Day 2 of Bikepacking 4 Rivers brought me through the heart of Seoul.
Take note that this is a detour from the main “Four Rivers” trail.
Refer custom Google Map‘s red icons for more clarity (or confusion :p )
~~~ 7D6N solo bikepacking itinerary~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Day1 90km IncheonAirport to AraWest to Hongdae
*Day2 90km Seoul to Yangpyeong
Day3 123km Yangpyeong to Suanbo
Day4 82km Suanbo to SangjuSi
Day5 90km SangjuSi to Daegu
Day6 114km Daegu to Namji
Day7 95km Namji to Busan
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) should be the most famous and elaborate palace in Seoul. You cannot cycle inside the Palace compound.
Cycle to Seoul palaces
You can bring your bike around to the carpark behind (for tourist coaches), and walk through the other gate (Roughly GPS 37.576565, 126.978250).
Try to aim for the 1000 change-of-guard ceremony.Seoul attractions palaces
The famous Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul, waterway should be nicer under evening illumination.
Photos of Cheonggyecheon Stream Korea
Quick breakfast before I head towards War Memorial. There are plenty of F&B options in Seoul. Beargels coffee set is slightly more expensive, at 11000 Won.
Folks will tell you that security in Seoul (and Korea) is good. Most cyclists will just leave their bicycles outside cafe or toilet unlocked. Trust the locals 🙂
Gate fortress “Sungnyemun 숭례문” is at a busy round-about intersection.
Cycled past Seoul Station (서울역) without realising. I just noticed the outstanding colonial style facade.
By now, you would notice that all “Korean” characters look very similar! This will be a headache when you try to “Kakao or Naver” nearby attractions, Motel or even F&B! It was hard for me to differentiate the characters.
(As a comparison, it is easier to differentiate between Japanese characters)
Cycle past Colonial style building Seoul Station
Cycling on the road is faster and more efficient than pavement. However I only chose roads with wider lanes to accommodate cyclists. Refer to Kakao Tips below paragraph. (Safety first).
Seoul road cycling review
War Memorial of Korea exhibition carries relics from Korean War. The outdoor exhibits are free for tourists.
B52 and F5 Korea War Memorial
This vessel was sunk by North Korea, and the bullet holes are real.
Seoul War memorial navy vessel bullet holes
Although I might have detoured significantly from original Bikepacking 4 Rivers route, I enjoyed the sightseeing in downtown Seoul.
1)Go Easy with planning
I was a bit ambitious (greedy) and tried to covered too many attractions. This affected my itinerary and delayed my motel checkin in the evening.
Plan realistically and maybe conservatively. There are too many attractions and you will not have enough time or energy to cover all. Prioritise.
Fortunately, I skipped hiking 2 hours up “Inwangsan Mountain Park” or cycling up Seoul Tower (both offers elevated view of Seoul skyline). Take note that Seoul Tower slope is steep, and some segments are shared with coaches. (Be careful).
Both activities will require some amount of exertion and would definitely stretched my time.
These were NOT the most ambitious part of my planning! I was supposed to extend my bikepacking trip by five days and 500km. Taking a three-hour ferry from Busan to Fukuoka, before cycling North to Hiroshima and Shimanami Kaido (The most beautiful bike path in Japan). What was I thinking 🙂
Do pop by our Kyushu itinerary (九州) too. Kyushu is super underrated and we really enjoyed our family trip back in Jan 2023.
Kakao Map tips
Cycled across to the South side of Han River, and followed “Red” path. I am back on Four Rivers Trail.
Refering to map below, after cycling across Han River, I turned East towards Yeoju direction. Due to thunderstorm, I was forced to stop at “X” Yangpyeong corner, which was 30km short.
Korea four rivers map
For those who are going after certification stamps (and booths), do refer to the “Red” markers in my custom Google Map. These are the certification booths (credit Mr Yoo).
2)Kakao Map tips
1) Choose “Bicycle option”, and you might noticed three “Coloured lanes” recommendations.
–Red (dedicated bike lanes). In city area, do expect pedestrians on red paths too :p (In rural area, the whole bike lanes are yours)
–Green (Shared with vehicles, a small lane reserved for bicycles)
–Blue is slowest (pavement with pedestrians and obstacles. Even parked vehicles.)
