Life between trips

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 t o 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 ...

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 coo...

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.

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. 

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 traili...

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:...

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...