Night illumination and day visit to Hui Ten Bosch

One of the standout features of Huis Ten Bosch is its convenient location. The park is directly accessible from Huis Ten Bosch Station, making it incredibly easy to reach. As soon as you step off the train, you’re greeted by the picturesque sight of Dutch-style buildings and canals, setting the tone for a delightful visit.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of experiencing the luxury rooms at Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch. The hotel is just a minute’s walk from the entrance of Huis Ten Bosch, making it an ideal choice for visitors. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. 

One of the highlights of my stay was the ReFa BEAUTECH Dryer provided in the room. This high-tech hair dryer uses Pro-Sensing technology to protect hair form heat damage, ensuring a salon-quality finish every time. 

Visiting Huis Ten Bosch during the holiday season is a truly magical experience. The Christmas Illumination 2024 is set to be a spectacular event, with millions of lights transforming the park into a winter wonderland. 

Highlights include the towering Christmas tree, beautifully decorated Amsterdam Square with nights shows at night.

The carousel at Huis Ten Bosch is the most popular attraction for my nieces, with its beautifully decorated horses and enchanting music creating a magical ride experience. They have went it at least 3 times and each time being a 30 mins to 60 mins wait in the cold. 👀

Other activities to try out is a leisurely boat ride through the park’s picturesque canals which offers stunning views of the surrounding architecture and garden.

For lunch, we opted for a delicious mix of Chinese stir-fry noodles, savory sausages, pizza and juicy burgers. There were plenty of options available, ensuring everyone found something they loved!

 

Sasebo Burger Big Man Kamikyomachi Main Store - burgers and fries

Sasebo itself is a city steeped in history and cultural diversity. Located in the northwestern part of Kyushu, it has been a significant port since the late 19th century. Initially established as a major port for the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1866, Sasebo later became an American naval base in 1945. 

American service members stationed there brought with them a craving for familiar foods from home, including hamburgers. . Local entrepreneurs quickly adapted to meet this demand, learning to make burgers that would satisfy the American palate

One of the earliest burger joints in Sasebo, Hikari, started selling burgers to American soldiers in the early 1950s. Over the years, these burgers have evolved, incorporating local ingredients and flavors, but they still retain the essence of their American origins.

The star of the show at Big Man is undoubtedly their Original Bacon & Egg Burger. This special burger features a juicy and tender beef patty that is cooked to perfection. The beef is incredibly flavorful, with a perfect balance of seasoning that enhances its natural taste. 

The burger is topped with their signature homemade bacon, which adds a delightful smoky flavor, and a perfectly fried egg that brings a rich, creamy texture to each bite. 

For those traveling to the popular theme park Huis Ten Bosch, i strongly recommend Sasebo Burger Big Man Kamikyomachi Main Store as a pit stop. 

Unagi at Saraya Fukuryu - Yanagawa

29-1 Okinohatamachi, Yanagawa, Fukuoka 832-0065, Japan

We originally wanted to vist the popular Wakamatsuya. However, on this fateful day of our visit, this highly popular restaurant is closed.

 

When fate led you away from Wakamatsuya, it guided you to Saraya Fukuryu, a lesser-known unagi restaurant with its own charm. 

The quiet, serene ambiance at Saraya Fukuryu sets the stage for an intimate dining experience.

 This is the onigiri with eel fillings. The kids meal come with Apple juice. 

There is a few size to choose from the unagi set. I ordered small while le hubs opt for large.

The eel, grilled to perfection, boasts a delightful balance of tenderness and smokiness. And that sauce—rich, savory is a perfect match with the fatty eel. 

In summary, Saraya Fukuryu may lack the grandeur of its more famous counterparts, but it compensates with heartwarming simplicity and unagi that leaves an indelible mark.

Yanagawa: ホテルルートイン柳川駅前 Hotel Route Inn Yanagawa Ekimae

ホテルルートイン柳川駅前 Hotel Route Inn Yanagawa Ekimae

Japan, 〒832-0822 Fukuoka, Yanagawa, Mitsuhashimachi Shimohyakucho, 210-10

We arrive to Hotel Route Inn late and fortunately for us there is a restaurant next to the hotel for easy dinner. 

The rooms are cleam and modern. The size is also comfortable with ample working space and luggage. 

 Toilets are clean as well. Will definitely recommend this hotel. 

Breakfast at Yanagawa  serves western and japanese food. For coffee, you will need to access the coffee machine. 

Our second chance at boating: Yanagawa canal boat sailing

Expect a leisurely ride down the waterways—a chance to unwind and let the world drift by on the Yanagawa river tour.

Our journey began at the heart of Yanagawa city centre, where the canal’s gentle ripples beckoned us. 

The boatman welcomed us aboard the donkobune—a flat-bottomed wooden boat. As we settled in, he stood at the stern, a long pole in hand, ready to propel us forward.