2) You can checkout the elevation and gradient forecast at bottom of Kakao screen. This was useful for me to pre-empt any slopes infront. I could then decide to pitstop before or after the gradient.
Seoul is a huge metropolis and Han river stretches for at least 50km! (longer than Singapore). There are at least 25 bridges spanning Han river!
Choosing which bridge to criss-cross becomes more complicated.
These bridges are illuminated and beautiful in the evenings.
Detour again to visit some cute Gangnam locals (K Star Road).
K Star road icons South Korea
View of Seoul skyline from southern side of Han River. I suspect the air quality was bad (Psi 150+) as the sky was a bit hazy.
Biking tourism in Seoul
Onwards to Seoul Olympic Park, you might pass through some beautiful bike paths. The “corridor” is packed with stunning Autumn Foliage, and fallen maple leaves littered the ground.
This is like Singapore’s PCN (Park Connector), except Korean version is more elaborate. They even have round-abouts!
Cycling infrastructures Seoul bike paths
South Korea cycling infrastructure is top notch!
Checkout the colourful toilets, and you will spot many “sports” corners too.
Outdoor gym, badminton and other activities.
Koreans are spoilt for choice.Toilets along Seoul bike paths
GS25, CU, eMart and 7-11 are your best friends. Refill and recharge. They offer the cheapest set meals too (at 5000 Won, but delicious).
I left my Insta360 at GS25, fortunately the staff found me seated outside enjoying my coffee. Thank You!
GS25 eMart CU convenience stores Korea
Seoul (Korea) is famous for Autumn Foliage.
And Seoul has a few majestic parks to admire the orange and yellow hues.
Besides Olympic Park, the other one is “Seoul Forest Park“. (Although most tourists would only head to Nami Island)
South Korea had hosted 1988 Olympics and 2002 World Cup. Thus you can find Olympic Stadiums (Olympic and WorldCup) in downtown too.
I only had time for Olympic Park (as Olympic Stadium required a weird detour).
Seoul Olympic Park Autumn
1988 Seoul Olympic mascots
Supposed to be two rows of gingko trees along Olympic Park permiter. Would be awesome yellow corridor during full bloom.
Love this “fantasy” playground, background all yellow.
My phone camera is not doing justice to the actual colours! (which is more vibrant)
Autumn biking in Seoul
Muhly (pink vegetation) is on a small plot of land, but Gingko and maple trees are all over Olympic Park. I suspect Cherry Blossoms would also be blooming during Spring.
Near to this location (GPS 37.58286, 127.19616), my wheels ran over the crispy carpet of maple leaves! So soothing and therapeutic.
After exiting the busy hub of Seoul downtown, the bicycle traffic also reduced significantly.
Bikepacking 4 Rivers felt like an exclusive event for those who do Solo 🙂
Whenever you bump into the rare cyclists or joggers, you felt a sense of comfort, that you are not alone. Somehow, you hope you are on the correct path.
Around 1645 (considered late, since sunset at 1745), I reached an old train station “Neungnae train station“.
Red Phone booth for your achievement stamp.
But the highlight for me was the wooden and Iron bridge (Yangsu Railway Bridge 양수철교) over the Hang Gang river (which is still part of Han river).
These were repurposed from old Train tracks.
When you roll over the wooden planks, it sounds like a mini train is rolling over.
Towards Yeoju direction, you will come across at least 9 such tunnels!
Trains used to run through the tunnels, but now only cyclists and pedestrians.
Surreal experience.
biking through train tunnels Korea
I tried to push through the incoming thunderstorm for 30-45minutes, but it was hopeless. Plan B required me to quickly search for nearest motel.
If I were caught in a thunderstrom, it would be dangerous and miserable. This was only Day 2.
Pushed through another 20km to reach my Motel. I was fortunate as the rain poured literally minutes after I checkin!
Checkin to motel at 1930.
I am 36km away from my planned end point in Yeoju.
This was a lesson to remind me not to underestimate the efforts and distance, yet I repeat same mistake at least twice :p
The motel 지오모텔 G.O motel was 1.5km from Yangpyeong certification booth (I needed to cycle across the river).
Basic motel, not for fussy folks.
