一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 1/12

Before setting out, I thought this was an activity meant for kids, but unexpectedly, the adults in our group were just as captivated. Since we were staying in Beppu, we took a bus from the station for about an hour to reach Kyushu Natural Animal Park. If you’re not driving, like me, I recommend buying a package that includes admission and the bus fare from the tourist information center at the station. It’s both convenient and a good value.

The first thing you should do when you arrive is head straight over to reserve a time slot for the popular Jungle Bus feeding experience. While you wait, you can visit the adorable small animal area or the warm and relaxing cat house in the park.

Once I actually boarded the Jungle Bus and ventured deep into the large animal area, the excitement was beyond description. Watching lions, tigers, and giraffes stride over to be fed, and even getting sprayed with saliva by an elephant up close, were astonishing experiences I’ll never forget. This animal kingdom truly exceeded my expectations, and both adults and children can enjoy it. I recommend that animal lovers come experience it for themselves.

Located at the end of Yunotsubo Street, SNOOPY Chaya is a dream destination that Snoopy fans visiting the area definitely shouldn’t miss.

Not only can you find a dazzling selection of unique souvenirs that are so cute you won’t want to put them down, but best of all, each SNOOPY Chaya location across Japan offers its own exclusive items, making them highly collectible. In addition to shopping, the cafe also serves beautifully presented meals and afternoon tea, making it a great place to sit down and catch your breath when you’re tired from shopping.

It’s not just the items inside that are irresistible. The facade, which blends traditional Japanese architecture with Snoopy elements, is also incredibly photogenic. The moment you step inside, you’re completely surrounded by a soothing atmosphere. If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting around 3 or 4 p.m. for a more comfortable experience.

Stroll along the lively Yunotsubo Street, and you’ll eventually arrive at Yufuin Floral Village, which feels like a fairytale wonderland. Modeled after the famous traditional villages of England’s Cotswolds, it perfectly recreates the cream-colored stone cottages and lush greenery of the English countryside.

As soon as you reach the entrance, you’ll see adorable red squirrels and owls warmly welcoming visitors from around the world. Although the village is small and charming, as you wander through it, you’ll find one uniquely designed themed shop after another tucked away inside. Whether they sell Japanese-style goods, anime merchandise, or cute, comforting items, every shop is full of surprises, making you want to slow down and carefully explore this fairytale-like English street. It’s a little place for taking photos and enjoying a romantic atmosphere from another country.

On my second visit to Yufuin, I made sure to explore Yunotsubo Kaido properly. Starting from the popular B-Speak, this street is about a 10-minute walk from Yufuin Station and is lined with countless unique little shops offering great food, shopping, and entertainment.

Along the way, you can enjoy award-winning croquettes that are crispy outside and tender inside. Travelers who love cute animals as much as I do shouldn’t miss the incredibly soothing Mameshiba Cafe and the cat cafe next door. Spending time with the adorable mameshiba dogs simply melts your heart. If you visit in the fall, you can also try the sweet, plump chestnuts in season. While peeling and eating them at the hotel, I regretted not buying a few more bags.

The shops on both sides of the street have a wide variety of styles. Some areas feel like a little town from an English fairy tale, and you’ll also find Miffy, Snoopy Cha-ya, and Donguri Republic, a must-visit for Hayao Miyazaki fans. The street is filled with so many exquisite little items that it’s easy to lose all self-control. From there, you can take a leisurely stroll all the way to Lake Kinrin. With its lovely scenery, Yunotsubo Kaido is definitely worth spending an entire afternoon exploring at your own pace.

As soon as you step out of Yufuin Station, the magnificent Mt. Yufu comes into view. As you stroll along the lively Yunotsubo Street toward Lake Kinrin, this beautiful volcano remains quietly in the distance, as if gently guiding the way.

I especially recommend visiting this town in the fall, when the cool weather makes walking around particularly pleasant. If you want to capture a clean, refreshing street scene with Mt. Yufu and no bustling crowds of tourists, I suggest heading to the area in front of the station early in the morning for a shot with a different kind of charm. By the way, the classic logo on Milch's famous pudding sold aboard the Yufuin no Mori train was inspired by Mt. Yufu, so don't forget to try it if you get the chance.

