Hey everyone, it's Mark here, your friendly neighborhood travel expert, back with another exciting Asian adventure! This time, I took my parents on a memorable trip to Southern Kyushu, Japan, and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast. This region offers a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, making it an ideal destination for a family vacation. From luxurious accommodations to stunning coastal drives, this trip had it all. So, buckle up and join me as I recount the highlights of our unforgettable Kyushu experience.
A Room with a View: The Ultimate Hotel Experience in Kagoshima
Finding the perfect hotel for a family trip can be a challenge, but I struck gold with this one. Nestled at an altitude of 108 meters, this hotel boasts unparalleled panoramic views of Kagoshima City, Sakurajima, and the magnificent Kinko Bay. With 355 rooms in 27 different styles, ranging from cozy 17 square meters to sprawling 200 square meter suites, there's something for every family and budget.
We opted for a room with a large bathroom and a direct view of Sakurajima, an active volcano that dominates the skyline. Waking up to that view was truly magical. But even if you choose a more budget-friendly option, you can still enjoy the hotel's fantastic open-air onsen (hot spring) which offers equally breathtaking views. I spent hours soaking in the therapeutic waters, watching the sunset paint the sky with vibrant hues. It was pure bliss.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Room Sizes | 17 sq meters to 200 sq meters |
| Room Types | 27 different styles including executive and imperial suites |
| Special Feature | Open-air onsen (hot spring) with views of Sakurajima |
| Other Amenities | Hair salon, sauna, massage, spa |
Beyond the stunning views and luxurious amenities, this hotel truly excels in its dining experience. Their breakfast buffet has been consistently ranked as the best in Kyushu for several years running. And it's not hard to see why. With nearly eighty different dishes, ranging from Western favorites to traditional Japanese cuisine, there's something to satisfy every palate.
What sets this breakfast apart is the emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. They bake their own bread in-house, so you can enjoy warm, freshly baked pastries every morning. And their Satsuma-age, a local fish cake delicacy, is made fresh on-site. Trust me, it's delicious! It’s the kind of breakfast that sets you up for a day of exploration and adventure.
And speaking of cost, it was incredibly reasonable. Around 220 USD per night including breakfast! A steal for the quality and experience. (Just don't tell the parents the actual price. )
Exploring the Mythical Coastline: A Day Trip to Nichinan
After our luxurious stay in Kagoshima, we headed north to the Nichinan Coast, a scenic stretch of coastline known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and fascinating mythological connections. I crafted an itinerary perfect for a family day trip, hitting all the major highlights.
Our first stop was Udo Shrine, a truly unique Shinto shrine built within a cave on the cliff face overlooking the ocean. Unlike any other shrine I’ve visited, Udo Shrine is built into the cliffs, requiring a descent down red-painted stairs to reach the main hall nestled within the cave. Here, you can participate in a fun tradition of throwing “undou” (lucky beans) at a turtle-shaped rock in the ocean. If your bean lands on the rock, good fortune is said to follow. It’s a fun little activity that adds to the mystical atmosphere of the place.
Next, we ventured to the Sun Messe Nichinan, a vast park overlooking the ocean. Here, we encountered a surprising sight: seven massive Moai statues, the iconic figures of Easter Island. These are not replicas, mind you, but officially authorized and certified Moai, the only ones outside of Easter Island itself! It's a surreal and fascinating experience to encounter these ancient figures in such an unexpected setting. You can even rent golf carts to explore the expansive park and learn more about the symbolism of each Moai statue.
Refueling for Adventure: Food, Glorious Food!
With all that exploring, we needed to refuel, and luckily, Kyushu is a foodie paradise. Following the advice of a nutritionist friend, we made sure to balance our meals with plenty of carbohydrates and protein for sustained energy. And let me tell you, we ate like kings and queens.
One of the culinary highlights was our dinner at a local Izakaya (Japanese pub). For an incredibly affordable price (around 2300 yen, or about $16 USD for two), we feasted on a massive platter of fresh, locally-sourced sashimi. The variety and quality of the seafood were outstanding.
We also sampled some local specialties like Nanban chicken, a Miyazaki invention featuring fried marinated chicken served with tartar sauce. It’s tangy, crispy, and utterly addictive. And, of course, no trip to Miyazaki is complete without trying Miyazaki beef, considered one of Japan's top beef brands. The marbling and tenderness are exquisite. Grilled to perfection, it melts in your mouth like butter.
This trip was the perfect example of how a well-planned itinerary can combine relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion into one unforgettable experience. I highly recommend Southern Kyushu as a travel destination, especially for those looking for a family-friendly adventure that's off the beaten path. Stay tuned for more travel tales from yours truly!