But the boss (or administrator) was very friendly.
(I could not bring bike to room, thus chain to his scooter on first floor)
3) Motel cost
Fyi, a motel stay in Korea would cost between 40,000 to 60,000 Won. Decent quality and relatively cheap.
For comparison, a meal would easily cost between 10000-12000 Won.
Motels near Yeoju
Motels in Korea are also known as Love Hotels, but I did not encounter any sleezy incidents.
Love motels Korea for cycling
Dinner 18000 Won chicken BHC chicken.
BHC chicken Korea review
4) Referring to Kakao and Naver map comparison
Below is is one more reason why we cannot 100% trust Google Map review in Korea.
Inaccurate Google Map in Korea
I was searching for restaurants which opens late near motel. Two 24-hours restaurant was closed! Perhaps their operational hours were not updated post-Covid? Kakao and Naver Maps would have provided more updated details.
I ended up with BHC chicken for dinner. It was delicious, and boss was friendly. But the bucket could feed 3 pax, and I had to share with fellow motel guests.
So instead of 120km, I ended day 2 with 90km.
This means I need to start earlier to make up for the 30km deficit.
Bikepacking 4 Rivers
More Tips for Bikepacking 4 Rivers (newbies):
5) It is easy to underestimate the effort needed to complete the 633km Bikepacking 4 rivers trail. Some folks might assume since we are cycling on dedicated bike paths, it will be straightforward.
6) Do factor in the efforts and strains from multi-day cycling.
It will be more complicated when you attempt a solo trip.
I am not trying to scare people off, but we need to respect the efforts needed for 633km. Fortunately, there are plenty of online resources to help with your planning.
Some personal opinions.
7) Although most will say motels are readily available.
I would recommend researching some “populated township” beforehand (maybe mid day). You should be able to estimate how much more you wish to cover before resting.
Due to inexperience, I had to cycle in the night (total darkness) in some rural areas before I reach my motel. (20km distance might mean one extra hour of cycling, if average 20kmh)
8) Cycling at night will be more risky. Cars might not be paying attention, you might lose concentration after a full day of exertion. The Autumn cold weather (15degrees) makes it more miserable.
Most importantly, you will miss all the scenic spots in the darkness!
9) The known slopes are easy to manage, just PUSH if cannot climb. (ie two mountains after Suanbo). But it is the unknown endless slopes (spikes) which will wear you down. Make use of momentum.
RESOURCES:
a)Part 1 and 2 of my custom Google Map will share my route, F&B and motels from Seoul to Busan. Do take note that I did not follow 100% 4 Rivers Route, skip Andong, and I did not search for all the certification booths.
I have indicated “Purple markers” to represent Detours and Slopes.
(Part 1 Seoul to Sangju) Red dots depict the Certification Booths.
Our 8D7N Kyushu itinerary was the most challenging diy tour which I had planned thus far. We covered Northern Kyushu in 8D7N, which was barely enough. You will need two weeks to cover the whole of Kyushu.
*I can only add selection of photos in this blog. All our Kyushu photos have been uploaded to Facebook, links at the end of this post.
YouTube Video (8D7N Kyushu Itinerary)
This trip was meant as a Dad Son bonding trip. No2 Boon Kang is going to enlist very soon. Last minute planning, and we shortlisted Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka/Kyoto and Kyushu.
Kyushu or Osaka
Kyushu did not disappoint.
The no1 challenge for me was public transport planning. Trains, trams and buses in the big cities were easy and predictable. But countryside buses frequency can be every 45 to 60 minutes. Miss one bus and there goes your “ideal” itinerary :p
In addition point A to B might only be 30km, but it can take up to 2 hours ( including bus waiting time). Fortunately, we engaged a private tour on Day two Mount Aso, otherwise much time would be wasted on transport.
Refer to Google Map below for our 8D7N Kyushu Itinerary, clockwise direction. Public transport all the way, except day 2 Mount Aso private tour.
Diy 8D7N Kyushu itinerary
In summary.
1) On average, this is our Japan expenses average (not including hotels, airfare, and day Two private tour). All in, we spent about SGD 2500 for our 8D7N Kyushu itinerary.
