WILDNESS & STILLNESS

Rikugien Garden: This garden, which is one of the nine historic gardens of Tokyo, is a must-see for visitors who love nature and Japanese landscape art. It's a masterpiece for garden lovers. The fall colors added a very pleasant note. The calm of the place allows visitors to stroll quietly and fully appreciate the landscape.

Lunch at Tsukishima Monja Moheji Ryogoku: Until then, I had not really eaten monjayaki and I was very happy to be able to taste it at a specialized restaurant. There are many choices and the quality is there. The restaurant is warm and offers a Japanese setting to customers.

Sumida Hokusai Museum: Hokusai was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist well known internationally. This museum pays perfect homage to him, featuring modern spaces and numerous works. The visitor can take advantage of the museum's interactivity to discover the works of Hokusai in detail.

Tokyo City View: The view from here is one of the best in Tokyo! The Mori Tower Observatory is a must-see during a visit to Tokyo. Check out the size of the city from a very high floor. It is striking. In addition, the glass windows are very large, which provides exceptional views. The plus: when going out onto the sky deck, visitors can enjoy a unique view of the entire Japanese capital. At night, it's even more beautiful!

Dinner at Bishoku Maimon Roppongi: The restaurant offers a very friendly and intimate setting when there are several of you. The quality and quantity are good. The restaurant is located in Roppongi, a major draw for foreign visitors staying in this area.

ANA domestic flight: ANA is a very professional airline. The flight was on-time, and the service very pleasant. It was a breeze getting from the security checkpoint to the gate. The planes are clean and modern, which makes the journey very pleasant.

Visit to the crater of the Aso volcano: The helicopter flight over Mt. Aso was truly a thrilling experience. The duration of the flight is only less than seven minutes, but every passenger will be amazed. The pilot is friendly and his flying skills appreciated. The view from the helicopter of the smoking crater was breathtaking. A truly unique experience I recommend!

Lunch at Sanzoku Tabiji: It's always nice to have lunch at a typical Japanese place, where the locals eat. The setting is warm and very friendly. I was surrounded by families and regulars and this is what gives the restaurant an exotic feel. The food is delicious and plentiful, and I was able to try local dishes.

Aso Volcane Museum / Kusasenri: This museum provides a better understanding of the volcano. The facilities are clear and the visit is rather pleasant. Voice guides in four languages ​​are offered to foreign visitors who do not understand Japanese so that they can enjoy the exhibition.

Shirakawa Suigen: This visit was quite magical because of the colors of autumn. The shrine and the springs, in the middle of vibrant nature, offer a moment of rest and relaxation in an exotic Japanese setting. Being able to drink water directly from the source is a precious experience that we don't normally get to do.

Dinner at the hotel: The menu is extensive, with a buffet and a large selection of drinks. You can taste akaushi beef, a kind of local wagyu beef, and grill it individually, which is a great culinary experience. The buffet also allows you to taste the dishes in desired quantity and brings many choices when you are with your family. All told, I had a good time. The restaurant's setting sticks with its green atmosphere.

Room and service: This large hotel opposite Mt. Aso is a haven. The view from the guestrooms is magnificent, as is the hot spring. Staying at this hotel is very relaxing, as it's possible to take advantage of many services and amenities: hot spring, massage chairs, store, etc. The night was very quiet and the bedding very comfortable.

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine: This shrine is a must-see. It's located in the middle of a lush forest. The hike along the tree-lined path is magical, and I felt the power of the place. There is also a "power spot," tucked up above, which overlooks the shrine and the surrounding valley. It's a fine example of Japanese heritage.

Lunch at Takamori Dengaku Hozonkai: Exceptional is the word! First of all, the setting is magnificent. The old house has very pleasant rooms with tatami and wood. It felt like we were transported to another time. The house specialty, dengaku, is a unique dish of food covered with miso and cooked slowly over charcoal fire. It's a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The service is very hospitable and the family who runs the place very friendly. It's a must-visit locale in Kumamoto to discover local cuisine in an exceptional setting.

Cycling: What a wonderful experience. Cycling in the heart of Mt. Aso was truly fantastic. The staff were very professional and friendly, the bikes efficient and comfortable, and the route really fun. We traveled many kilometers to reach Kurokawa onsen through marvelous landscapes, including mountains, villages, and waterfalls. The downhill route was quite easy and the pace was slow, which made it fun.

Kurokawa Onsen: Kurokawa onsen is a magical place. It's an onsen village located in the mountains and surrounded by forests and hot streams. The backdrop is an idyllic setting for wearing a yukata and just taking your time. It's a truly wonderful place. The streets are charming and the small shops very pleasant. Kurokawa onsen has an incredible charm.

Dinner at the inn (Kurokawa Onsen Fumoto Ryokan): Dinner was delicious and very filling. The dishes are high quality and varied, all accompanied by a tasty local beer. For foreigners, tasting dishes dressed in yukata in a tatami room is a remarkable experience. Among the many local dishes, the wagyu was particularly divine. I also tasted horse sashimi, a great discovery.

Room and service: What a ryokan! I've had the chance to sleep in several ryokans, but this one is really of an exceptional level. The building, in itself, is lovely and warm. The guestrooms are large and very pleasant with a massage chair. The quality of the futon is perfect. But the best part of this ryokan is the hot spring bath. In addition to the common baths surrounded by nature, guests can take advantage of several small private baths--perfect for visitors with friends or family. Each private bath has its own charm and it's fun to test them one by one. It's a wonderful place.

Kumamoto Castle: The images of the castle after the 2016 earthquake left an impression. Visiting the castle now allows you to understand the extent of the damage and to appreciate the restoration work being undertaken. The restoration, which is expected to take around 20 years, is impressive. It\s striking to see with your own eyes the collapsed walls and the extensive damages to the buildings. A visit also allows you to feel the strength of Japan's character when it comes to rebuilding.

Lunch at Ginnan in Josaien: The buffet is very extensive, varied and appetizing. Each patron chooses their meal and refills as they wish. There are Japanese and international dishes.

Higo damascening experience: This traditional craft consists of metalwork made mainly in Kumamoto. This activity was held in an old Japanese house, renovated into a studio and shop. The setting is therefore very pleasant and warm. The artist is very good at teaching and attentive. It was over before I knew it, but it allowed me to try out a very meticulous art and appreciate its level of difficulty.

Dinner at the airport restaurant or take-out meal box for the plane: The airport is small, but the shops offered some interesting items.

Again, I found this trip to be extremely well organized.
The tour of Tokyo left us discovering another face of the capital, off the beaten track and away from major tourist centers. The choice of Rikugien is excellent because it allows visitors to discover one of the most beautiful historic gardens in the city, especially in autumn with the fall foliage. Visiting Ryogoku, the Sumo district, is also very interesting because it offers tourists the opportunity to discover an older, quieter and very cultural Tokyo, with among others the Sumida Hokusai Museum and its beautiful architecture. Tasting monjayaki is also a very interesting experience because this particular Japanese dish is not well known to foreign tourists.
I was able to discover the beautiful prefecture of Kumamoto. The program was perfect. We were able to take our time during each activity and thus enjoy the region. It's a prefecture with many tourism assets. Kurokawa onsen is a gem that will certainly amaze international visitors. I also appreciated the choice of restaurants which offered a nice taste tour of the region. It was really a great trip!