From Kokura to Kitakyushu’s Crown Palace Hotel for an Overnight Stay with Two Meals. Arriving in Dazaifu and then Warashina, we gratefully basked in the sunny weather at the enchanting Mount Yufune Park. How can I aptly describe this place? Well, it’s like stepping into a sun-kissed paradise!
御船山樂園 in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, is often regarded as one of Kyushu’s prime maple viewing spots. Its name, Mt. Mikumayama, is derived from its shape resembling a Tang Dynasty ship. Situated on the western foothills, this park was meticulously constructed over three years. Nowadays, it frequently hosts tea ceremonies and photography events. Despite its modest size, you can explore it within approximately 40 minutes.
Start with the main door, and as soon as you walk in, you will see a clear “along the way” indicator.
It didn’t take long for a green grass lake to come into view. The grass is lush and yet remarkably clear.
Just by looking at the photos, you can tell how gentle and comfortable today’s weather is. Even in November, it remains so delightfully sunny.
Look! It seems like visiting Mount Yubune is the right choice. The hiking trails are brimming with people who have come to admire the autumn foliage.
Lifting my gaze, I behold crimson maple leaves, and my heart overflows with warmth and joy.
However, we don’t intend to linger here for too long. In fact, we’d like to take a detour and visit the charming tea house nestled in the woods of Mount Yubune.
The primary maple viewing point on Mount Yubune is along this slope. If you follow the signs, you’ll arrive at a small pathway.
The scenery is exquisite.
On the roadside, you’ll encounter three signs. Following the direction indicated by the exit, you’ll see an arrow pointing to the tea room. Proceed gently downhill along the stone-paved path.
As you continue along the slope, the path alternates between steep and gentle. The sunlight is intense, but the trees provide ample shade, creating a serene and spacious journey.
Before long, we came across this quaint, traditional Japanese-style dwelling, transformed into an open-plan tea house with tatami mat flooring. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces exude a unique ambiance.
As we were about to continue our journey, we decided to take a leisurely seat in a corner overlooking the lake, right in front of a bamboo pavilion adorned with lush vines
Other travelers also pause, creating a serene atmosphere alongside the river before us.
Not only can you enjoy tea, but you can also savor the autumn foliage. The scenic beauty right before your eyes is truly worth it!
For 500 yen, the much-anticipated Mochi Rice Dumpling and Iced Matcha Set has arrived. The rice dumplings come in two delightful flavors: one coated in soybean powder, and the other infused with the rich sweetness of dark brown sugar. Enjoy this delectable treat!
The rice dumplings are generously coated with golden soybean powder, and even the sweet syrup they’re soaked in overflows onto the plate. But here’s the twist: they’re unexpectedly delicious!
I finally find myself sitting beneath the eaves of a traditional Japanese house, feeling the gentle breeze, and savoring an authentic ‘Tea Garden’ experience.
The endless stretch of bamboo grove beckons, inviting you to linger. Whether you’re capturing photos for your social media feed, simply daydreaming, or letting the breeze tousle your hair, this place has a way of making you want to stay awhile.
