Tokensan Park: Where Nature Paints in Pink, Blue, and Green

Pink, Blue, Green – A Spectrum of Serenity

Tokensan Park in Obama Onsen is a peaceful retreat blending natural beauty with cultural reverence. Every spring, cherry blossoms transform the landscape, inviting hanami enthusiasts to gather. At its summit, the Ikime Hachiman Shrine 生目八幡神社, dedicated to the "god of eyes," offers a quiet, spiritual sanctuary.

Tokensan Park: Where Nature Paints in Pink, Blue, and Green #japan #travel #cherry #blossom (YouTube link)

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As spring arrived, the park transformed into a dreamscape. Cherry blossoms unfurled in a riot of delicate pink, their petals drifting softly onto the winding paths like a gentle snowfall. Hanami enthusiasts flocked to the park, their laughter and murmurs mingling with the breeze as they gathered beneath the flowering branches, toasting to the fleeting beauty of the season.

The photographs taken on April 5, 2025, beautifully capture this essence, serving as a visual testament to the park's natural allure.

Overlooking Rooftops and the Sparkling Expanse of Tachibana Bay

Ikime Hachiman Shrine: Where the "God of Eyes" Holds Quiet Sway

Hell on Earth: Mist and Desolation in the Panoramic Landscape of Unzen Jigoku

Hell on Earth: Mist and Desolation in the Panoramic Landscape of Unzen Jigoku

Unzen Onsen ⭐, nestled on the slopes of Mount Unzen, is a renowned hot spring resort in Nagasaki Prefecture. This picturesque town offers a unique blend of volcanic landscapes and rejuvenating hot spring waters.

Here's what makes Unzen Onsen a special destination:

• The Unzen Hells: Explore the "Jigoku" (Hells), a surreal landscape of steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and fumaroles, showcasing the raw power of geothermal activity.
• Luxurious Onsen Experiences: Indulge in the healing waters of Unzen's numerous hot springs, ranging from traditional ryokans to modern spa facilities.
• Stunning Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Unzen and the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Hiking trails offer opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region.
• Sakura viewing amidst a sea of vibrant yellow rapeseed flowers at Shimabara Hibaruyama Flower Park, typically around late March to early April, offers a truly unforgettable spectacle.
• Unzen Ropeway
• Offering a swift ride from Nita Pass to Myokendake (1,333 meters), this ropeway provides year-round access to jaw-dropping views of the Unzen valleys, mountains, and the Ariake Sea. The 3-minute trip in one of two gondolas ends at an observation deck with 360-degree vistas, especially striking in clear weather when the peninsula stretches out below. It’s a gateway to hikes like the one to Fugendake, blending convenience with natural splendor.
• Historical Significance: Unzen Onsen has a rich history, dating back centuries. Explore the town's cultural heritage and discover its unique blend of traditional and modern influences.

Unzen Onsen (mymap link) offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Sulfur and Solitude: The Cats of Unzen Onsen #travel #japan #onsen #kyushu (YouTube link)

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This geothermal area near Unzen Onsen is a standout attraction, featuring steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and sulfurous pools that create an eerie, otherworldly scene. A walking path lets you experience the hissing steam and sulfur smells up close, alongside plants adapted to these harsh conditions. Located in the heart of the hot spring town, it’s tied to the region’s volcanic roots and is a short stroll from accommodations and public baths—perfect for a quick, immersive visit.

Explore Unzen Onsen: Street Map Featuring Popular Day-Use Ryokan

Timid Cat Begs for Treats from the Bottom of the Stairs, but Dares Not Leap Up

Canal City Hakata: A Fusion of Architecture, Culture, and Spectacle

Canal City Hakata ⭐in Fukuoka, Japan, stands as a remarkable fusion of architecture, entertainment, and urban design. Conceived by the American firm The Jerde Partnership and unveiled in 1996, this sprawling complex transcends the conventional shopping mall experience. Instead, it offers a dynamic blend of retail, dining, entertainment, and lodging, creating a self-contained world within the city.

Here's what makes the architecture of Canal City Hakata so amazing:

• The Flowing Canal: A 180-meter-long artificial canal, serving as the heart of the design with gentle curves and flowing water, guiding visitors and adding a soothing element.
• Organic and Layered Forms: Curving walls, balconies, and layered structures inspired by nearby rivers, creating a canyon-like effect with dynamic visuals.
• Integration of Nature: Greenery, hanging gardens, and lush plants soften the urban environment, making the space more inviting.
• The Sun Plaza & Fountain Shows: A central open space with choreographed fountain displays synchronized with music, lights, and 3D projection mapping.
• Themed Zones: Five distinct areas—Sun Plaza, Moon Walk, Star Court, Earth Walk, and Sea Court—each inspired by universal elements.
• "City Theater" Concept: The design encourages interaction and performance, with visitors as the protagonists in a dynamic urban setting.
• Urban Revitalization: Boosted Fukuoka’s economy by attracting visitors and revitalizing nearby businesses and shopping streets.

