On one of Japan's larger islands, Kyushu south of Honshu, is a prefecture called Miyazaki. This particular location in Japan is actually a bit honeymoon spot, along with the island of Okinawa. Miyazaki is a resort location right next to the beach. In fact, places along the beach are filled with an assortment of activities for guests. Not only do you have swim in the beach, there are water parks, zoos and amusement parks, bowling, outdoor activities and the traditional Japanese Onsen baths.
To get to Miyazaki - well, it's kind of a journey. Since Miyazaki is on another island you should either fly or take the bullet train known as the Shinkansen. I took the Shinkansen Sakura all the way to Kagoshima. From Kagoshima we took a bus that took us through the island to Miyazaki station. Then a short taxi ride to the Sheraton Ocean Resort.
Sadly, the time that I went to Miyazaki there was actually a very large Typhoon that was approaching Japan. The beaches had been closed, so we had to resort to the pool that the Sheraton offered. And they were amazing! The first pool was the classic blue swimming pool to have fun, the pool was surrounded with green palm trees and plants all over. A very tropical touch! The other pool resembled a beach. It even had real sand! It was the perfect to end the day - it was breezy, sunny and a comfortable temperature. We watched the sunset while sipping on some delicious and fulfilling mango juice.
Just like I said, just when we reached Miyazaki a huge typhoon came. The next day was just filled with rain and wind - the waves were tremendous and quite treacherous. However, this didn't ruin what we had planned. Miyazaki is quite famous for the hot spring baths, Onsen. The Sheraton Resort had three different kinds - some were private, some offered baths inside and outside. The onsen is a public bath house; in separate baths (men and women) you shower and clean yourself first and then sulk in a the warm and natural waters. This bath is full of minerals and is heated through the hot plates underneath the ground. Japan is very famous and there are many onsens throughout Japan. I actually tried something new this time going to the onsen, we sat in the outside bath while it was raining and windy. It was fantastic! The combination of the warm bath water with the cool breeze and the showers made the experience refreshing and revitalizing. Both pictures on the right are images of the 'Ukata' Trail to the onsen baths. At this time of year, instead of wearing the thick Kimonos, the Ukata are light summer wear. Especially after going to the Onsen, the Ukata is most comfortable thing to wear to stay cool and relaxed.
However, you can't really stay at the Onsen all day - you'll get terribly wrinkly! The Sheraton Resort actually has a floor in the lobby completely dedicated to activities to do in this particular area. One of the activities they offer is ceramics! The instructor was extremely helpful and taught us how to make simple Japanese cups and mugs. It was pretty simple to make but for perfectionists like me I took a lot of time! After finishing the shape of the cup, there were cute stamps and tools to help you make the cup personal and memorable of your trip to Miyazaki.
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| Sheraton Ocean Resort |
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| Shinkansen |
Sadly, the time that I went to Miyazaki there was actually a very large Typhoon that was approaching Japan. The beaches had been closed, so we had to resort to the pool that the Sheraton offered. And they were amazing! The first pool was the classic blue swimming pool to have fun, the pool was surrounded with green palm trees and plants all over. A very tropical touch! The other pool resembled a beach. It even had real sand! It was the perfect to end the day - it was breezy, sunny and a comfortable temperature. We watched the sunset while sipping on some delicious and fulfilling mango juice.
Just like I said, just when we reached Miyazaki a huge typhoon came. The next day was just filled with rain and wind - the waves were tremendous and quite treacherous. However, this didn't ruin what we had planned. Miyazaki is quite famous for the hot spring baths, Onsen. The Sheraton Resort had three different kinds - some were private, some offered baths inside and outside. The onsen is a public bath house; in separate baths (men and women) you shower and clean yourself first and then sulk in a the warm and natural waters. This bath is full of minerals and is heated through the hot plates underneath the ground. Japan is very famous and there are many onsens throughout Japan. I actually tried something new this time going to the onsen, we sat in the outside bath while it was raining and windy. It was fantastic! The combination of the warm bath water with the cool breeze and the showers made the experience refreshing and revitalizing. Both pictures on the right are images of the 'Ukata' Trail to the onsen baths. At this time of year, instead of wearing the thick Kimonos, the Ukata are light summer wear. Especially after going to the Onsen, the Ukata is most comfortable thing to wear to stay cool and relaxed. 
However, you can't really stay at the Onsen all day - you'll get terribly wrinkly! The Sheraton Resort actually has a floor in the lobby completely dedicated to activities to do in this particular area. One of the activities they offer is ceramics! The instructor was extremely helpful and taught us how to make simple Japanese cups and mugs. It was pretty simple to make but for perfectionists like me I took a lot of time! After finishing the shape of the cup, there were cute stamps and tools to help you make the cup personal and memorable of your trip to Miyazaki. Miyazaki is one of the lesser known places in Japan to vacation. However, it is becoming quite popular among the Japanese people as well as South Koreans (South Korea is right there believe it or not!) I know it would have been fantastic if the weather was better, but I still had an amazing time! The hotel, the service, the activities and food at the resort were absolutely fantastic - and what made it even more fantastic was Japan winning the Women's World Cup! So check out Miyazaki - just make sure a typhoon isn't on its way!
Love,
ALPHA
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