Japan · Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu

I've visited all major cities in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu, from Kanto to Kansai, and from Chubu to Shikoku. My favorite city is still Kyoto, which I visit several times a year. However, it's been over a decade since I last came to Kyushu, and not much has changed. This Kyushu trip started from Fukuoka, covering three prefectures: Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima. I'm not particularly interested in other cities in Kyushu. After Kyushu, I'll fly to Osaka and then head to Kyoto. I'll spend a week in each city to slow down the pace. I never have a fixed itinerary when traveling in Japan because the scenery is quite similar everywhere - mountains, primeval cedar forests, the sea, torii gates at shrines ⛩️, temples, castles named after each city with their tenshukaku towers, and the iconic steel towers found in every city. There's always a differently named market shed, big or small. The architectural layouts of cities, large or small, are quite similar. I never go to so-called viral photo spots. I prefer wandering alone through small alleys where hidden eateries can be found. You often discover many delicate little surprises... just strolling lazily by myself, leisurely enjoying the scenery and taking slow breaks.