陳泰任's Reviews Page 2/3

SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto—Between the Historic Castle and the Future, Bringing the Journey to a Close

At the end of our trip, we arrived at SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto. The glass curtain walls reflected the drifting clouds, modern streetcars traveled through the streets, and department stores, the transit center, and urban green spaces came together to create a new way of life. Not far away, Kumamoto Castle still stood quietly, preserving centuries of historical memory.

The new and the old may seem at odds, yet they find the most natural balance in this city. The historic castle reminds people not to forget where they came from, while modern architecture leads the city toward the future. Technology makes life more convenient, but it cannot replace the warmth left by history; nor should the marks carved by time hinder the steps of progress.

Our five-day, four-night trip through Kyushu came to an end amid this contrast. Perhaps what we truly take away from travel is not just the scenery captured by our cameras, but an understanding of a city—progress and old-world simplicity have never been an either-or choice, but rather complement each other through the passage of time. As the train departed once again, I left with this feeling, looking forward to returning to Kumamoto someday to see how the city will write its next chapter.

Fukuoka, Chikugo | Koinoki Shrine—Discovering Love in Its Purest Form Amid the Ordinary

Located in Chikugo, Fukuoka Prefecture, Koinoki Shrine is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to Koinomikoto, the deity of love. It is also one of the few shrines in the country devoted specifically to prayers for good relationships and success in love. From the approach and amulets to the ema plaques and shrine crest, hearts are everywhere, making it feel like a sanctuary filled with happiness and hope.

Unexpectedly, there were no other visitors when I went. The only sounds were cicadas, the breeze, and the quiet warmth of the sunshine. There was none of the romance of Tanabata or the bustle of Valentine’s Day, which made it easier to appreciate the shrine’s true charm. From Lovers’ Bridge and the sacred Koinoki tree to the guardian statues of the 12 zodiac animals, every detail carries blessings for love, destiny, and happiness.

Perhaps I’m already past the age of butterflies, but in this peaceful setting, I was reminded that love does not have to be dramatic. It can simply mean cherishing the person beside you and continuing to walk hand in hand through ordinary days. Koinoki Shrine watches over more than romance—it celebrates the kind of bond that lasts a lifetime. Among all the heart-shaped symbols, this visit helped me rediscover the simplest joy of happiness.

Yanagawa: The Boatman’s Song

After enjoying authentic grilled eel rice and shrimp tempura in Yanagawa, Fukuoka, we boarded a flat-bottomed boat for the famous river cruise. Using only a bamboo pole, the boatman skillfully navigated the old waterways and stone bridges, showing remarkable expertise. The intense summer heat quietly faded amid the shade along the banks, the breeze over the water, and the tranquil scenery.

Most memorable was the boatman’s warm, resonant voice. He sang everything from “Nada Soso” and classic Teresa Teng songs to tunes from “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Doraemon.” As our boat drifted along, his singing filled the journey with joy and emotion. Yanagawa’s beauty lies not only in its picturesque waterways, but also in how the boatman transformed an ordinary cruise into a treasured travel memory with his songs and smile. It became one of the most unforgettable moments of our trip to Kyushu.

Fukuoka Tenjin: Finding genuine warmth in the heart of the city

After saying goodbye to the mountain scenery of Mount Aso and Yufuin, we arrived in lively Fukuoka Tenjin. Walking through Tenjin Chikagai, the rows of shops, food spots, and stylish urban scenery showed off the energy of a modern city. My wife bought a Fukuoka-exclusive tote bag, my daughter picked out a Kuromi charm, and we enjoyed a crispy Ringo apple pie and the familiar Chun Shui Tang. Every moment became a precious travel memory.

What I’ll remember most, though, was the yatai food stall culture at night. Using phone translation, we chatted with an elderly couple who ran the stall. Surrounded by the aroma of hot pan-fried dumplings and charcoal-grilled dishes, we felt a kind of human warmth that language can’t replace. Their sincerity and smiles made me realize that a city’s most moving scenery isn’t its high-rises or shopping malls, but the pure kindness between people.

Fukuoka is both bustling and warm. Tenjin Chikagai showed us the city’s charm, while the yatai let us experience its most genuine human touch. It left us with some of the deepest and most unforgettable memories of this Kyushu trip.

Yufuin’s famous Shunsai Roman Restaurant—

It was impossible to resist the delicious aromas drifting all along Yunotsubo Street. We had just finished a leisurely stroll, and before we knew it, it was already time for lunch. This time, we visited Yufuin’s well-known Shunsai Roman Restaurant to try jigoku-mushi, or “hell-steamed” cuisine, a specialty with a strong Kyushu character. Instead of cooking with oil, this method uses high-temperature steam. Fresh ingredients are placed in a steamer and slowly cooked by the heat, preserving their natural sweetness, texture, and nutrition as much as possible. It’s a food experience you shouldn’t miss in Yufuin.

Since it was midsummer, we chose a window seat so we could enjoy Yufuin’s natural scenery while waiting for the steamer to be opened. When the hot steam slowly rose, the aromas of meat, fish cakes, and seafood blended together beautifully. The ingredients revealed their purest flavors through the steaming process. The sweetness of the seafood and the richness of the meat stood out even more after cooking, and every bite highlighted the freshness of the ingredients.

That said, enjoying such a piping-hot meal in midsummer was also a fun challenge. The heat rising from the steamer felt like it was cooking both the food and our excitement. We were sweating nonstop, but still wanted more. This lunch was more than just a treat for the taste buds. It became an unforgettable Yufuin memory: sweating through the meal, yet smiling with total satisfaction.

