Kyushu Japan May 2017

It started with plans to attend the Japanese Triode Meeting being held in Kyushu, the southern-most Japanese island. Then John was scheduled to give a talk the following weekend, which gave us a week to explore the island.

First the audio show. The Japanese are incredible artisans, making components from wood and ceramics. The event featured impressive sound systems and interesting people from many countries—and the highlight -- it was held in a beautiful temple with spectacular grounds. John and I woke early every day and did a sunrise explore. My camera was clicking overtime. (click on the photos to view full size)

The temple garden

Temple grounds

Setting up

They love these huge Western theater speakers

Sound system at pottery studio

Wooden turntables

Our morning walk

Cypress woods

The Event

We spent the following week visiting Ryoken on Kyushu. We used a travel agent who found idyllic locations. We cut back some of the touring we had planned to spend more time at each location – a first for us. Each Ryoken stay included a traditional set breakfast and dinner which were a delight to the eyes as well as the palette.

Mount Yufuin view from our outside area

Outside bath at Ryoken Yadoya

Dinner

Appetizer at Yodaya

Dressed for dinner

Each course was a work of art_

Ryokan Yamamizuki bath

Temple celebrating Cypress Trees

Graveyard stroll

Morning walk

Grounds on our Ryoken

New rice being planted

So green everywhere

Grounds at Seiryuan in Akizuki

Bath at Seiryuan Ryoken

Rakes at temple

Walk in Yufuin

Temple stroll

As always, there were so many picturesque details in Japan. Everywhere you look there’s an image to capture.

Akizuki building

Roadside shrine

Kyushu scenery

Buddah Fukuoka

Sake factory

Fly fishing

Temple stairs

Temple bird

Roadside flowers

Temple grounds

Kurokawa sign

Pot in garden

Dragon fountain

Temple grounds

Manhole cover

Takeo detain

Hair Salon

Fukuoka temple mid-town

John gave a very successful presentation and on our last night we ate dinner at Chikae a famous restaurant I jokingly called the aquarium. So many live fish! The Japanese take the concept of fresh fish very seriously.

We fell in love with Kyushu. It was so green and the sound of bubbling brooks was omnipresent. After the LA drought, the abundant greenery was soothing for the eyes and soul. Definitely a great trip!