Instagram worthy shot at Tonari no Totoro Bus Stop 高原町のトトロ

 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.

Usuki Stone Buddhas - serene and tranquil

Address: 804-1 Fukata, Usuki, Oita 875-0064, Japan

The Usuki stone buddhas have been designated as a national treasure.

More than 60 figures were carved in rock face created by hardened volcanic ash and molten rock that erupted from Mt. Aso (Kumamoto Prefecture) approximately 90,000 years ago. 

It is believed they are created in Heian (794 -1185) and Kamakura (1185-1333) periods. 

We arrived here quite late and its an hour before closing time. 

This area has some easy walk that does not require any stair climbing. Just some gentle slopes. 

The area is divided into 11 zones with 1 to 4 being the main cluster (i think! 😅). 

Hoki 1st and 2nd cluster (Jizo and the ten kings, 3 kongokai dainichi, shaka nyorai and amida nyorai statues, 3 amida nyorai and shaka nyorai)

Sa no san sekibutsu (a large center statue with 2 attendants)

Furuzono sekibutsu (finest stone buddha statue in japan and famous worldwide - elegant face with prominent eyebrows, almond shaped eyes and light red mouth creating a impression of buddha warm heartedness)

We manage to see what we wanted (the 4 main cluster zones) and left for our hotel for the day. 

If you seek some quiet and tranquil moments. this is the place for you. 

oh so luxurious Glamping at Grand Verde hotel - oh baby one more time!

Address: Japan, 〒874-0005 Oita, Beppu, Amama, 字松塚2-2

First glamping experience at Grand Verde Hotel and it is fabulous!

We arrived at the main check in place at 5 pm and the check in is fuss free. They promptly arranged our preferring timing for our meals (i.ebreakfast and dinner). 

After which we are ushered to choose our sleepwear and are guided by another car to our tent. 

The space is huge! and an external bbq area. The bath also have outdoor views of the space. We wasted no time to check out the outdoor onsen before our dinner at 6.30 pm. The sun is already setting. The views at the onsen is mountain facing. Nice!

Outdoor onsen - checked!

Bonfire - checked!

Bbq wagyu dinner and yummy breakfast - checked!

Animal farm - checked!

Star gazing - checked!

Glamping again? Sure No problem. Count me in!

*Do note that further in the roads could be muddy and navigating could get difficult on wet days. But we encounter no issues on our trip to our tent.