Yamaguchi

This trip to Northern Kyushu was incredibly fulfilling, with each attraction offering a unique surprise! At Karato Market, the weekend crowds were immense, and the air was filled with the aroma of seafood. We ordered fresh sushi, scallops, and sea urchin, enjoying our meal while gazing at the sea and feeling the sea breeze. The lively atmosphere combined with the relaxed, local Japanese vibe made us truly appreciate the essence of travel. Afterwards, we visited Motonosumi Shrine, where a row of bright red torii gates stretched along the coast, contrasting beautifully with the incredibly blue Sea of Japan – a scene straight out of an anime. The sound of the waves and the gentle breeze instantly soothed all our worries. While we missed the million-dollar night view at Mount Sarakura due to the longer summer days, the experience of riding the cable car and gazing at the city from the summit, along with the refreshing breeze, offered a welcome escape from the daily hustle and bustle. This slightly disappointing experience became a cherished memory and a reason to return. Finally, a special thank you to our amazing tour guide, Ada, whom we were fortunate to have met on two consecutive day trips! She not only managed the time perfectly but also thoughtfully shared food recommendations and photo tips. Thanks to her warm and professional guidance and meticulous care, the trip was filled with peace of mind and laughter, leaving behind the most beautiful memories of Kitakyushu.

If you're visiting Okayama and the surrounding area from Fukuoka, be sure to buy the 5-day travel pass – it's cheap and practical.

Our tour guide, Ms. Xu, was kind and responsible. The scenery along the way was beautiful, and the rest stops were well-organized with limited time for restroom breaks. On both occasions, other group members were late boarding, so the whole group had to wait.

The driver was incredibly thoughtful; besides taking us to each destination, he also took us to the ticket entrance. Because of some changes to our itinerary, he even suggested some alternative options, making it a truly wonderful travel experience.

The tour guide explained everything very clearly; the seafood at the Karato Fish Market in Moji Port was incredibly fresh; and the JR Railway Museum is definitely worth a visit.