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More Yufuin photos

The Yufuin Floral Village is a charming little part of the town, with lots of Ghibli-themed stuff.

It can get very crowded though, and it was raining so bad at the time I got there, so I didn’t get to stay long. Still, I had a nice time strolling around.

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Finally visited all prefectures within the Kyushu region - yay! 1 out of 8 regions completed, 24 of 47 prefectures visited, and yet so much more to see and explore ahhhhhh, but before I get so much more excited by the seemingly limitless possibilities and destinations, let me reminisce about this quick day trip to Yufuin.

I almost didn’t get to go. For some reason, I forgot to get a reservation for the train bound to Yufuin - and this is one is almost always full. I also arrived at the station just in time, so there were already so many people in front of me, waiting to board the train… The doors opened and I squeezed myself in even if the train was already packed. I didn’t mind standing for the almost 3 hours duration of the ride, even if I was sleepless and hungry. What’s important was I’m finally going to Yufuiiiiiin.

I got there and first order of business, foooood. I tried almost everything I read that was on the list of every “Must Eat Food in Yufuin” - and everything I tried were good!

I just walked around and stopped to eat and take photos. It was a nice little town - a bit gloomy because of the weather, but it was charming nonetheless.

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Of course, when in Kagoshima… I’ll never miss the chance to try their Kurobuta Katsu.

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Sakurajima Photos part 2 - nothing much really lol

I took the bus to the viewpoint where we are supposed to see the crater and some volcanic activity - maybe next time!

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Sakurajima photos part 1 😊

I rode a ferry to Sakurajima and I was welcomed by the world’s largest radish.

It wasn’t the best weather to go sightseeing around Sakurajima because it’s too foggy and a bit rainy, but I went around anyway. 😋

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Not the best weather to go Mt. Sakurajima viewing, but I’m here in Kagoshima anyway 😅😂

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Another attempt to see Sakura in Okinawa (and my crappy attempt to post process photos lol)

I thought I was right in time for the peak season because I went at during the week of their cherry blossom festival, but it seems like I am early again. I can only imagine how pretty the park is on the peak of Sakura season. Here’s to hoping I can return to Okinawa or anywhere in Japan for Sakura season (or any other time honestly) soon!

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One of my main goals going to Okinawa is to see Cherry Blossoms, but seems like I went too early 😅

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When in Okinawa 🤤

Here’s to hoping I can go back soon!

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Here’s a nice little Chinese garden that’s just a walking distance from where I stayed.

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Capping off my birthday trip with a quick visit to see the Gundam!!

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Another dream come true to finally go here and see this amazing view.

Udo Jingu is a 1.5 hr bus ride from Miyazaki Station. The bus ride is covered when you avail the Miyazaki Bus Pass. It was a long winding road on the way, but I thought the views were stunning so it was all good!

At the shrine, there is kind of an “activity” where you throw 5 clay pebbles and if it lands in the rope circle, you will have good luck. Guess what, my first try, it landed straight in. No documentation but an ojiisan was my witness and we were both amazed! Anyway, my only wishes then was to be able to not miss my bus back to the city (it was an infrequent bus, and I have some tendencies to miss scheduled buses due to whatever reasons huhu) and for a safe flight home in a few days (the weather was really bad then and flights are getting cancelled). Be it due to my good luck from throwing the pebble into the rope circle or whatever, all my wishes then came true. It felt great.

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After a 2-3 hours bus and train ride from Takachiho, I finally arrived at Aoshima where I stayed at a really nice resort hotel for free (from points accumulated from business trips in my ‘past life’ lol - pardon the mini trip down memory lane… sometimes, I can’t help but miss those times 🥺).

Aoshima Beach is right in front, and the shrine is a good 10-15 minute walk (if I remember correctly) from the hotel. Weather’s kinda gloomy, but it was totally fine for me.

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And to end my Takachiho posts…

Top: Of course, I will not miss the chance to eat Takachiho Beef. This one is from Nagomi, and it is YUMMMMM. My photo do not do justice lol.

Bottom, Left: I had this yummy and sufficiently spiced (for my taste lol) Miyazaki Beef Curry after my trek to Takachiho Gorge. I normally do not eat that much rice but I felt like I deserved it. Hahaha

Bottom, Right: I passed by a local bakery, so I bought everything that looked good. You can never go wrong with Japanese baked goods. The cheese manjuu was my favorite. YUUUUM!

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Not to be missed when in Takachiho

We rode in this cute train cart over the old railway in Takachiho. The views are amazing and totally worth it!