Published date: January 15, 2025
Journey with JAL and HafH 🥰 A Kyushu Trip Based in Fukuoka✈️
Room Type Stayed
Some info has been automatically translated by AI.
Experience of the stay
In Hakata, as I was drinking with an old travel companion in the Nakasu street stalls and izakayas, I checked in after 10 PM, but the host emailed me the door key code next to the main entrance, so I entered through there. In my twenties, I often backpacked around the world, and now that parenting has settled down, I tried solo travel for the first time in a while. After arriving at night, I quickly took a shower and went to bed. I don’t remember much since I had been drinking imo shochu, but the next morning I enjoyed complimentary coffee and tea, walked to Hakata Station, and rented a car to head to Nagasaki. Even though it was a dormitory, there were also female-only rooms, and each bed had a curtain, ensuring privacy. There were mini lockers for valuables next to the beds, places to hang clothes, free Wi-Fi, and there was a mini electric heater that you could use. Charging convenience was good too since there were outlets. I would like to use this place again next time.
Experiences during the trip
A two-night trip from Chitose to Fukuoka via JAL. In my twenties, I was a backpacker wandering the world, but now I've moved to the countryside, raising three kids and farming. These days I am learning about point activities and becoming a land mileage member, steadily accumulating miles every day.
I bought souvenirs at the JAL shop, upgraded from economy to business class, spent time in the Super Lounge and Sakura Lounge until departure, and enjoyed a Red Eye cocktail made with beer and tomato juice. Upon arriving in Fukuoka, I was surprised to see the first snow piling up, and the expressway was stopped, making the roads slippery. In such weather, I visited Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and had a long-awaited reunion with an old travel companion living in Fukuoka! I insisted on going to a yatai (street food stall), and although the bad weather caused the roofs to fly away and break, it turned into a memorable experience with lots of laughter. After a drink, we headed to a local izakaya where regulars gathered, but the imo shochu (sweet potato shochu) made me feel heavy, and I took a taxi from Nakasu to the guesthouse, which cost around 750 yen. The next day we drove to Nagasaki with a rental car! Meeting a certain celebrity was my goal. Finally having my wish fulfilled, I felt my soul tremble with joy upon meeting them, and I felt so happy. I realized I want to keep setting goals, cherish each day, and live life joyfully and brightly, nurturing meaningful connections. I will strive in my work, too. The following day, I stayed overnight at a ryokan in Nagasaki, Kōbama. I went to the hot spring early at 5:30 AM. I visited the historical Ota-shan-yu hot spring, which has been around for 2,500 years, explored roadside stations, and then returned to Fukuoka, wrapping up my 2-night, 3-day trip. In Fukuoka, the first snow fell, and since my car had summer tires, I couldn’t go to places I wanted to visit as steep slopes were unmanageable. Despite these events, I had so much fun. Since I received plenty of bonus flights with my JAL miles, I’m planning to go to Miyako Island next with a free ticket. Thanks to HafH, I can enjoy fun travel while raising kids with my regular day-to-day efforts in accumulating land miles. By the way, in addition to my three children, we have pets (dogs and cats) as well, so my husband and I take turns traveling, and the one left behind takes care of the children and pets. Usually, I often take my children on trips. Recently, as my children have grown, I take them one by one to the places they want to go.
Next, I want to go to Miyako Island with my daughter within the next three months. Thank you for a wonderful trip!