-Average daily 15,000 Yen for two pax three meals and misc (not including JR pass)
-If add JR Pass (Kyushu North 5 days), our average daily would be 18,000 Yen
–40 to 45% overall expenses on F&B
-15 to 20% overall spent on transport
-Balance on souvenirs, attractions entry tickets etc
-About 60% of my expenses were clocked on Youtrip card
-Did a 90,000 Yen withdrawal from Youtrip too
2)Accomodations
-2 nights Kumamoto (x1 near Mount Aso, x1 Downtown)
-2 nights Nagasaki
-3 nights Fukuoka
In hindsight, I would have opted for an extra night at Beppu or Oita and reduced Fukuoka to two nights.
3) Transport
Train and Bus for 90% of the itinerary. We booked a private tour of Mount Aso (Kumamoto).
My best experiences were around Mount Aso’s volcano landscapes. Cauldron and valleys, active volcanoes and lush pastures, dotted with horses and cows.
The second best experience could be Nagasaki Atomic Museum and Peace Park or Nagasaki Bio Park. Both are memorable for different reasons.
The cute Amaterasu Railway stole our hearts and let us relive our childhoods.
4)no1 tip for First timers in Japan :p
Japan toilet instructions
Automatic bidet is soothing. But first timers might stress about which button (flow) to activate…
Day 1 Arrival at Fukuoka
We took a 20 minutes shuttle from International to Domestic airport. Subway will bring us to Hakata station (Heart of Fukuoka).
how to go to Fukuoka airport
You will not go wrong with accommodations near Hakata or Tenjin stations. Amenities, shopping, F&B are clustered around these two stations.
Hakata and Tenjin stations are themselves multi-storey transport and lifestyle hubs. You might get lost in the shopping “maze”. There are plenty of food and supermarket options.
5) First order of the day was to pickup our JR Pass.
(JR stands for Japan Rail)
You may have to queue up to 30, 60 minutes to exchange your JR pass.
You can indicate activation date at the point of collection.
Example, we got a 5 day Northern Kyushu pass from Klook.
Once activated, the countdown will start. Even though we only use the pass for three days, it was still worthwhile for us.
Tips. Klook or KKDay JR pass might be cheaper than Japan direct. But you can only do “online seat reservation” if you buy JR pass direct from Japan e-shops. We always reserve our seats at the train stations (which might incur additional fees).
You may use JR Pass calculator to check whether JR Pass would be optimised for your trip. )Useful for budgeting purpose too)
JR Pass counter Hakata Station
Plenty of Train adventures await in Kyushu!
Below is iconic blue “Sonic”, which can bring you to Beppu and Oita.
Original plan was to visit a few Hot springs (Hells), ropeway or maybe even Yufuin.
I underestimated public transport options in Beppu.
Public buses come every 45 to 60 minutes. This is not my first trip to Japan, yet I am always paranoid about taking the wrong bus!
We only know later there is a Beppu Tourist bus (Kamenoi) which will bring you to nearby attractions. We had to skip the ropeway (to see snow) as fog forecast had reduced visibility at the summit to zero.
Happy folks at Beppu Station
We enjoyed our hot tempura lunch (Bungo Chaya Beppu) and took another 2 hour train towards our hotel
6) master Google Map and public transport options
I underestimated public transport coverage in Kyushu.
You can plan 95% of transport on rail, but last 5% on bus will give you a shock!
Imagine. Train services are very accurate and available every 10, 30 minutes(for example). But bus frequency can be every 60 minutes!
Google Maps works for most big cities. But Google Maps failed us when we needed bus advice in Beppu and Kumamoto countryside.
Refer to screenshot below, the “modified schedule” could not predict or advise bus services for us. This is most stressful when you are rushing with two pieces of luggage.
Gmap, what is “Modified Schedule”?
This is why we recommend “Japan Official Travel App” for our friends and those who wish to diy their itinerary.
*Updated 2023Dec – Japan Official Travel App has retired. Use Navitime instead
More precise train and bus inter-connectivity. You can even filter trains and buses by your JR-pass. We could easily estimate our transport fees (and more importantly routes) in advance.
Trains are never late. Eg below. If 0707 (am) Oita, this means the train will leave 0707 on the Spot, you better arrive 10 minutes earlier.
