If I hadn’t received a stay voucher from Hizenya, I probably still wouldn’t know about Tsuetate Onsen. Tucked away in a valley on the border of Kumamoto and Oita, it feels like a hidden world of its own compared with nearby, better-known Kurokawa Onsen.
While exploring the hot spring town, I was warmly greeted by locals, which really gave me a sense of the heartfelt charm you only find in rural Japan. There wasn’t even a hint of commercialism on the streets. Spending a night here felt like pure peace and tranquility. If you’re looking for a slow-paced hot spring getaway, Tsuetate Onsen is definitely the right choice!
Tsuetate Onsen | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
-
Nakatanido
The lively shout of "Haiyo!" kicks off the action, followed by the rhythmic "pachi, pachi!" of pounding mochi echoing through the air. As the pace intensifies dramatically, the crowd erupts into cheers. Famous for its lightning-fast mochi pounding performances, Nakatanido is not just putting on a show-it's showcasing a traditional technique from the owner's hometown of Kamikitayama Village in Nara Prefecture, which produces exceptionally soft and chewy mochi.
Even in the rain, there were still quite a few tourists gathered outside the shop to watch Nakatanido’s high-speed mochi pounding. I was drawn in by the lively shouts too and went over to take a look.
The whole process was really fun and felt almost like being at a festival. In the end, I bought one to try. It was still warm and freshly made, and the soybean flour aroma spread the moment I took a bite. The soft, pillowy texture was absolutely memorable. -
-
A&W Naha Kanagusuku Store
The first Okinawa restaurant was opened in 1963, before Okinawa was returned to Japan, and today there are more than 20 fast food restaurants in Okinawa Prefecture, all originating from the United States.
It had been a while since I last came to Okinawa, so my first meal was A&W. It’s an Okinawa-only fast food chain, and their root beer is a must-order! It tastes completely different from Taiwan’s sarsaparilla, and if you dine in, you can get free refills. It’s almost magical—I kept drinking cup after cup. This is the taste of Okinawa I’ve been missing.
-
-
Oasis 21
The Oasis 21 is famous for its symbolic glass roof, also known as the “Spaceship-Aqua ”. The facility has a bus terminal and is also connected to the subway and the Meitetsu line .Located within the heart of Nagoya city, the facility is known to be a photogenic location due to the illuminations lighting up the skyline.
When the Spaceship-Aqua and the Nagoya TV Tower appear in the same frame, they create an image that really represents Nagoya. It has a different vibe during the day and at night. By day, it feels like an oasis in the city, and once the lights come on at night, it unexpectedly takes on a surreal feel.
That’s why I especially like coming here at night. It’s not just about enjoying the night view, but also about feeling the everyday rhythm of Nagoya. -
