Hey fellow travelers! Mark here, your American backpacker extraordinaire, back with another exciting Asian adventure. This time, I'm taking you on a thrilling ride through Kyushu, Japan, exploring its stunning coastal scenery, unique cultural experiences, and, of course, delicious food. From luxurious oceanfront hotels to quirky themed trains, Kyushu has it all. Buckle up, and let's dive into this unforgettable journey!
Miyazaki's Oceanfront Paradise
My first stop was Miyazaki, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. But what truly stole the show was my stay at a breathtaking oceanfront hotel. Forget those cramped city hotels; this place was pure luxury, spread across a vast expanse of land with its own golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, a kids' pool, and even tennis courts! Talk about a resort experience!
Located a short 20-minute drive or taxi ride from Miyazaki Station, this hotel boasts an impressive 700 rooms, each offering stunning ocean views. Yes, you read that right, every single room has a balcony overlooking the Pacific. I opted for a Western-style room (my back isn't a huge fan of tatami mats!), and the bed was pure heaven. Waking up to the sunrise over the ocean was an experience I'll never forget.
And let's not forget the breakfast! A glorious spread of Kyushu's local delicacies, including all-you-can-eat mentaiko (spicy cod roe). Mentaiko is my absolute weakness, and I could easily devour three bowls of rice with it. It's one of the main reasons I love visiting Kyushu – the hotels here really know how to spoil their guests.
Now, you might be thinking, all this luxury must come with a hefty price tag, right? Wrong! I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability. A night in this oceanfront paradise will only set you back around $130 USD. Unbelievable value for the experience!
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 20-minute drive/taxi from Miyazaki Station |
| Rooms | 700 rooms, all with ocean views |
| Amenities | Golf course, pools, fitness center, kids' pool, tennis courts |
| Breakfast | Kyushu local delicacies, all-you-can-eat mentaiko |
| Approximate Price | $130 USD per night |
Riding the Ibusuki no Tamatebako
Next up, I hopped aboard the Ibusuki no Tamatebako, a unique themed train that runs between Kagoshima-Chuo and Ibusuki. This train is famous for its striking black-and-white design, inspired by the legend of Urashima Taro and his magical treasure box. With only two carriages and limited seating, this train is highly sought after. Booking in advance with your JR Pass is essential, especially if you want to secure a window seat on the ocean side (marked A).
Arriving early is also recommended, not just for photos, but to snag some of the limited-edition treats available on board. The cheese and the Tamatebako bento box (around $50 USD) are popular choices and sell out quickly.
About 15 minutes into the journey, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima volcano. If you're lucky, you might even witness an eruption! It's a truly magical experience that feels like you're being transported to an underwater dragon palace.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Route | Kagoshima-Chuo to Ibusuki |
| Frequency | Three times daily (9:56 am, 11:56 am, 1:56 pm) |
| Duration | Approximately 1 hour |
| Seating | Limited, reservations recommended |
| Key Highlights | Black-and-white design, ocean views, Sakurajima volcano |
Exploring Ibusuki: Shopping, Soaking, and Snapshots
Ibusuki offers a wealth of attractions for visitors. Amu Plaza, a seven-story shopping mall connected to Kagoshima-Chuo Station, is a shopper's paradise with popular brands like Muji, Uniqlo, and ABC Mart. For a relaxing experience, head to Ibusuki Station and soak your weary feet in the free footbath. Finally, don't miss the iconic yellow postbox at Nishi-Oyama Station, where you can send a postcard to yourself or a loved one.
And of course, no trip to Ibusuki is complete without experiencing a sand bath. I opted for the Ibusuki Hakusuikan, a renowned hotel with indoor sand baths (a huge plus for avoiding sunburn!). This hotel also features hot springs, ocean views, historical sites, and a museum, making it a perfect choice for a luxurious stay. While a bit pricier at around $270 USD per night (including dinner and breakfast), it offers a truly unforgettable experience.
My Kyushu rail adventure was a whirlwind of stunning scenery, unique experiences, and delicious food. It's a destination I highly recommend to any traveler looking to experience the best of Japan.