7)Sugoca card for Kyushu
JR Pass might cover the train mileage between prefectures. Sugoca card (also known as suica in other prefectures) will let you tap in and out of non JR trains, buses and trams. (You do not need to queue and buy your ticket everytime, or find the change or coins).
Every prefecture and city you go, download the transit maps and try to digest them. They will help you identify your most efficient routes.
Fukuoka train map
8)When trains and buses do not suit your transfers, Taxis might be the only option left.
We faced this issue in Kumamoto when we wanted to transfer from hotel to Ferry Terminal. There were no trains, buses frequency was every 60 minutes.
We ended up taking a direct taxi from the hotel, cost about 3000 Yen.
*There was a free shuttle bus from city to Ferry, but we gave up after trying to get help from Ferry and hotel reception (too much risks, and miscommunications)
**Those who have tried taking public buses before might understand the stress factor. Same “numbered” buses can appear, but leading to different venues. Buses timings are not as accurate as trains. We had to double confirm the bus and destination with the bus drivers! (who speaks limited English)
8a)By the way, Didi and Uber apps only work in bigger cities (Nagasaki and Fukuoka).
App was not available in Kumamoto and Oita!
day 1 evening – Mt Aso vicinity
Back to our itinerary. After 2 hour train ride, we reached Aso Station before 7pm. Waited for hotel pickup.
Took a photo of Usopp. You may be keen to find all 8 pieces in Kumamoto. I read somewhere that OnePiece creator wanted to create solidarity with Kumamoto after the earthquake.
Aso Plaza Hotel for one night. We chose this hotel because you can see Mt Aso mountain range from the pool! Unfortunately, the onsen pool is not so fantastic.
By the way, this is Boon Kang’s first onsen experience.
Image credit Aso Plaza Hotel
Onsen and Ryokan worshippers must visit Kurokawa Onsen town.
Some say this is the best Onsen experience in Kyushu.
Take note rooms sold out fast and one night can easily cost $SGD 300+
Kurokawa Onsen and Ryokan (image credit IG)
Day 2 Mount Aso 阿蘇山
The best highlights of our 8D7N Kyushu are from Mount Aso. Self drive is highly recommended, as the attractions are spread all over. No trains here, only buses, and frequency can be every 45 minutes.
(Kumamoto 熊本 has two main parts, near Mount Aso and Kumamoto downtown).
I had initially wanted to take public transport for Mount Aso attractions, but gave up. Bad idea if you have time constrains. Too tough to plan the “connecting train/bus”, and little room for mistakes.
We decided to engage agency Explore Kumamoto for a full day private trip. You will see their name when you google Kyushu attractions and tours. Helen (our guide) was friendly and highly knowledgeable.
Google Map below help me to plot our interests (Daikanbo, Kusasenri 草千里ケ浜, Takachiho Gorge, Amaterasu Railway)
Kyushu Mount Aso map
Day 2 was a cool winter 12 degrees instead of 8 degrees, making our walks very comfortable. From the top of Daikanbo, we look down at the valley below.
Imagine. We are on ground level. Previous volcanoes activities have sunken the grounds infront of us!
Best place to visit in Kyushu
We all know Japanese are friendly. I saw this mini Honda S2000 (look alike) and requested permission to take a photo. The driver exited the car and gestured me to go ahead!
So embarrassing and I kept nodding and “Konichiwa and Arigato” to him.
Kumamoto is famous for horse and cow sashimi! We opt out 🙂
But we did try fried horse croquette at a famous store (Aso Torimiya).
My own opinion. So so, I might have enjoyed my potato croquette more :p
The highlight of our tours are always about volcanoes and cauldrons. 17 volcanos to be exact! Including the mini volcano (Komezuka) in photo below.
One of my favourite spot was at 草千里 Kusanseri. As you drive around, you will see grazing cows and horses on the dry brown pastures.
Imagine vast green pastures over the horizon during Spring.
The few photos of Kyushu Mount Aso attractions (in this post) do not do justice to the beautiful sceneries. Click on links (end of page) for the photo albums of each day.
Mount Aso attractions Kyushu
Everyone knows about mystical Takachiho Gorge, but I felt Amaterasu Railway experience was better! (These two attractions are near to each other.)
