On a slow-paced trip through Kyushu, the most moving experiences are often not the glamorous sights, but the warm moments that span the years and connect the memories of three generations.
Yanagawa’s “donko boats” are truly one of Kyushu’s most iconic heartwarming experiences across generations.
The elderly boatman steered through the waterways with an oar, cheerfully humming the children’s song “Momotaro.” This warmhearted tour, with the boatman “giving it his all,” brought a great sense of comfort and emotion, whether accompanying an elderly family member who was 88 at the time or taking elementary school-aged children.
Even now, my 91-year-old mother still fondly remembers the fun of the boat ride. Pairing it with steamed eel rice (seiro-mushi) makes for the perfect combination at this sightseeing spot.
Yanagawa River Boating | Review by 謝美芳
Other Reviews by 謝美芳
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Fuji Shibazakura Festival
The weeks from mid-April to late May each year bring Fuji Shibazakura Festival, the largest spring flower event in the Tokyo metropolitan area to Fuji Motosuko Resort at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The season rings in with 500,000 moss phlox plants bloom in a stunning shimmy of color that frames perfectly with Mt. Fuji just behind. The festival designs a unique theme each year to showcase the vibrant hues of all seven varieties of shibazakura, including McDaniel Cushion and Autumn Rose.
Shibazakura “Moss Phlox”
Beautiful scenery and delicious food always make the heart yearn to travel. After my last post about autumn leaves 🍁, I found myself thinking again of that sea of pink moss phlox covering the ground. The view with Mt. Fuji in the background was especially unforgettable.
When the pink moss phlox filled my view, it felt as if romantic pink bubbles were floating through the air. My spirits lifted too, and even the photos seemed to have an extra touch of youthful energy.
The adorable FUJIYAMA COOKIE Mt. Fuji-shaped tin, with its soft pink colors, was simply irresistible and added a little extra happiness to the journey.
A springtime trip to encounter Mt. Fuji quietly began amid all this pink romance. ^_^ 🌸 -
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Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Top 3 Scenic Spots, along with the bay of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Aki, Hiroshima Prefecture. Across the length of this 3.6km landbridge you’ll find 5000 pine trees planted across its 20m-170m wide shores.
On an early summer afternoon, strolling along the narrow wooden streets of Ine offered a simple atmosphere far removed from the hustle and bustle.
The quiet reflections of the Ine boathouses, with the funaya buildings mirrored in the calm, emerald-green sea, made a picturesque scene.
A distinctive manhole cover featuring the name Miyazu City (みやづし), the Amanohashidate sandbar, and a colorful little boat showcased the strong local culture.
Viewed from above through the circular frame, the Amanohashidate sandbar looked like a green dragon soaring across the Aso Sea and Miyazu Bay, just like a “flying dragon in the sky”！ -
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Mt. Fuji
At a staggering 3,776 meters tall, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and the pride of its two homes, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures. This famous peak is an iconic symbol of Japan.
Mt. Fuji 🗻~
Forever so beautiful, my Tokyo travel diary~
Every time I return to Tokyo, I look forward to seeing Mt. Fuji. Whether viewing it from afar at ground level, looking down from a plane, or seeing it against a blue sky and fiery red autumn leaves, each view shows Mt. Fuji’s unique and breathtaking beauty.
The stunning aerial view from the plane, looking through the clouds at the snow-covered summit—the captain’s announcement let travelers know about the surprise outside the window. It’s an exclusive view from high above that only lucky passengers get to enjoy!
A spectacular view filled with autumn colors, with distinct layers of bright red and golden maple leaves intertwining with the snow-covered mountain in the distance to create the most classic Japanese scenery.
All in all, being able to see the sacred mountain with my own eyes on such a clear, sunny day surely made this trip full of wonderful memories! -
