Visiting relatives in Kyushu, Southern Japan
Brian and I had the honor of spending an amazing 5 days visiting our Japanese relatives in Southern Japan: Kagoshima, Kyushu. It was an authentic and traditional Japanese experience all around from start to finish and definitely something we would not experience elsewhere.
Kagoshima is a beautiful countryside village in Kyushu, Japan that is a seaside fishing town constructed against volcanic mountains. During our time in Kyushu, we learned a lot about my Japanese heritage with Okinawa, Kyushu, and Akita (in Northern Japan) regional roots.
Our hospitable relatives placed us in quaint Japanese-style accommodations and inns called Ryokans. They had volcanic hot spring baths, public baths, and multiple Japanese kaiseki-style meals provided.
Japanese public bath
Japanese public bath
Outdoor onsen at the Ryokan
Outdoor onsen in the middle of the forest!
Outdoor onsen in the middle of the forest!
Indoor onsen (volcanic hot springs) bath with a beautiful view!
In traditional Japanese Yukata (kimonos for the summer
Dinner menu of the day and traditional Japanese dinner at the Ryokan
Traditional Japanese kaiseki meal, typically 8-10 multiple course meals
In our traditional Japanese yukatas at the Ryokan
Traditional Japanese room at the Ryokan (Japanese inn)
Kaiseki dinner at the Ryokan
Japanese breakfast at the Ryokan
When we weren't filling our bellies at our hotels, we ate delicious local Kagoshima delicacies.
Kagoshima is a fishing village, so their sushi was fresh and delicious
Sushi and Asahi Beer
Sushi and Asahi Beer
Fresh Kagoshima sushi
Fresh Kagoshima sushi
Kagoshima Ramen
Kagoshima ramen. Pork broth based, creamy soup compared to Tokyo-style ramen.
Dinner with our Kyushu relatives at a Robatayaki restaurant (Japanese pub)
Peace sign! Dinner at the Robatayaki restaurant
So family history: My maternal Grandma's sister, my Great Aunt in Kagoshima, is the matriarch of her family. She is a fiercely independent, sharp, and self-sufficient woman whose late husband passed away years ago. She has 2 sons, a daughter, multiple grandchildren, and a traditional Japanese Shiba dog. My maternal Grandma and her sister (my Great Aunt) remained very close over the years because they lost their whole family during WWII including their parents and brother a soldier who died fighting in the war when he was 19 years old. My maternal Grandma took care of my Great Aunt's children over the years and vice versa; my Great Aunt took care of my mom and her siblings. My Mom said she has many fond memories of spending time with her aunt and cousins in Kyushu.
I loved spending time at my Great Aunt's beautiful traditional Japanese home as well. You seldom find traditional homes and gardens that look like this today.
My Great Aunt's beautiful traditional Japanese style home
My Great Aunt's beautiful Japanese style home
Brian playing with Mutsugoro, my Great Aunt's Shiba dog
View of my Great Aunt's beautiful Japanese garden
Traditional Japanese style home
Brian and I hanging with my Great Aunt, Auntie, and cousin at my Great Aunt's home
I also enjoyed getting to know my Japanese relatives like my Uncle Hirofumi who has a pottery shop and school up in the mountains.
Entrance to Uncle Hirofumi's pottery shop and school, up in the mountains. Notice the bamboo forest and the mountains in the clouds.
Uncle Hirofumi's pottery fireplace
With Uncle Hirofumi
Uncle Hirofumi and his pottery students
Brian at Uncle Hirofumi's pottery shop and school
Uncle Hirofumi's beautiful ceramics work
Uncle Hirofumi's beautiful ceramics work
Beautiful pottery work
Uncle Hirofumi's beautiful pottery work and paintings
Brian took the time learning basic Japanese phrases, and wowed my relatives with his curiosity and willingness to try all different kinds of food.
It was such an honor and humbling experience learning about our family's Japanese heritage in Kyushu and experiencing their grace and generosity.
We can't wait to visit them in Japan again someday, and host our Japanese relatives in return when they visit us in Hawaii!