You can smell Ramen extract during the ride. Relive your childhood memories, take more photos of valleys and old mining tracks.
(Trains only run 8 or 10 trips per day, 30 minutes to and fro)
You will see more of Mount Aso and nearby attractions on our YouTube clip.
Next, we headed to the famous Takachiho Gorge. Take more photos, the waterfall and the natural wall sculptured by years of seismic activities.
During peak periods, car park space will be limited. You might even need to book your boats in advance. Take note rowing experience will set you back by 4100 Yen or 5100 Yen (about SGD 50 per boat).
I would prefer to spend the money on food.
We noticed many “stickers” on these mini shrines. It seems like Japanese folks will paste their stickers to indicate the shrines/shintos they have visited in Japan. (quest)
Kumamoto is famous for their Garlic Ramen. We love Kokutei 黒亭!
Kumamon home town is in Kumamoto, and this bear is promoting Japanese tourism. There is a Kumamon museum (Square) too!
Day 3 Kumamoto city
Stayed one night at The New hotel, Kumamoto.
We have a short morning to explore Kumamoto city.
Trams are the main transport option for the city. Nostalgia for tourists.
Kumamoto suffered from a serious earthquake in 2016. Many sites are still rebuilding. We see Japanese resilience in every corner
Kumamoto castle ruins and rebuilding
We walked around Kumamoto Castle (above photo), and noticed that many sections had crumbled during the 2016 earthquake.
Rebuilding is literally piece by piece and will take decades to complete. Gosh, the walls are high!
While researching for Kumamoto, I was impressed with citizen’s resilience post earthquake. Video below was taken a day after the earthquake!
Authorities were deciding whether to postpone the launch of Kyushu Shinkansen, but decided to went ahead. All the folks along the line (all volunteers) came out to cheer the line, and themselves! (加油!)
You can also admire Kumamoto Castle’s splendor from the 14th floor of Kumamoto City Hall (free entrance).
If time permits, I would have explored more of Kumamoto city, especially Suizenji park. But more things await across at Shimabara.
If you only plan to visit Nagasaki downtown, you might consider taking train and loop North (about 3hr train ride)
Hungry seagulls greeted our Ferry ride from Kumamoto to Shimabara. I am not sure whether the seagulls are available throughout all seasons.
If you are taking the ferry, go outside and watch them fly alongside the ferry! You can buy feeds too. (Refer YouTube clip 8.30min for seagull feeding)
For those driving, you can roro from Kumamoto to Nagasaki too. Just ensure that you reach earlier (1 or 2 hours?) to onboard your car (and security checks).
10)Two cute attractions at Shimabara.
Try to get threeShibas to pop out of the holes! Unfortunately, they were snoozing when we dropped by. (Catch the three cute shibas on YouTube here)
Carps are swimming along some of the drains! Water must be so clear and clean. Shimabara area is a small suburb and we enjoyed exploring the neighbourhood. (More attractions listed on Google Map)
Day 3 evening – Our first capsule stay at Nagasaki downtown. First & Business Class (capsules) for two nights.
First Cabin Nagasaki. This is an upsized capsule hotel. You get a bit more headroom but width is the same. If you book online directly, you can choose “First Class” for more space.
Photo below, Kang got a normal “Business Class”. He does not look impressed.
Capsules are different from hostels. In Japan, guests are not supposed to make any noises inside the capsules or corridors. (What about alarms or snores?)
Guests are encouraged to mingle at the pantry area.
11)Let us talk about Food options and pricing in Japan
Most affordable food (and still delicious) are bentos and options from convenience stores. (7-11, FamilyMart, Lawson etc)
300 to 500 Yen Bento set
Craving for McDonald’s? 700 to 1000 Yen for a meal. In previous posts, I always mention that you should try pork burgers overseas 🙂
Cafes or restaurant meals (and cafes) will cost 1000 to 2000 Yen.
I love the quaint and friendly cafes in Japan. The staff and bosses are mostly friendly and accommodating (even when they are not proficient in English).
Those indulging in Omakase can expect to foot 8000++ Yen for the experience.
Those visiting Fukuoka can try Yatai cuisine (street food). Tiny stores, packed with customers and yummy food. Take note it is not street food price, each meal can easily cost 2000++ Yen (not including liquor).
