Life between trips

 This wasn't the first choice for our hotel. But our preferred hotel is fully booked due to a weekend golfing event. All hotels in Miyazaki are full.  This place is dated. The cupboard laminates are peeling. But they do provide decent amenities and snacks for kids.  Most importantly they are clean. So this is home for the next two nights. The parking is spacious but not complimentary with the hotel. 

This is a very ambitious plan to visit all these places all in a day. So there is really a need to start the day early. The Nichinan coastal drive is the my most anticipated place of interest. It started off well. Aoshima is very drafty. The spurt of wind will actually lift my bag off the shoulder.  I came here as i wanted to see the geological formations along the beach.   The Aoshima shrine next to it is just simple walk through for us.  The pathway to Aoshima island and shrine where the strong winds blow. Next stop is  Sun Messe Nichinan housed the replicas of  famous Moai figures from Easter Island carved by the Rapa Nui people. This is the only other place in the world with the statues.  As time is of essence, we stayed an hour and left the place. We did not complete the entire park. The kids love the swings in the middle of the park.  Udo Shrine (鵜戸神宮, Udo Jingū)  is dedicated to Yamasachihiko, the father of Emperor Jimmu. Its a steep and lo...

  Address:    3-1 Chuodori, Miyazaki, 880-0002, Japan Walked around Nishitachibana Street. Its friday night and everywhere is booked and crowded. The recommend haunts are all full or a long waitlist.   Finally found a family friendly place, that will sit us immediately. Family friendly as in no need to order beer or sake for the meal. Hubs and i shared a plate of fried rice and a platter of miyazaki beef. The Miyazaki beef is soft and tender. Most importantly so value for money. They even showed the picture of the cow.  Garlic Fried rice cooked in beef fat is so fragrant but a little greasy. 

  Address:  949 Shiraki, Oita, 879-2202, Japan The restaurant is located on Level 2. Level 1 is somewhat like a small marketplace selling japanese products. We choose the seat facing the seaview.  A very affordable dining place. I came here specifically to try their horse mackerel which is unique to the area. But alas, the special set for the mackerel is sold out!. So i just choose randomly another seafood sashimi bento set. 

Sogi Falls  Address : 628-41 Okuchimiyahito, Isa, Kagoshima 895-2526, Japan This is an easy walk for all ages.  The entire course can be completed in under an hour.  I was able to capture the reflection of the sky and the clouds in the waters and its so beautiful.  花むしろ  Hana mushiru Address: Japan, 〒895-2526 Kagoshima, Isa, Okuchimiyahito, 635 曽木 の 滝 公園 内 There is a long stretch of restaurants nearby Sogi Falls. We decided to drop by here for a late lunch.  Its a shame that the 2nd level is not open that day. Else we be able to see the Sogi falls from Level 2 of the restaurant.  Food wise its average japanese food that doesn't impress. But it really quite convenient to drop by after Sogi Falls. 

Address: 5819-3 Tohokucho, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki 885-0004, Japan  We arrived late to hotel and the fastest and quickest way is the McDonald's next to the hotel.  The hotel is clean, neat and comfortable. Most importantly, its the cheapest hotel i booked for this trip for 3 persons.  The reception area and beside it is a welcome area when we can help ourselves to drinks and snacks upon arrival. This is where we have our breakfast the next day too.  Nice comfortable bed and its not too tight as well. The breakfast is japanese and western style. What i love about breakfast is their food sourced from the region. And it tasted so fresh and delicious.

  Address :  7538-6 Kamamuta, Takaharu, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki 889-4414, Japan A photo-stop on a picturesque with the Totoro.  My mum made a face when she heard we came here for a photo.  Yup those roll eyes 😜 moments makes the most impression.