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We visited Glover Garden during our trip to Nagasaki, and honestly, it felt like stepping back into a romantic chapter of history. Set on the hillside of Minami-Yamate, the garden is full of charming Western-style buildings from the Meiji era, including the famous Glover Residence—the oldest Western-style wooden house in Japan. Walking along the cobblestone paths lined with seasonal flowers, I loved how the architecture blends Western design with Japanese roof tiles and beautiful gardens. Inside the Glover House, the period furniture and sunlit rooms really made it easy to imagine life back then for foreign merchants living here. The views over Nagasaki Harbor from different spots were absolutely breathtaking—the crisp air, distant mountains, and sparkling bay made for some of my favorite photo moments. One fun surprise was finding the “Heart Stones” hidden along the paths—there’s a local legend that couples who find and touch them will stay together, which added a cute, romantic touch to the visit. What I really appreciated was the peaceful vibe of the whole place. It wasn’t overcrowded, so we could take our time exploring and just soak in the atmosphere. The garden is easy to navigate with escalators and plenty of benches to relax on, making the visit comfortable and leisurely. If you’re visiting Nagasaki, I’d definitely recommend Glover Garden. It’s a beautiful mix of history, architecture, and nature that makes for a really memorable experience. #summervacay #GloverGarden #NagasakiViews #MeijiEraJapan #HistoricHomes #TravelKyushu #JapanTravel #RomanticJapan #HiddenGemsNagasaki #HeartStoneLegend #PeacefulWalk #TravelMemories #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

During our visit to Nagasaki’s lively Chinatown, we found 福壽, a cozy Chinese restaurant that quickly became a favorite. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff were friendly and helpful even though English was limited. We ordered a variety of dishes to get a good taste of their menu — sweet and sour pork, fried spring rolls, champon, and mapo tofu. Every dish was delicious! The sweet and sour pork had just the right balance of tangy and savory, while the spring rolls were crispy and packed with flavorful fillings. The champon was hearty and comforting, with fresh seafood and perfectly cooked noodles in a rich broth. The mapo tofu was spicy and full of umami, a perfect contrast to the other dishes. Overall, 福壽 offered authentic Chinese flavors with a Nagasaki twist, and the cozy setting made the meal even more enjoyable. If you’re in Chinatown and craving tasty Chinese food, this spot is definitely worth checking out. #summervacay #福壽 #NagasakiChinatown #SweetAndSourPork #Champon #MapoTofu #ChineseFoodJapan #NagasakiEats #FoodieJapan #TravelKyushu #AuthenticChineseCuisine #NagasakiFood #CozyDining #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

We planned to visit Seafood Market Nagasaki Port at Dejima Wharf specifically for a seafood lunch, and it definitely lived up to our expectations. We tried all kinds of seafood there—both raw and cooked—and every dish was fresh and flavorful. The seafood bowls (kaisen-don) were outstanding, with beautifully arranged slices of sashimi that tasted incredibly fresh. But the cooked seafood dishes also impressed us—the tempura, grilled fish, and other warm options added nice variety to our meal. It felt like a true feast of the ocean. The location right by the water was perfect, and we enjoyed sitting on the terrace soaking in the sea breeze and watching the harbor activity while we ate. The staff were friendly, and the menu had helpful English descriptions, which made ordering easy. If you’re a seafood lover visiting Nagasaki, this place is a must-visit. It’s a fantastic spot to sample a wide range of fresh local seafood, both raw and cooked, with a lovely view to match. #summervacay #NagasakiSeafood #DejimaWharf #SeafoodFeast #FreshAndCooked #KaisenDon #NagasakiEats #HarborDining #SeafoodLovers #JapanFoodAdventure #TravelKyushu #FoodWithAView #SeafoodMarketNagasaki #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

Visiting Kumamoto Castle was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Kyushu. It’s one of Japan’s most iconic castles, and you can really feel the historical significance the moment you approach the grounds. Even from a distance, the black-and-white structure rising above the trees is an impressive sight. The main keep has been beautifully restored, especially after the damage from the 2016 earthquake. They’ve done an incredible job preserving the original look while also making it accessible to visitors. You can now go inside the keep, where there are several floors of exhibits detailing the castle’s history, construction, samurai culture, and the restoration process itself. The top floor offers a great panoramic view of Kumamoto city—definitely worth the climb. The castle grounds are quite large, so it’s a pleasant place to just walk around and take in the scenery. Some parts are still under repair, but there’s plenty that’s already open to the public. We spent a good couple of hours there exploring the different turrets, gates, and stone walls. The way the massive stones are stacked is a work of art on its own. I appreciated how informative the signage was—everything was presented in both Japanese and English, which helped me understand the stories behind what I was seeing. There were also a few staff and volunteers in costume, which added a nice immersive touch. If you’re planning to go, try to visit earlier in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the mid-day crowd. And wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, especially if you want to explore the outer areas of the castle grounds. Overall, Kumamoto Castle offers a great mix of history, architecture, and views. It’s a must-visit if you’re in the region and a great way to appreciate the resilience of the city and its people after the earthquake. #summervacay #KumamotoCastle #JapanHeritage #CastleViews #SamuraiHistory #KumamotoTrip #HistoricJapan #KyushuTravel #JapaneseCastles #KumamotoLandmarks #TravelKyushu #CulturalJapan #KumamotoVibes #PostEarthquakeRevival #JapanArchitecture #MustVisitJapan #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

Just a short walk down from the breathtaking cliffs of Takachiho Gorge, we stumbled upon Nagashi Sōmen Chiho-no-ie—and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be! Tucked in a quiet, verdant nook, this rustic eatery delivers an immersive dining experience that’s as fun as it is delicious. Guests sit around a bamboo flume, scooping cold somen noodles as they drift by in flowing spring water—a thrill that had us laughing and the kids in high spirits. The noodles were wonderfully light, and the soy-based dipping sauce added just the right flavor punch. Beyond the playful meal, the calming mountain breeze and lush surroundings created a peaceful counterpoint to all that nibbling action. The friendly staff elevated the experience even more, offering patient guidance and cheers for noodle-catching victories. If you’re coming down from the gorge and craving something memorable with local flair, Nagashi Sōmen Chiho-no-ie is the perfect stop—an intimate, joyful taste of tradition just steps from one of Japan’s most scenic wonders. #summervacay #NagashiSomen #ChihoNoIe #TakachihoGorge #FlowingNoodles #ImmersiveDining #FamilyFun #JapanWithKids #TravelKyushu #HiddenGems #NoodleAdventure #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

#familytrips2024 ### Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, offers a diverse range of luxurious and charming hotels that cater to every type of traveler. Whether nestled in the vibrant cities or perched amidst scenic landscapes, these hotels provide a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional Japanese hospitality. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views, from lush mountain ranges to serene coastal vistas. Many Kyushu hotels feature onsen (hot spring) baths, allowing visitors to experience ultimate relaxation while soaking in mineral-rich waters. Delight in exquisite regional cuisine, with fresh seafood and unique local specialties. Whether you choose a sleek urban retreat in Fukuoka or a tranquil resort in Beppu, Kyushu’s hotels promise an unforgettable stay filled with elegance and cultural richness. #KyushuHotels #TravelKyushu #LuxuryStay #OnsenExperience #JapaneseHospitality #ScenicViews #Fukuoka #Beppu #TravelJapan #CulturalExperience #RegionalCuisine #TravelInStyle #Relaxation #MountainRetreat #CoastalViews #TraditionalCharm #HotelLuxury #JapaneseCulture #ilovetravelling #penangfoodandtravel