一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 12/31

Canal City Hakata is conveniently located in the city and is easy to reach by subway or bus. Its signature attraction is the spectacular fountain show that runs through the entire mall, with water dancing to music and adding a touch of romance to the shopping experience.

This large shopping complex is spacious and has plenty to browse and buy. One place you definitely shouldn't miss is Donguri Republic, which Ghibli fans will go crazy for, filled with all kinds of cute, beautifully made merchandise. There are also many anime-themed stores and a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Best of all, convenient tax-free shopping is available, so you can shop to your heart's content without worry. It's a classic shopping destination with plenty to eat, do, and buy.

Sugar Butter Tree cookies have long been a classic go-to souvenir for travelers visiting Japan. What makes them especially irresistible is that different regions and seasons often offer exciting limited-edition flavors.

On this trip to Hakata, I happened to find this dreamy limited-edition Amaou strawberry flavor. As soon as you open the package, you’re greeted by a wonderful strawberry aroma. The crisp, hearty cereal cookies sandwich a rich, sweet-tart strawberry white chocolate filling. They’re sweet without being overwhelming, making it hard to stop eating one after another. Whether paired with a cup of hot coffee or mellow black tea, they’re the perfect afternoon treat and definitely a delicious must-buy souvenir when traveling in Kyushu.

This is Josuian’s Tsukushi Mochi, a traditional sweet that is very representative of Fukuoka. It has a fascinating texture, somewhere between soft warabi mochi and chewy mochi. It is lightly sprinkled with fragrant roasted soybean flour and drizzled with just the right amount of brown sugar syrup. The sweetness is not overwhelming, and I loved it from the first bite.

The first time I brought it back to Taiwan for my older family members to try, they couldn’t stop praising it and really liked it. Ever since then, whenever I travel to Kyushu, this sweet has been a must-have in my suitcase, and I always find myself looking everywhere for it. In addition to the convenient counter inside Hakata Station, there are other locations around the city where it is easy to buy. It is my top choice for a souvenir that offers both quality and great taste.

Located inside Kumamoto Station, Higo Yokamon Market is definitely a great place to buy souvenirs and grab something to eat during your trip. It brings together a wide variety of authentic Kumamoto specialties, and once you step inside, you won’t want to leave.

My personal top recommendation is the rich and delicious Aso milk, which I’d happily go back for every day. Its creamy, smooth taste is still unforgettable. There’s also the eye-catching and luxurious honeycomb ice cream from Sugi Bee Garden. With one bite, the sweet flavor melts in your mouth and fills you with happiness. Whether you’re looking for refined local souvenirs or tasty specialty snacks, this place has it all. It’s a great place to shop and explore.

Landing at Aso Kumamoto Airport was a really great experience. Compared with crowded large airports, there are far fewer travelers here, and the entire terminal is very new and stylishly designed. Direct buses are available right outside the entrance, making it easy to reach downtown Kumamoto. Transportation is very convenient.

While waiting for my return flight, I couldn't resist spending a little extra time in the extensive food court. I tried a local horse meat croquette that was crispy on the outside and rich inside, and also bought some Kumamon sweets with super cute designs. From arrival to departure, the whole experience was comfortable and relaxing. It's a perfect airport that makes you want to visit again and again.

We stopped by Takamori because we were heading to Takachiho Gorge. It’s also the starting point of the Minamiaso Railway. As soon as you arrive at the station, you’re greeted by an eye-catching bronze statue of Franky from One Piece. Together with the Minamiaso Railway’s distinctive trains, railway fans will have a hard time putting their cameras down.

If you have the chance to come by train, I highly recommend also visiting the nearby Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park. This tunnel was originally intended for a railway line, but after pure groundwater began springing from it, it became a unique and refreshing attraction. Walking through the tunnel, which stays at a comfortable temperature year-round, listening to the flowing water, and admiring the elaborate displays on both sides is relaxing and pleasant. It’s a nice place to experience both the scenery of the Minamiaso Railway and the appeal of the clear spring water.

I had long heard about the magnificent scenery of Takachiho Gorge, but it wasn't until I visited in person that I truly felt its impact and beauty. It was deeply captivating and incredibly soothing.

I especially captured one classic view: Manai Falls, like a strand of white silk, gently cascading into the deep emerald-green gorge. The scenery was so beautiful it hardly seemed real. Whenever I look back at the photos, the light, shadows, and atmosphere from that day remain vivid, as though they were deeply etched into my mind. This one-of-a-kind, breathtaking gorge, shaped by the extraordinary forces of nature and paired with just the right enchanting light and shadows, is truly a profound memory that will last a lifetime.

Located in Kumamoto City, this zoological and botanical garden is not only very convenient to get to, but also cleverly combines a zoo and botanical garden into one lush and comfortable place to relax. As soon as you reach the entrance, you're welcomed by an incredibly popular and adorable Chopper statue. One Piece fans definitely shouldn't miss this chance to make a pilgrimage and take photos.

It's clear that a lot of care has gone into every part of the grounds. The biggest surprise was the three-dimensional red panda decoration carefully created with colorful flowers—it was unbelievably cute. Strolling around, the overall atmosphere is laid-back and comfortable. It's a great place to slow down and enjoy both nature and soothing animals.

This time, I made a special trip on the dreamlike A-Train de Iko to Misumi Station. Although it suddenly started pouring when I transferred to a bus from Misumi Port to Misumi West Port, disrupting my original plan to take a walk, it also led to an unexpected local encounter.

As a railway fan, I immediately ducked into the cozy Tensei Railway Café to escape the rain. Sitting in this small café visited almost exclusively by local regulars, I listened to the raindrops outside and quietly watched the little trains travel back and forth along the tracks, with steam mingling with the rainy mist. Although I wasn’t able to properly stroll around and enjoy the stone wharf scenery at the West Port, this slow-paced time, unique to a rainy day and filled with local warmth, instead became a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience of Misumi Port. I’ll visit Misumi West Port again next time.

Located by the sea, the Amakusa Underwater Aquarium SEA DONUT has a very distinctive design. From a distance, you can see the entire building floating on the deep blue water. Nearby, there’s also a small bus decorated with cute Kumamon and dolphin illustrations, giving it a playful feel.

When I visited, the keepers happened to be feeding the dolphins, and watching them interact so attentively was incredibly soothing. There’s also a rest area nearby where you can order drinks and light meals. Sitting there and quietly taking in the unique floating aquarium and ocean view felt leisurely and relaxing. It’s a very distinctive attraction with a charming island atmosphere.