I actually prefer Nagasaki to Fukuoka. It is not your usual traditional Japanese city. But you can definitely feel the lively vibes within the city.
In fact Nagasaki was one of the first cities to open to the world (trade and culture exchange through Meiji and Edo period).
I just cannot pinpoint why I prefer Nagasaki to Fukuoka. (Try to find the heart shaped stone at Spectacles Bridge).
I suspect there are too many temples, shrine and shintos in my itinerary 🙂
Those in Japan will notice these cute K cars zipping around. Maybe it is a lifestyle option, or perhaps Japan families have shrinked.
Each K car is worth 1,000,000 Yen about SGD 10,000) (Still not enough to cover SG COE, so sad)
You will hear Pork belly buns and Castella cakes are famous in Nagasaki. You can find Castella cake in most Kyushu souvenir shops too. (we got it from Fukusaya Main Store)
Coming from Singapore (or Malaysia), the pork belly is meh ( overated). Our 扣肉包 (kong4 bak4 bao1) is more juicy and fatty. Castella cake is like butter cake, but fluffier.
Our second onsen at Fuku no yu (稲佐山温泉). Imagine soaking and enjoying a night city view as you soak. (but the glass panel always mist up.)
Free shuttle buses are available to pick you up the hill.
Our Nagasaki photos are on our Facebook albums. Refer to the links at end of blog post.
Day 5 Atomic Museum and Peace Park(rated 4.5/5)
We stayed two nights in Nagasaki. On the last day, we covered Atomic Museum and Nagasaki Bio Park.
You can see how we travel North from Nagasaki towards Bio Park, Saga and towards Fukuoka on our Google Map link.
Below photo is hypocenter of the atomic bomb. The top of the “black pillar” was where the bomb detonated.
Peace statue. Conveying Nagasaki and Japan’s wish for Peace (and nuclear free) world. Those who study history would know Hiroshima was bombed, before Nagasaki.
The museum at Hiroshima is more crowded, but people who have been to both museums prefer Nagasaki museum’s intimate touch points.
You will see doves (symbolising peace) everywhere.
The valley of old Nagasaki where the bomb wrecked devastation. Everything within was flatted.
Replica (and cross section) of the Atomic bomb which fell on Nagasaki.
Visitors will see photos and documentation of devastation across the city.
I remembered one before/after photo of Nagasaki city.
The landscape was flattened after the bomb.
The stories of lost and torn families moved me to tears. Poems of remaining families…..
Day 5 Nagasaki Bio Park(rated 5/5)
If you love animals, Nagasaki Bio Park will keep you engaged for half a day. No need to visit any other pet cafes.
Location is a bit off if you do not drive. There is a free 20 minutes shuttle bus from Huis Ten Bosch station (reservation needed).
We were there for the adorable capybaras, who are supposed to have their own hot springs! Many enclosures allow for close interactions.
Photo below, we highly recommend you to buy ticket for Zoo + Paw 2,300 Yen (adult fee).
Super adorable capybaras! They really enjoy their onsen, and they have a personalised heater too! (YouTube video link and Facebook photos)
Guests can feed the always-hungry capybaras. Each feed costs 500 Yen.
Cute capybaras Japan Zoos
For smaller kids, the PAW enclosure will be FUN!
Imagine touching and feeding endless guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs and many other small creatures!
After Nagasaki Bio Park, we headed towards Fukuoka for our last stop (city).
You will bypass Huis Ten Bosch theme park (next to station with same name). This is popular with families and famous for night illuminations.
12)For those who drives, refer below Google Map for attractions in Saga, Kurume and Yanagawa (boating and best Unagi).
I would strongly recommend Yūtoku Inari Shrine. This is one of the most iconic shintos in Japan. Refer our Google Map for more details.
*13) I would strongly recommend fruit picking near Kurume and Yanagawa. This Fruits picking link shares farms and fruits availability based on seasons.
Day 6 Fukuoka
Fukuoka 福岡 for 3 nights.
After checkin in, we walked to the famous Ichiran building. No queues outside, but expect the queues to go up to 4th or 5th storey inside!
r
Please pay and queue 45 mins for the Ramen.
Bought some Donki souvenirs. Some Donki branches are open 24 hours.
