Road Trip with kids in Kyushu Part 2
We continued our adventure of the road trip in Kyushu after arriving in Kagoshima. This second part covers exploring the beautiful aspects of Kagoshima, including our fishing experience in nature, the fun BBQ at the AirBnb along with the sparklers, and our next destination to Miyazaki.
ITINERARY
Day 3
Morning - Rainbow Trout Fishing in Kagoshima
Lunch: - Nagashi Somen
Afternoon - BBQ at AirBnb and Sparklers
Day 4
Morning - Driving to Miyazaki
Lunch - Quick Pit Stop in Miyazaki
Afternoon - Arriving Oita
Day Three:
Fishing Activity in Nature: As the sun peeked over the horizon, we geared up for an exciting morning of rainbow trout fishing in Okuhanaze, Kagoshima. After a one-hour drive from Tarumizu, where our accommodation was located, we made our way to the beautiful fishing spot, Okuhanaze Rainbow Park. We parked our cars and walked along a little path that led to the pond, surrounded by deep green trees and crystal-clear water.
The trout were biting, and soon enough, we had a bountiful catch. Even when the rain started coming down, the boys (including husbands) continued fishing, embracing the adventure with enthusiasm.
Delightful Lunch: This park has a restaurant where you can bring the caught rainbow trout after cleaning the fish at their outdoor kitchen sink, and they will grill the fish for you (300 yen each). Also, another local eatery in this area is Somen Nagashi. It consists of cold noodles floating in a tray on the table, and you catch the noodles with chopsticks, dip them in a sauce, and slurp them. The combination of the freshly grilled rainbow trout and the cold noodles made for a truly satisfying and unique experience.
Relaxing Afternoon at the Accommodation: After a fulfilling morning, we drove back to our AirBnb while the kids all dozed off for their naps in the car. Once we arrived, we enjoyed some leisure time in the house. As the kids woke up and began a game of hide and seek, the parents got together to prepare a dinner. We treated ourselves to a delicious Japanese style BBQ feast featuring the freshest seafood and vegetables from the area, along with the rainbow trout we caught earlier.
Summer Night Fun: As the day transitioned into evening, we decided to light sparklers, known as "Hanabi" in Japanese, adding a touch of magic to the summer night. In Japan, sparklers are available at most supermarkets during the summer season. They come in various types, from ones that change colors, large or small ones, each with its unique charm. Some even have Japanese characters printed on the handle side. Ending the day with sparklers in hand was truly enchanting, leaving us with yet another unforgettable memory to cherish.
Day Four:
Moving on to Miyazaki: The next day, we set off early, for a three-hour drive towards Miyazaki, located on the east side of Kyushu. The kids kept themselves busy during the journey, singing, drawing, playing with toys, and occasionally engaging in playful squabbles. As we neared Hyuga city, the lunch hour approached, and we decided to make a stop at the Stairs of the Sea, a picturesque location by the ocean.
Taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings, we enjoyed a moment of running around by the water before taking a lunch break at a Japanese-Italian restaurant in the facility. The ambiance here had a hint of Hawaiian vibes, especially with the sight of surfers gliding into the waves, adding to the coastal charm of the place.
Arriving in Oita: After refueling, we continued our journey to Beppu, Oita, a coastal gem known for its hot springs. The drive was a scenic one, with lush landscapes and occasional glimpses of the sea. Upon arriving in Oita after a two-hour drive, we checked into Amane Resort Gahama, an Onsen hotel that offered breathtaking ocean views.
Since one of the supermarkets, YouMe Town, was only 5 minutes away, we decided to pick up some goodies from their deli for dinner, and enjoyed our meal in the comfort of our room. As night fell, we sat back on the terrace, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks. It was the perfect ending to an adventurous day.
