Personally, I have been coming to this Outlet Mall for nearly 2 decades. It really was the only Outlet Mall in the region before outlet malls became a normal style of shopping in Japan. Nowadays there are many options for people to enjoy but the Tosu Outlet Mall is still the go to place as it has continued to develop, expand and provide much more variety than its competitors.
These reasons above as well as the fact that the Outlet mall is conveniently located (approx. 45 minute drive from Fukuoka City) with its late closing time makes it a perfect last destination on our private tour together.
Generally we will spend about 60 to 90 minutes here, but those hardcore shoppers can extend this period of time and 120 to 150 minutes is not unheard of. However we may have to eliminate a previous attraction on the itinerary to get this option available to us.
Please look below to see the Tosu Outlet Mall here on a map:
Please click on the photos below to see the Tosu Outlet Mall in all its glory.
Click on the photos to enlarge:
Spacious on a weekday
Many brands on offer
Excellent signposting
Well worth shopping at
Please check out this video of the Tosu Outlet Mall below:
Mount Aso is an active volcanoin the center of Kyushu island which most recently erupted in 2021 and 2016. Aso's ancient caldera ranks among the world's largest, with a diameter of up to 25 kilometers and a circumference of over 100 kilometers. In the center of the caldera stand the mountain's active volcanic peaks, including Nakadake, whose spectacular crater is accessible to tourists.
However, that the crater area is often partially and sometimes fully closed to visitors due to poisonous volcanic gases, bad weather or the risk of volcanic activity. Even when the area around the summit is open, gases can be intense, and people with respiratory problems should refrain from approaching the crater.
Japan is basically a risk adverse country and many warnings and alerts are put in place as a result of its constant struggle to control to uncontrollable, AKA Mother Nature. As a single young male when I first came to Japan, this level of control frustrated me to the core, but now as a father and a business owner I fully understand and participate with all the rules and precautions that I face on a regular basis.
On this day, our party of 8 unfortunately missed out on the spectacular views from the Mount Aso lookout as a result of too many poisonous gases being emitted. Of course there was disappointment but the drive up to the peak and resulting drive on to the Hot Spring resort town of Kurokawa helped soften this blow.
Please check out the location of Mount Aso here on a map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
Wide open spaces
Warnings
Closed on this day
Countryside
Lots to see
Was a little smokey in places
Please click on these videos below to see more about the drive up to and from Mount Aso:
Yesterday when I checked the status of the Nakadake Volcano online it said it was closed so you should have seen the smile on my face when suddenly access opened up. I am sure the Shinto Gods heard my wishes and constant prayers to visit this incredible site.
Please check out these photos of one of the most active craters in the world.
Many warnings for people with cardiovascular issues
A shelter?
Alerts are everywhere
A shrine to say a little prayer
It was very windy!
Inside the crater
Incredible landscape
Check out these videos to see the real power of the Aso Nakadake Crater
There is something about Green Tea that is very fascinating. We all know that Green Tea is good for us, it's great for the brain and improves cognitive function, great for aiding digestion and it's an excellent drink to help with weight loss and for skin and eye quality. The green tea industry in Japan is booming as demand from abroad has been peaking in the last 10 to 15 years.
The best thing is that the Green Tea region of Ureshino is right in my backyard and its such an interesting and picturesque location to explore. I will endeavor to promote this region of Kyushu and give those Green Tea lovers insights into production techniques and the history of the town.
The best place to do this is at the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum located in the middle of the town. It has everything that one could need to understand more about Green Tea in general.
1) There is a quaint little museum in the building which although sign posted in English doesn't have extensive information. However there is just enough to get the gist of what is going on within the historical background and the production process.
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
English guide is available
Background Information
Main floor
Interesting place to explore
Tea moments
Tea Production
Tea regions of Japan
Tea fields
Stages of production
2) There is a tea cafe located inside the building which allows you to try some of the various tea products. There are a multitude of hot and cold drinks as well as many different types of sweets to enjoy.
Profile of various farmers
The menu
Tea Cafe
Plenty of seating
2 person table
Plenty of awards
3) The sales shop is a place where you can buy quite a few products to take home with you. Teas and sweets round up the products on offer. They also offer a great selection of ceramic tea pots that shouldn't be missed. The ladies may I say are completely friendly and try to help you at every opportunity. I am sure you will enjoy the interactive experience.
Plenty of sweets
The teas of Ureshino
Tea options
Options galore
Tea pots
4) The tea fields outside are also a nice option to explore. On this cold wintery day (we had quite a bit of snow the previous 2 days) it was a pleasant surprise to see a white dusting of snow on the top of the hedges. The nature involved with these outdoor scenes are very powerful indeed and add to the overall experience of the situation.
I am sure you will agree that the combination of these 4 combined attractions make the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum a special place to visit.
Please check out the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum on this map below.
Please click on these videos below to see more of the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum:
Here are some photos of a recent family tour enjoying the experience of sampling Green Tea.
