Kyushu Japan - Pure Life Podcast

Episode 13: Fascinating Fukuoka and Saga, Japan

Posted on April 1, 2019September 17, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we wrap up our road trip through Kyushu with a couple of quick stops in the Fukuoka and Saga prefectures. Fukuoka provided a convenient port of entry and exit from Kyushu, so we stayed overnight and explored some of the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to scholar and politician Michizane Sugawara. We also spent time at the shopping and entertainment arcade Canal City Hakata where we found the truly enjoyable Ramen Stadium, a must experience for even the most discerning ramen lovers.

Next we visited Saga and spent the entire day exploring the Yoshinogari Historical Park. This incredible archaeological site takes you back to the Yayoi Period of Japan’s history to show what life was like as Japan transformed into more of an agricultural society and culture. What a way to cap off the experience! We will surely return for more outstanding adventures! Please check out our Destinations page for even more amazing views of Kyushu.

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Episode 10: Enchanting Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan

Posted on March 3, 2019September 17, 2024 by admin

This weeks episode continues our adventures in Kyushu with a drive from Nagasaki to the Oita Prefecture. Oita prefecture is in the north-eastern part of Kyushu and is famous for it’s Jigoku (地獄) or hot spring “hells” of Beppu. Getting around in Kyushu is pretty easy and the scenery can’t be beat, but the highlights for us were the visits to cities of Hita, Yufuin and Beppu. We also dive into our experiences in some of the traditional Japanese inns, or “ryokans” (旅館) of Oita. If you are interested in exploring traditional Japanese hospitality, course meals, scenery and hot springs, do yourself a favor and plan a visit to Oita prefecture. And don’t forget a special treat for your feet at the Dr. Kiss Fish spa in Yufuin.

Pics of all this and more can be viewed on the Destinations page. Enjoy!

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Episode 8: Magical Kyushu, Japan

Posted on February 17, 2019September 17, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we start our exploration of one of our favorite countries, Japan. Japan is comprised of over 6,000 islands, but the four main islands where the bulk of the population of Japan live are Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu. Most travelers to Japan typically begin their adventures in Tokyo, Osaka or other large cities on the Honshu. We were fortunate to take a trek away from the typical and dive into Kyushu, the third largest and southern-most of the main Japanese islands.

Kyushu offers an amazing mix of old-world and modern Japanese culture nestled among dramatic seascapes, serene mountains, active volcanoes, and world-class “onsens” or hot springs to reinvigorate the soul. With this episode, we cover the basics on where to go, what to see, what to eat and even how to get around via rental car. Be sure to check out our Destinations page for pictures of some of the most interesting places we visited. If your travel plans include Japan, please consider a visit to Kyushu, enjoy!

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