As we glided along, the boatman serenaded us in Japanese. I didn’t understand the words, but the rhythm carried me away. 

After our river voyage, we disembarked near an eatery. A street full of unagi shops (grilled eel) awaited us—a local delicacy. 

Along the disembarkation area, I witnessed one of the boats gliding a low, arched passage that compelled the passengers to bow their heads. The boatman’s eyes sparkled as he cautioned them, and the passengers crouched low, their laughter echoing off the water. 

Then he scaled the bridge and emerged on the other side, applause trailing in his wake. 

Our boat ride does not have this otherwise it would have made the unexciting boat ride a little more interesting. 

Aso Nakadake Crater 1 阿蘇中岳 第1火口, Kusasenrigahama 草千里ヶ浜 and Komezuka 米塚

Aso Nakadake Crater 1

Kurokawa, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2225, Japan

Located in Aso-Kuju National Park, central Kyushu, Aso Nakadake Crater 1 is Japan’s most active volcano. The massive caldera stretches 24 kilometers from north to south, surrounded by five peaks collectively known as Aso Gogaku.

Among these peaks, Mt. Naka stands out. It boasts a milky green lake wreathed in smoke and remains the most active peak in the region.

Despite the calendar indicating autumn, we were taken by surprise when we encountered snow at Aso Nakadake Crater 1. Our initial dilemma was whether to take a helicopter ride or drive up. In the end, we opted for the more economical choice of driving.

However, upon arriving at the crater, we faced unexpected challenges. The area was closed due to dangerously high levels of poisonous fumes. After patiently waiting for 30 minutes, the authorities reopened the site, only to ask everyone to leave again within 10 minutes.

Undeterred, we proceeded to our next destination: Kusasenrigahama.

Kusasenrigahama

Japan, 〒869-1505 Kumamoto, Aso District, 阿蘇市 草千里ヶ浜

Often called simply Kusasenri, this spot is a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument. Kusasenrigahama lies at an altitude of 1130 meters above sea level.

It consists of two volcanic craters nestled between Mt. Eboshi and Mt. Kishima. The grasslands here cover a vast area of 785,000 square meters, with two ponds indicating the former locations of the volcanic craters.

Visitors can enjoy horseback rides through Kusasenrigahama, led by staff for a safe and enjoyable experience, even for kids and beginners.

Komezuka

Otohime, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2226, Japan

Our final photo stop of the day was at Komezuka, a picturesque volcanic cone.

 

Komezuka stands about 50 meters tall and has a symmetrical shape with an indented summit, resembling an inverted bowl.

Formed approximately 3,300 years ago, Komezuka features a hollow at the top, which is the remains of its volcanic crater. During spring and summer, the volcanic cone is covered in a blanket of green grass, making it a picturesque sight.

Our ryokan experience at Aso: Iyasinosato 肥後街道 南阿蘇温泉 癒しの里

Iyasinosato 肥後街道 南阿蘇温泉 癒しの里

 461-94 Tateno, Minamiaso, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1401, Japan•+81 967-23-5335

Nestled in the charming town of Minamioguni, Japan, Iyashi-no-Sato Kiyashiki offers an enchanting escape from the everyday hustle. From serene rooms to private open-air baths, here’s why this ryokan left a lasting impression.

At Iyashi-no-Sato Kiyashiki, the rooms are a true highlight. Impeccably new, they exude a sense of tranquility. The clean lines, traditional Japanese aesthetics, and thoughtful design create a cozy haven. And the private open-air bath? Pure bliss. Imagine soaking in warm water while surrounded by nature—a perfect way to unwind.

The dining experience is equally delightful. Meals are served in their charming dining area, where you’ll savor authentic Japanese cuisine. From seasonal delicacies to comforting classics, each dish is a celebration of flavors.

Start your day with a breakfast that soothes the soul. The morning spread is a delicate balance of flavors—light, yet satisfying. Picture warm soup, freshly steamed rice, and a medley of small side dishes. It’s simplicity at its best.

The full menu for dinner. Halfway through we are already full but the food is so good! 

A visual masterpiece. Lobster, elegantly plated, its sweet flesh contrasting with the vibrant garnishes.

The star of the show is the marbled wagyu beef. For non-beef enthusiasts, fear not. you can request for chicken.

An unexpected delight! Thin slices of horse meat, a daring choice for the adventurous palate.

Dessert arrives—and its a perfect ending to the meal. 

Take a leisurely stroll through the well-maintained pathways that wind around the ryokan. Heading down this staircase, is the way to the natural hot springs, where you can book a private bath. 

Imagine soaking in warm mineral-rich waters, enveloped by the crisp November air. It’s a sensory journey that rejuvenates both body and soul.