Spirit Lake?? Kinrin Lake

When I first heard the name “Kinrin Lake,” I couldn’t help imagining a mysterious, fantasy-like lake where kappa spirits might live. It wasn’t until I saw it in person that I understood “golden scales” refers to the golden shimmer on the lake’s surface when the sunlight hits it, like fish scales. Kinrin Lake in June doesn’t have the romance of spring cherry blossoms and morning mist, the colorful mix of autumn maples and ginkgo leaves, or the dreamy white of the first winter snow. Instead, it shows off a fresh, refined beauty that feels unique to summer.

After a light rain, the lake looked especially clear and peaceful, like a naturally formed mirror reflecting the surrounding greenery and sky. The mysterious torii gate in the lake adds an even deeper, more enigmatic atmosphere to the scenery. Setting aside its religious meaning, purely from a photography perspective, the torii gate, lake surface, distant mountains, and reflections all come together to create a beautifully layered focal point. The moment I stood by the lake and pressed the shutter, it felt like more than just scenery. It was a natural painting that changes constantly with the seasons, the rain, and the light. The beauty of Kinrin Lake isn’t about one season standing above the rest, but about how every visit offers a unique view that belongs only to that moment and can never be repeated.

Yunotsubo Kaido

After leaving the dreamlike Kinrin Lake in Yufuin, I took a relaxed stroll along nearby Yunotsubo Kaido. It felt like stepping into another magical world full of imagination. The street is lined with all kinds of unique shops, from delicate goods and local souvenirs to an amazing variety of sweets and snacks. Each one feels like a carefully designed fairytale scene, making you want to explore them one after another.

The themed shops with immersive experiences were especially fun. They were lively and playful, sometimes reminding me of the magical world of Harry Potter, and other times making me feel like I had walked into the familiar picture-book worlds of Snoopy and Miffy from childhood.

The sweet, tempting aroma of dango along the way made the walk even happier. The seasonal Mont Blanc dorayaki from Yufuin Kikuchi was especially impressive. The chestnut flavor blended beautifully with the delicate dorayaki, and it looked so exquisite, almost like a piece of art, that I almost didn’t want to take a bite.

The charm of Yunotsubo Kaido is not just shopping and browsing. It’s a journey where sights, flavors, and childhood memories come together. Each carefully made souvenir brings home not only something delicious, but also a sweet and unforgettable memory from the trip.

After Typhoon Mekkhala passed, we visited Daikanbo, a famous spot in Aso, Kumamoto. We had been looking forward to the sweeping, majestic views of Mount Aso’s outer rim that we’d seen in travel guides. Instead, we were greeted by thick fog so dense we could barely see in front of us.

The clouds and mist draped over the mountaintop like a light veil, with the scenery appearing and disappearing before our eyes. For a moment, it was hard to tell whether we were at Qingtiangang in Taipei or Daikanbo in Kumamoto, Japan.

A fine drizzle was falling, so we quickened our pace from the parking lot to the observation deck. Although we couldn’t see the grand mountains and grasslands, we experienced a different kind of quiet, mysterious atmosphere. At the viewpoint, two deity statues were wearing cute Kumamon scarves, as if silently watching over every traveler who had come from afar. They added a touch of warmth and surprise to the rainy journey.

Perhaps the most charming thing about Daikanbo is not only its wide-open views under clear skies, but also the completely different faces it shows in different weather. The blend of thick fog, light rain, and a gentle breeze gave this trip an unexpected sense of wonder, making it one of my most memorable Kumamoto landscapes.

I visited Shirakawa Spring Shrine in Minami-Aso, Kumamoto, Japan. The crystal-clear spring water flows year-round, and the cool water instantly washed away the summer heat. It also made me slow down and soak in the quiet afternoon, enjoying nature’s purest kind of healing.

Just as we were about to leave, we happened to notice a roadside vendor’s map marking the “Great Stone Footprint of Aso Daigongen.” Curious, we followed our phone map and set off along a country road for about 20 minutes, beginning an unexpected little adventure.

The fields along the way were peaceful, with only the sound of wheels and the wind breaking the silence. When we arrived, a massive rock stood quietly before us. According to Aso mythology, it is said to be the sacred footprint left by Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, also known as Aso Daigongen. Local residents later rediscovered this sacred site through references in old records, giving the huge stone an even deeper sense of history and faith.

There are no big crowds here, and there aren’t many tourist facilities. Because it’s remote and not easy to access, tour groups rarely visit. But that is exactly why it has kept such an authentic, untouched atmosphere.

For travelers who enjoy independent trips and love exploring hidden places, this mysterious giant stone near Shirakawa Spring is more than just a natural wonder shaped by the Aso volcano. It is also an unforgettable travel memory worth savoring slowly.

Takachiho Gorge in the wind and rain had its own poetic charm.

On 20260627, after being greeted by a rare morning rainbow over Kumamoto Castle, my very first trip to Kyushu, Japan began. Following the journey, I arrived at Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture. Although the area was under the outer circulation of Typhoon Mitag, with a steady drizzle along the way, it made the mountains and forest look even more lush. Mist drifted through the gorge, like an ink-wash landscape painting. The rushing stream surged past. I couldn’t get close to Manai Falls, and I also missed the chance to take a leisurely boat ride through the gorge. Still, the rain and mist created a different kind of quiet beauty and emotion.

Travel doesn’t always go exactly as planned, but the wind and rain made the experience even more meaningful. It also made this Kyushu memory feel even more precious and unforgettable.