite 1505 Honolulu HI 96814 Te:(808) 979-0111 Fax:(808) 979-0100 www.jtbusa.com/honolulu
