Kyushu Quest Chapter 5: Island Calm and Nighttime Charm
Today, we stepped away from the city buzz to explore i+Land Nagasaki, a family-friendly resort nestled on Iojima Island near Nagasaki City. This picturesque getaway is just an hour from the city center, making it perfect for both day trips and overnight stays. With activities like hot springs, pools, and outdoor adventures, plus local delicacies at its on-site restaurants, i+Land Nagasaki promised an experience worth every moment.
Our check-in process was smooth, and our room, conveniently close to the reception area, offered a beautiful ocean view from the balcony.
After dropping off our luggage, we hopped on the resort's shuttle bus to The Ark Land Spa. This facility was a hit with its heated pools, saunas, and natural hot springs, complemented by a dining area, massage rooms, and relaxing capsule-like pods. While it wasn’t large enough for extensive swimming, the kids had a blast floating and wading through the pools. My son particularly loved curling up in a relaxation pod with his favorite manga—a haven for hours of quiet reading.
The rest of our day unfolded with fun family activities, including the resort’s playrooms and athletic areas. The spa’s dining options were also decent, making it convenient to grab a bite without leaving the venue. Getting around was a breeze, thanks to the free shuttle buses, though walking or cycling were perfectly viable alternative options.
Dinner was a highlight—excellent food in a setting that struck the perfect balance between casual and refined, reaffirming i+Land Nagasaki as a top choice for families.
Nighttime Magic with Island Lumina
Our evening adventure, Island Lumina, was a magical journey through illuminated woods. This immersive event, with its rich storytelling and stunning light displays, felt straight out of a Japanese RPG. It was safe and kid-friendly, offering just the right blend of wonder and excitement. Adults will enjoy the captivating illuminations as much as the younger crowd. The only downside? Mosquitoes! Even after generously applying repellant, a few pesky bites managed to find their way.
Morning Bliss and Off to Kumamoto
The next morning, we enjoyed a traditional Japanese breakfast before squeezing in one last soak in the hot springs. While my family relaxed, I dashed off the island to do some laundry—a quick 15-minute drive but lacking any comfortable spots to wait. After regrouping, we packed up and set off for Kumamoto.
Though we had considered a ferry across the Ariake Sea, we opted for a slightly faster drive via Fukuoka Prefecture. Initially, we hoped to stop by Yanagawa for its famed eel dishes and charming canals, but the delay with laundry meant we had to skip it—something I regret deeply. Nonetheless, the drive was smooth, and the straightforward route made the journey easy, even with the scenic detour.
Dinner Adventures in Kumamoto
By the time we reached Kumamoto, it was around dinner time. We’d reserved a table at Batan Gyutan, a cozy spot known for local specialties like raw horse meat (including mane and tongue) and thick-cut beef tongues. While the raw horse parts were rich and tender, the grilled tongues stole the show with their hearty, smoky flavor. The kids, not quite ready for such adventurous fare, found joy in simpler meals at a family restaurant and takoyaki stand. One thing’s for sure—big cities like Kumamoto never run out of food options, even late into the night!
After wandering the lively arcade shopping area and playing games at a local arcade, we checked into our hotel, ending the day on a satisfying note.
