Inari Shrine⛩️Kyushu Ukiha Asakura Countryside Hot Spring Self-Driving Tour

We visited Fukuoka again during the Golden Week. The city was crowded, but to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, we headed south to enjoy a three-day and two-night trip to the Chikugo River Hot Springs. After having breakfast in Fukuoka, we set out at 11 o'clock and arrived at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine 30 minutes later. We had some freshly baked plum cakes and walked around. We passed by Kurume and had a bowl of authentic Hakata tonkotsu ramen (open for lunch until 3 pm). We arrived in Ukiha City at 4 pm. The first night we stayed at Chikugo Kawano Senka Onsen Ryokan. The alkaline hot springs here are combined with sulfur, which is slippery and silky, and the rural river scenery makes people completely relaxed. Both the dinner and breakfast at Nipa Ichigo were exquisite and delicious, with abundant seafood ingredients and the wagyu beef was a bit of a surprise. The front desk staff speaks good English, and there is a beverage bar in the lobby. After taking a hot spring bath, a glass of draft beer is particularly satisfying! The next day we visited Inari Shrine⛩️ (Thousand Torii Gates), where we could see the entire Ukiha City. We then visited the local orchards. There is a shop called SORVETE Sorbet that you cannot miss. The persimmon flavor is especially recommended. Another fruit dessert cafe called "Dream Language Homestay" is also very popular in the local area. At noon we went to Hita City and enjoyed the famous Chiya Unagi rice, which was grilled to perfection and perfectly combined with the aroma of rice. The area nearby is full of Edo period scenery and is worth a visit. We returned to Asakura in the afternoon and first went to the ancient city of Akizuki. It was a short phytoncide-filled exploration trip. The wisteria trellis was beautiful, and it would be even better during the cherry blossom season! We stayed at Ryokan Toyotomi on the second night, which originated from Harazuru Onsen. Although it is small in scale, it has a variety of unique hot springs to choose from, such as cave baths, which are suitable for couples or families to enjoy bathing. On a quiet night in the countryside, enjoy the breeze and natural hot soup, it's a unique experience! The next day, I woke up early to feel the fresh air, and enjoyed the carefully prepared breakfast under the greenery outside the window. Kyushu has abundant ingredients and pastoral scenery everywhere. I was satisfied physically and mentally, and it only took an hour to return to Fukuoka City. Thanks to the careful management of the Countryside Hot Spring Hotel, the travelers are already looking forward to the next trip on their way home.