TheExplorer

  • Short trip to Yufuin

    So, during this obon holiday, I decided to explore around Kyushu.

    Still, by using JR kyushu pass, I have a chance to ride on the legendary Yufuin no mori train.

    Before I ride this train, I was hopeless, because I did not reserve the ticket by online. But in Tosu station, I decided to ask the staff, is it possible for me to ride on Yufuin no mori? and they said yes. So, I reserve the ticket, by using the privilege of Jr kyushu pass without any additional payment. yeay!!

    Yufuin no mori is a limited express train that is usually used from Hakata to Oita. Unlike other trains, on this train, we need to reserve a seat first, and then we can buy and eat on the train. They sell special menus that are only available on board.

    Because I was curious, about how the food on board tastes, so I ordered short of the vegetarian menu and Yufuin cider. The total price I spent eating on this train is around 920 yen (bento +cider).

    To be honest, this train is the most elegant train that I have ever ridden in Japan. You can see what inside the train feels like by clicking the link below :

    After almost 3 hours, I finally arrive at Yufuin station. Yeah, the journey is that far!

    I did not spend time for a long time there, because there were too many people and I don’t have any idea where to go. Actually, Yufuin is popular with its onsen. But due to a lot of people coming, and the price of onsen being quite expensive (for me, one hour is 2000 yen!), I did not enjoy their onsen for this time.

    I bought their popular karaage (chicken plus chili and chicken with short of lemon) and the total price is 1100 yen for two pieces of karaage.

    After feeling satisfied looking at the surrounding Yufuin station, I decided to go back. But before going back, I also buy some omiyage. This time I bought Oita oolong tea. The price of this Oita oolong tea is around 550 yen (a little forget the exact price).

    Anyway, if you are interested to visit Yufuin, I would like you to consider bringing your friend who understands Japanese. Because to be honest, not many English translation or English-speaking staff in this area.

    Summary video of my journey in Yufuin

  • Nagasaki -solo traveler

    my video in Nagasaki

  • Coming soon, Kyushu Summer Explorer

    This morning, when I just woke up, I got email from JR kyushu that I need to take my JR pass Kyushu ticket before the ending of first day I use it.

    What does it means? simple said, I need to take my ticket before use it.

    So, since recently Kyushu in this summer is really hot… literally really HOT, so I decided to take the ticket to the station near my home. But, unfortunately, after checking the JR kyushu website, I think I need to go to Hakata station, because to get the ticket, I need to show to them that I am a real “gaijin” with other nation passport.

    Residence in Japan can purchase JR Kyushu pass ticket, as long as they hold other nation passport.

    JR kyushu website

    So, around 9:30 am, I decided to go to the station by bicycle, but unfortunately annoying neighbor just park his bicycle right behind my bicycle so I could not easily take out my bicycle. In this situation, I decided to walk. sst,, as I told you before, the Fukuoka temperature is dangg hot, it was around 31 degree celsius (87.8 F) with real feel 36 degree celsius (96.8 F).

    JR pass email

    After arrived at Hakata station, I decided to take picture of some trains, as you can see in this blog, the Japanese train is so aesthetic..

    Train to Kasuga

    Then I went to the JR kippu Uriba きっぷうりば,　to get my ticket. There were many people in Hakata station in that time, so I need to wait for a while to get my turn. The staff talk to me in Japanese and examine my requirement is acceptable or not to purchase that JR kyushu pass ticket. I am quite curious with this staff english ability, because I am afraid what will happen to a tourist who can not talk in Japanese at all, so I asked him to talk to me in english, well… his english is impressive. So, for you who want to purchase this ticket and should go to this ticket counter, you dont need to worry about the communication. If you can speak in english, you are going to be okay. After confirming my files, I finally got my ticket, and I am ready to explore Kyushu!!

    Explore kyushu!!

    File you need to bring :

    1. Passport
    2. Credit card / debit card
    3. your online reservation (if you purchased online)

    This campaign will be held up to september and can be use until november. So, dont miss the chance!!

    What make us who we are?

    Lets explore it!

  • Ibusuki Onsen

    We usually take a bath by water, but in this place we use sand instead.
    A hidden game in the end of Kyushu, called Ibusuki Onsen.

    I dont think you gonna find a place like this in another side of the world.

    Prepare budget around 5,000 yen to enjoy this journey.
    1100 yen for the sand bath
    200 yen for head towel
    200 yen for body’s towel (rent)
    1460 yen for food
    and other 2040 yen for transportation.. (train ticket :1020 yen one way from Kagoshima City to Ibusuki).

    What to drink :
    – Onsen Cyder (#温泉サイダー)

    what to eat :
    -your own bentou
    – chicken on food truck nearby
    #Ibusuki
    #Kagoshima
    #Japan
    #travelling
    #budget
    #Kyushu

  • Hotspring a.k.a Onsen

    You may know Japan Pop culture such as Anime, or Manga. But did you know about Onsen a.k.a hotspring?

    Onsen is one of Japanese culture on bathing. It is a unique experience, since everyone gonna be naked to enjoy the public bath. As foreigner, maybe when the first time you entered the room, you gonna feel awkward. That’s understandable, because perhaps doing that kind of activity is so rare for you. But don’t worry, no one care about your appearance (supposed to be).

    Enjoy this culture by prepare budget around 1500 yen.

    You can do this such activity, almost in whole over Japan.

  • What makes us who we are?

    Hi, welcome to the official website of The explorer.

    This post, little bit personal for me, because this is the first time for me to greet you, my fellow readers.

    Did you ever wonder, why people in one place and another place have different point of view and mindset?

    Maybe, travelling is one of the answer to find who we are..

    That’s why, I invite you to this life exploreation.

    Best Regard,

    Jp