I've always felt that the best way to really get to know a hot spring town is to stay overnight. Yufuin Onsen is known as a dream hot spring town for working women in Japan, and I've visited twice to experience its charm for myself.

The first time, I stayed at the old-house guesthouse “Yufuin Lamp no Yado” near the train station. The most satisfying part was the selection of reservable private family baths, where you could enjoy an uninterrupted soak. The second time, I chose “Yufuin Shuhokan” by Lake Kinrin and enjoyed the wonderful lake and mountain scenery. The two completely different stays and hot spring experiences perfectly showcased Yufuin's dual charm—warm and rustic, yet surrounded by magnificent mountains. It makes you want to return again and again and savor the memories.

On my first visit, I was completely captivated by the enticing aroma of the clay pot rice and Bungo beef. That unforgettable flavor became my reason for returning to Yufuin. This time, I made a reservation at Yufu Mabushi Shin (Kinrin Lake Main Store), which is farther from the station. Compared with the crowds at the location in front of the station, the dining space here feels much more comfortable.

The restaurant offers several classic varieties of clay pot rice, including Bungo beef, eel, and local chicken, each with its own distinctive flavor. On my second visit, I once again ordered my favorite, the Bungo beef clay pot rice. The moment I lifted the lid, I was greeted by the aroma of rice soaked in rich sauce and the rendered fat of the Bungo beef. It was every bit as wonderful and memorable as I remembered, and I was truly glad I returned to town for this dish I had missed so much.

If you’re a traveler like me who doesn’t enjoy waiting in line, I highly recommend avoiding peak hours. Around sunset, after the day-trippers have left and the town has grown quiet again, take a stroll to the main store by Kinrin Lake for dinner. Not only can you avoid a long wait, but you can also enjoy an incredibly relaxing, leisurely time surrounded by views of the lake and mountains.

As you take a leisurely stroll around Lake Kinrin, you definitely shouldn't miss Tenso Shrine by the lake. Follow the path to the water's edge, and you'll see the mysterious stone torii gate standing quietly in the lake. From this angle, the torii and the shimmering water create a perfect composition that looks good in every photo. Standing in this spiritually charged spot, quietly take in the peace brought by the breeze and the lake, and let your body and mind completely unwind amid this stunning scenery.

My first encounter with Lake Kinrin was at dusk in the summer. The glow of the setting sun fell across the water, framing the lakeside torii gate. At the time, I simply found it relaxing and had yet to fully appreciate its breathtaking beauty. It wasn't until my second visit, when I specifically chose to stay at a lakeside inn, that the view truly left me in awe. On an autumn morning, I walked from the foot of Mount Yufu to Lake Kinrin in the cool light of dawn.

In the early morning, warm spring water flows into the chilly lake, and dreamy wisps of mist rise over all of Lake Kinrin. The ethereal mist, the layered slopes of Mount Yufu in the background, and the lake scenery blend together like an unreal ink painting, instantly taking my breath away.

Travel really is a wonderful process of discovering entirely new scenery each time you return. I'm so glad I was able to ride the Yufuin no Mori train again and return to this hot spring town I could never tire of, keeping the memory of this early-morning-only fairyland in my heart.

I once rode the dreamlike Kyushu sightseeing train “Futatsu Boshi 4047” and tried the delicious bento that won the Kyushu Bento Competition. Ever since then, I had longed to visit KAIRODO, the place behind it. Enjoying it on the train had its own special charm, but for Taiwanese people accustomed to hot food, it still felt like it was missing that satisfying warmth.

This time, I made a special trip to Takeo Onsen, so of course I had to visit the original KAIRODO location inside Takeo Onsen Station. I ordered the Saga beef bento I had been dreaming of and asked the staff to heat it up. The moment I opened the piping-hot bento, its aroma immediately filled the air, and the first bite was truly unforgettable.

Unlike the rich fat of some wagyu, which can easily become too heavy, the marbling in Saga beef is extremely fine and evenly distributed. The meat is tender yet retains a light, savory aroma and sweetness, making it hard to stop eating slice after slice. It completely satisfied my taste buds. If you’re also a train enthusiast or food lover, don’t miss this understated eatery when visiting Takeo Onsen.