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Asia Japan

Hells of Beppu: Colorful Hot Springs in Oita, Japan

On my last day in Oita, I decided to explore the Hells of Beppu. I woke up at 8 AM and enjoyed a surprisingly satisfying breakfast of cold udon noodles, dipped in a savory sauce. My Japanese dorm mate at the hostel, who visits Beppu annually for an onsen holiday, had cooked the meal that […]

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Asia Japan

Usuki Stone Buddhas and the Lotus Flower Field

This day trip was one of the highlights of my Northern Kyushu adventure. As I waved goodbye to Usuki Samurai District, a local bus took me to Usuki Stone Buddhas (Usuki Sekibutsu). Since 1995, this area has been recognized as a Japanese National Treasure. Unlike other tourist sites in Japan, Usuki maintains its rustic small […]

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Asia Bucket List Japan

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: Day Trip from Fukuoka

Exploring Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a must for any visitor in Fukuoka. I was so amazed of its beautiful extensive grounds that it became one of the highlights of my Northern Kyushu trip. If you’re looking for a place to include in your Fukuoka itinerary, I highly recommend this shrine! Read on to learn more about it. […]

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Asia Japan

Hakata Gion Yamakasa: Summer Festival in Fukuoka

I just got back last Wednesday from a super fun 7-day summer vacation in Japan! This time, I visited Northern Kyushu, specifically Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Beppu, and Usuki. I wasn’t sure if I would go through with this trip, but I decided to go for it! My first destination was Fukuoka, a city known for […]

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Asia Japan

Usuki Samurai District in Ōita, Japan

On my trip in Northern Kyushu, I decided to do a spontaneous visit to Usuki. I can still remember how excited my hostel dormmate was when she was telling me about Usuki Samurai District, Usuki Sekibutsu and the Lotus Flower festival. She said it would be a great opportunity for me to see the lotus […]

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Asia Japan

Osaka Castle History and Travel Guide

If you have seen the Taiga drama Gou: Hime-tachi no Sengoku, or any Taiga drama with a glimpse of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, then you will be familiar with Osaka Castle and its historical relevance. Taiga is an annual, year-long historical fiction television series in Japan. So basically, prior to our arrival in Japan, I already have a little knowledge about the place.  History of […]