In between two hubs (Hakata and Tenjin stations), easy access to Nakasu neighbourhood. The other lifestyle hub would be at huge Canal City Hakata.
Compared to the other prefectures, Fukuoka exudes sophistication and offers plenty of shopping and experiences. Imagine, all the best food of Kyushu can be found in Fukuoka
day 7 Fukuoka breakfast
Our hotel is famous for their breakfast. You will see from the photos below. We enjoyed superb hospitality at the hotel too. Super friendly staff and a 7×24 complimentary pantry!
Complimentary Coffee or chocolate after a cold walk is always appreciated.
Simple yet elegant fare from our hotel. Using fresh produce from Fukuoka, you can try to follow the template for the perfect “plating”.
I enjoyed my breakfast, even though I could not understand most of the ingredients. Thank you.
On day 1, we landed in Fukuoka and went clockwise to Beppu, Mount Aso, Kumamoto, Shimabara, Nagasaki and back to Fukuoka (3 nights).
Many take day trips from Fukuoka to Beppu or Mount Aso. Kagoshima is 1hr 45 minutes by Shinkansen. Airport is only 15 minutes + away from Hakata station.
You would notice there are many Koreans in Fukuoka!
Busan is only 3 hours away by boat.
Day 7 DazaIfu
Woke up early and headed to Dazaifu (太宰府). There are too many Guan Yin and Buddha places of worship in Fukuoka. I chose Dazaifu as it was the most popular, and there is an interesting street food. (you might prefer the sleeping Buddha Nanzoin)
The old trees(centuries old) and red bridges are also attractive and instagramable.
Do take a 10 minutes detour to visit the glass facade of Kyushu National Museum. Love the green hilly reflections.
I mentioned street food. You will see an iconic Starbucks (queue too long). Try the Mochi red bean, and optional chicken burger.
15) (Updated Apr 2023 Japan will remove all Covid border measures on 08 May 2023)
Visit Japan Web – Covid and Customs online declaration. Please fill in this form before you arrive in Japan. (updated as Feb 2023)
16) Japan Official Travel App
16a)If taking public transport, download Japan Official Travel app. In countryside, GoogleMap might not be helpful (or accurate) for bus navigation.
*17) Additional Google Map tips and hacks
Plotting your own itinerary is fun and tiring. You can cluster nearby attractions together. Refer to our clockwise Kyushu Itinerary map here. (viewing experience is better on Desktop)
18) YouTrip debit card (or Wise)
-Withdrawal from ATM (Master or Visa friendly). Admin fee applies.
-Take note different ATMs might have different withdrawal cap (some might limit to 50,000 Yen only)
-Just topup amount needed, YouTrip can do auto conversion for you
Payment (and withdrawal) with YouTrip card is generally cheaper than credit cards.
(Recommend to LOCK your Youtrip card when not in use)
19)eSims or wireless wifi
I used eSim from icard (icc) website. Cheap, easy to setup and I can reload for future trips. Only families and groups might still prefer wifi-router.(some countries eg Malaysia might cap at 2Gb per day only).
20)Weather forecast
Snow or storm, forecasts will help you plan your journey. Accu Weather is useful for us, use the Radar function to estimate wind and rain directions.
Although we visited Kyushu during Winter, there were still patches of rains around the island.
Weather forecasts (and fog) might determine your ropeway and Ferry trips Go or NoGo too.
21)Japan Ecbo App for luggage
It is very inconvenient to lug your luggages wherever you go. Rolling down train stations (or trying to find the lifts) will take up a lot of time and efforts too.
The best option is to leave your luggage in a locker. But lockers (especially for big pieces of luggages) are always in short supply. Try Ecbo App to hunt for alternate luggage storage nearby.
Take note each luggage might cost 600 to 800 Yen per storage. This will add up substantially after a few stopovers.
Japan Ecbo App for luggage
*22)All our itinerary and points-of-interests have been added to our customised Google Map (Google Map link)
We hope to Hike or Cycle Kyushu in the near future.
Our 8D7N Kyushu Itinerary YouTube video
Click for More photos from our 8D7N Kyushu itinerary:
Seoul attractions palaces
Korea four rivers map
Toilets along Seoul bike paths
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