From the art supply store in Fukuoka, we went to the airport to sort out a car rental for the rest of our time in Kyushu. Our goal was the Takachiho Gorge, and exploring the steep canyon in a rowboat.
First, though, Huis Ten Bosch Gardens, for its illuminations.
This theme park is near Nagasaki, and it is developed on a Dutch theme. Tulips in early February, and Muffy theming throughout.
Even the garbage and recycling containers were designed like miniature Dutch buildings.
When it was still light out, we sailed around with Muffy and Friends, and soared over Africa in an Imax-style adventure ride, learned about the importance of appeasing the water gods in a water & light theatre show and flew some Dumbo-style planes.
Anita enjoyed being a mermaid in the 3D photo gallery, though she found it a bit difficult to extricate herself from the tableau.
The highlight, though, was the water and light show at eight in the evening.
Fountains danced, loudspeakers played music, and eventually there were fireworks to the eponymous Katy Perry song Fireworks.
The next morning, it was time to drive to the other side of Kyushu, to eventually make it to the Takachiho Gorge.
It was wet that day, and just in case we didn’t notice, there were electrical road signs telling us to expect rain. Actually, I think it was their way of saying “Slippery when wet”. The signs were posted before tunnels, and there were a fair number of tunnels on our route.
While we saw some deer crossing signs, we also saw warnings of wild boar crossing. Thankfully, we never saw wild boars.
Juliette Knits 