The Fountain Show (YouTube link)

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On April 9th, 2025, I stepped into the legendary Canal City Hakata, instantly transported into a world of architectural artistry. The flowing, layered buildings mimicked the natural elegance of a canyon, seamlessly blending urban space with organic form. As I wandered, a moment of pure serendipity unfolded—the air shifted, music swelled, and the famed fountain show began. Water danced in perfect harmony with light and sound, a mesmerizing display that felt like a liquid ballet, leaving an unforgettable imprint on my memory.

A Day Among Cherry Blossoms and Tulips: Exploring Beppu Park

Tulips Add a Colorful Accent to Park's Cherry Blossom Display

Beppu Park ⭐exudes a sense of spacious tranquility, attracting those who seek a quieter, less touristy hanami experience. In spring, the cherry blossoms burst into a vibrant spectacle, creating an ideal setting for leisurely flower viewing. The park's charm extends beyond its blossoms, with wide green spaces, a jogging track, and a serene bamboo forest adding to its appeal.

A favorite among locals, Beppu Park invites visitors to experience cherry blossom viewing like a resident. Families and individuals alike can unwind here, bringing along lunch boxes to savor while basking in the fleeting beauty of the sakura. It’s a perfect retreat, especially after exploring Beppu’s famous hot springs.

Tulips and Cherry Blossoms at the Beppu Park (YouTube link)

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On my bus journey to Beppu's renowned hot springs, Beppu Park came into view, its vibrant cherry blossoms and tulips immediately capturing my attention from afar. The captivating sight lingered in my thoughts, prompting me to visit the park the following day, March 28, 2025, after completing the Seven Hells tour. The visit proved to be well worthwhile. The photographs that follow were taken on that beautiful day.

Green Spaces Enhance the Park's Beauty Beyond Blooms

Locals Savor Hanami with Outdoor Picnics

Global Tower Backdrop at Beppu Park's East Gate Square

A Journey to Kurokawa Onsen: Hot Springs and Traditional Charm

Rows of Illuminated Lanterns Adorn Township River

Kurokawa Onsen 黒川温泉 ⭐⭐offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking a traditional Japanese hot spring town.

Here's why:

• Charming Atmosphere: Kurokawa is renowned for its traditional Japanese aesthetic. The town is free from large, modern hotels, and instead features charming ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) with wooden structures and natural materials.
• Exceptional Onsen Experience: Kurokawa boasts a variety of hot springs, many with outdoor baths (rotenburo) offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: The town has a peaceful and tranquil ambiance, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.
• Convenient Location: Kurokawa Onsen is located near Mount Aso, a magnificent active volcano, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
• Unique Experiences: Consider trying local specialties like jigoku mushi (steamed dishes cooked in volcanic steam) and enjoying the traditional onsen ryokan experience.

Rustic Beauty Illuminated: The Magic of Kurokawa Onsen (YouTube link)

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Kurokawa Onsen is a lesser-known hot spring town in Kyushu, Japan. When I first discovered that Oita Prefecture in Kyushu has the most onsen hotels in Japan, I decided to plan a trip through the area. Although there are other well-known tourist attractions like Beppu and Yufuin, Kurokawa Onsen is the most traditional onsen town I have experienced so far.

Due to limited public transportation, most local visitors reach Kurokawa Onsen by car, which is also the best way to visit, as the many onsen ryokans are spread across an expansive area. For example, the famous Sanga Ryokan (山河旅館), located in a remote area, even has its own dormitory housing for its staff near the facility.

At the ryokan where I stayed in Kurokawa Onsen for two nights, my breakfast and dinner were served in a dedicated tatami room by a personal maid. The hospitality, combined with the charming old town along the meandering river, gives Kurokawa Onsen a unique vibe that truly reflects Japan's distinct onsen culture.

 

Japanese Mostly Own Small Dogs, Yet This Giant Was at the Hotel

A Taste of Tradition: Delicious Kaiseki Ryori at the Hotel

"Nyuto Tegata": Kurokawa Onsen's Onsen-Hopping Pass

No Neon Here: Kurokawa Onsen's Stand Against Over-Commercialization

The Cozy Elegance of Kurokawaso Ryokan's Post-Onsen Space

References

1. 産交バス
2. 九州産交バス
• 別府→黒川～阿蘇→熊本駅前 (Timetable)
3. Downloadable map (pdf)