Whenever friends come to Fukuoka to visit me, they rent a car to drive to Yufuin—and the first thing they do is set the GPS to the Oita Expressway .When I see that, I usually say: “You’re missing the real treasure.” As someone who’s settled in Fukuoka, I spend my days off exploring the prefectural borders. And honestly, compared to a predictable expressway drive, National Route 210 , stretching across Fukuoka and Oita, is where Kyushu’s scenery really shines. I’ve “conquered”

I’ve been in Fukuoka on a working holiday  for a while now. Living in Japan sounds dreamy—and it is—but after enough days of working nonstop and constantly budgeting to save money, fatigue inevitably sets in. A few weeks ago, I finally managed to line up several days off. This time, I decided not to travel like a “budget backpacker,” but to treat myself a little better . The plan was simple: head to neighboring Oita Prefecture , stop by Hita  to visit the Attack on Titan  pil

Escape the Tourist Noise If you think Kyushu’s autumn is only about Lake Kinrin in Yufuin, you may be missing the most breathtaking night of the season. In November, I originally planned to squeeze into Yufuin with everyone else for a roll cake. Then a local friend told me, “If you want to see a real Japanese autumn night—go to Hita .” Hita, often called “Kyushu’s Little Kyoto,”  hosts a two-day candle festival every year on the second weekend of November : Sennen Akari (千年あか

My first impression of Beppu was not comfort, but presence . Shortly after arrival, a faint sulfur smell followed me, while white steam rose from street corners, walls, and rooftops, as if the city were constantly exhaling. Beppu felt “unhealthy” —not in a negative sense, but like a body with a persistent low-grade fever, continuously steaming, always in motion. For a 2-day, 1-night trip to Beppu, most travelers try to cram all seven hells into one day. After walking the rout