Woke up early this morning in time to see the sun rise from our room’s balcony. What a beautiful morning.
Our first destination today was Ryumon Falls.
From the car park, a short walk through some rice fields was required.
The waterfall, whose name translates to “Dragon Gate,” cascades gracefully down a series of moss-covered rocks, creating a mesmerizing display of cascading water and mist.
Visitors to Ryumon Fall can enjoy leisurely walks along forested trails that lead to the waterfall, immersing themselves in the lush greenery and pristine landscapes of the surrounding area. The sound of rushing water and the scent of fresh mountain air create a peaceful ambiance, inviting visitors to relax and unwind in nature’s embrace.
From the fall, we proceeded to the Takakura viewing platform at Aira City and were treated to the magnificent view of the city.
Kirishima Jingu was our next destination.
Dedicated to Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, Kirishima Jingu is believed to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan, with origins dating back over a millennium.
Surrounded by dense forests and volcanic landscapes, Kirishima Jingu offers visitors a serene retreat amidst the splendor of nature. The shrine’s sacred grounds feature traditional architecture, including vermillion-colored torii gates, prayer halls, and sacred artifacts, creating a tranquil atmosphere conducive to reflection and reverence.
From a holy and sacred place, we switched to a fun and relaxing venue, the Takachiho Farm.
At Takachiho Farm, visitors can explore vast fields of crops, orchards, and livestock, immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the countryside. The farm is known for its cultivation of various fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which thrive in the region’s fertile soil and mild climate.
In addition to agricultural activities, Takachiho Farm offers a range of recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy. These may include tractor rides through the fields, fruit-picking experiences, and nature walks along scenic trails that wind through the farm’s expansive grounds.
The next destination was the Takachiho-gawara.
Aside from its spiritual significance, Takachiho-gawara offers visitors stunning natural scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore hiking trails that meander through the plateau, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Gokase River below.
Additionally, Takachiho-gawara is known for its traditional Kagura performances, which are held in open-air theaters on the plateau. Kagura is a sacred Shinto dance and music ritual that pays homage to the gods and celebrates Japanese culture and heritage.
We then proceeded to Maruo Falls.
With a height of approximately 15 meters, the waterfall cascades gracefully over a series of moss-covered rocks, creating a mesmerizing display of cascading water and mist.
Accessible via a scenic hiking trail, Maruo Falls offers visitors an immersive experience in the heart of nature. The trail winds through verdant forests, offering glimpses of native flora and fauna along the way, before culminating in the breathtaking sight of the waterfall.
The Io-dani fumarolic area was a short drive away from the falls.
This is a geological marvel known for its volcanic activity and otherworldly landscapes. Fumaroles are openings in the Earth’s crust that emit steam and volcanic gases, and Io-dani boasts one of the largest concentrations of these vents in Japan.
Visitors to Io-dani can witness the dramatic spectacle of steam billowing from the ground, created by the interaction of magma with groundwater. The area’s rugged terrain is dotted with vents, mud pots, and hot springs, providing a glimpse into the dynamic forces shaping the region’s volcanic landscape.
On the way to our next destination, we popped by the Shiratori Observatory to have a look at the surrounding views.
After some driving, we were approaching our destination, the Sogi Waterfalls.
Often referred to as the “Niagara of the East,” this majestic waterfall features a broad cascade that stretches approximately 210 meters (689 feet) wide and drops about 12 meters (39 feet) into the Sendai River.
Surrounded by lush greenery, Sogi Waterfalls is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, offering picturesque views, tranquil picnic areas, and opportunities for photography. The falls are especially beautiful during the autumn season when the surrounding foliage turns vibrant shades of red and yellow.
Before heading for our dinner, we located the statue of JINBE at the Sumiyoshikaigan Park, Kumamoto.
Did you know that Kyushu is the birthplace of the World Famous Ichiran Ramen?
So when we were in Kyushu, we must try it!!!!!!!! Be prepared to queue for up to an hour or two in some popular outlets.
As with many Japanese noodle shops, you must purchase the noodles from the Ticketing machine.
A personal cubical seat would then be allocated to you.
On the options paper provided, circle your preference for how you want your ramen to be cooked and pass it to the cooks.
While waiting, help yourself to a cup of water.
After a short wait, here comes my Ichiran Noodle. It was tasty.
This would be how a normal Ichiran Store would look like.
After dinner, we checked into our hotel and called it a day.
