{Japan: Explore} Off the Beaten Path: Arisa, Kyushu, Japan
One of the best things about having a JR Pass is having the freedom to throw your itinerary aside and jump on the first train to Anywhere, Japan. Which is exactly what we did on our 2012 Japan trip. We were in Kumamoto, Kyushu and all of a sudden I had a hankering to see something outside of the big city. From Kumamoto Station we decided to take the JR Kagoshima Line to the first stop that struck our fancy. While waiting for the train to arrive, we saw this old-school train come chug – a – chugging up to the opposite platform:
Holy Smoke!
While the train wasn’t doing anything for Japan’s pollution problem, it really was a beautiful piece of machinery. Within minutes, our modern train came speeding down the tracks and we were on our way! After 30 minutes and 6 or so stops later, we decided to disembark and check out the surroundings of a little town called Arisa.
The inside of Arisa’s train station.
After having spent so much time in some of Japan’s largest cities, Arisa was a refreshing change. Lots of open space, with a number of Mom & Pop shops and modest homes lining the streets. I’m sure a person born and raised in Japan would think Arisa looks no different than a million other small cities in this country. But it was brand new to us and we were utterly charmed by the simplicity of it all. And it was so quiet! I don’t think we passed more than a few people the whole time we were there. The rain may have had something to do with it. It was mostly just drizzling, with a few patches of light showers. On this upcoming trip to Japan, I definitely want to try a few more off-the-beaten-path adventures.
I traveled to Kyushu twice.
The photograph of a castle in your blog may be a Kumamoto Castle.
Hi! If it’s the nighttime picture of a castle then yes, it’s Kumamoto Castle! I have been to Kyushu twice also. The first time I was 8 to visit my father’s side of the family in Miyazaki. Then the second time was last year to Beppu and Kumamoto. I will be back in Kyushu next month and will go to Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki. I love Kyushu! Thanks so much for commenting!
I love exploring the outskirts of Japan too! It’s one of my favorite things to do.. especially when I find hidden gems!
It’s so lucky that you can do that! Normally we stick to our itinerary because we get sucked in by all the “big” things to see and do. But that day in Kumamoto we had extra time and I’m so glad that we did!
I’m dying to see Kyushu and to eat all of the delicious specialty dishes down there!
So far, in Kyushu, I’ve only been to Kumamoto. But it absolutely had the best ramen I’ve ever had in my life (at a place called Komurasaki). On my upcoming Japan trip, I’ll be going to Fukuoka and Nagasaki and I’m really looking forward to the food there! Thanks so much for commenting!
These are always the best parts of a trip; unexpected stops. Great job!
Yes, it’s a funny how I’ll spend so much time preparing an itinerary for a trip but some of the best moments are completely unplanned. That time in Arisa was wonderful, it’s not like we did anything but walk around but I’ll always remember it. Thanks so much for your comment!
You`ve got that adventurous spirit! I love going off the beaten path as well, thanks for sharing your love for roads less traveled!
I’m very much hoping to indulge in some more off-the-beaten-path adventures on this upcoming Japan trip as well! Thanks for commenting and for following my blog, I’m followings yours now too.