An Unforgettable journey to Kyushu

Past the foggy houses and through the dense woods, hell was waiting for us. I was mesmerized to find the delights of Kyushu with our packed itinerary. The area is famous for its hot springs, active volcano, and castles rich in history. 

As part of my visit, I explored one of the main themes of the 2025 International Exposition, “Connecting Lives,” and experienced how hot spring towns serve as vibrant communities that foster meaningful connections among people, while also discovering a rich society where people are deeply connected to the majestic natural environment. 

Hot steamed seafood – jigokumushi

Jigokumushi: cooking with steam 

My first experience in Kyushu began with a unique and unforgettable local dish called Jigokumushi, which literally means “hell steaming.” As we arrived at the steaming grounds, a strong sulfurous aroma filled the air, rising naturally from the region’s famous hot springs. We placed fresh seafood over the geothermal steam and let nature cook our meal. 

It was my first time trying anything like this, and every moment was fascinating. The steam, infused with minerals from the earth, gave the food an unexpected depth of flavor. Even the egg we cooked turned brown from the minerals in the steam – something I had never seen before. 

We enjoyed our meal so much. It brought back memories of home. In Mongolia, we also cook with steam. We prepare traditional dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and vegetables, usually steaming them for about 20 minutes. While the methods are different, the comforting warmth of steamed food connects both cultures in a beautiful way. 

Hell of Hot Blood with steam 

Not Hell, just healing 

As soon as we got off the bus, it felt like we had stepped into heaven, not hell as the name jigoku (“hell”,) might suggest. We were surrounded by a lush forest of tall, dense trees, and the air was fresh and cool. The view was breathtaking: trees stretching endlessly into the sky, birds chirping above, and sunlight filtering softly through the leaves. 

But as we made our way toward the main gate of jigoku, the heavenly calm began to shift. The scent of sulfur, strong and earthy, welcomed us to the “Hell” this place is known for. The contrast was striking. The scenery opened up into a wide, almost surreal landscape, with a brilliant orange hot spring steaming under the open sky. It was beautiful, but powerful – untamed nature. 

A hearty meal made with love 

After a long day of exploring, we arrived at the home of a kind Japanese couple who would host us for the night. At first, when we placed our luggage inside, I thought we’d all be living together under one roof. But as we looked around, we noticed there were actually three separate houses: their home, a kitchen, and a cozy guesthouse just for visitors like us. The houses were surrounded by many plants, flowers, berries and a big rice field. 

The couple greeted us warmly in the kitchen, inviting us in with a comforting treat: homemade cheesecake. It was soft, sweet, and absolutely delicious. We sat together, introduced ourselves, and shared a light conversation. Though we came from different places, the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, like visiting old friends. 

Then came dinner, and it was clear that every dish had been prepared with care and love. There were so many varieties of food, all beautifully arranged. It must have taken hours to prepare everything. I felt so grateful – not just for the meal, but for the generosity and thoughtfulness behind it. 

Art of nature: Mount Aso  

Our second day began with cloudy, windy weather. As we headed toward Mount Aso, the view from the bus window was striking – vast green fields dotted with cows. It reminded me of the Mongolian countryside. We passed numerous bridges, adding to the scenic journey. 

When we stepped off the bus at the mountain, the wind was so strong it felt like we might be lifted off the ground. As we hiked toward the summit, we were greeted by a breathtaking yet intimidating view. I could have stood there for hours, simply taking it all in. The landscape was a dramatic mix of black volcanic ash, jagged rocks, and steaming hot springs. This powerful sight was unlike anything I’d ever seen.

River cruise with heavy rain 

Our third day began with heavy rain and overcast skies. At first, I felt a little disappointed; of all days, why did it have to rain on the river cruise (Yanagawa)? But to my surprise, it turned out to be one of the most memorable and entertaining moments of the trip. 

The sailor completely turned the mood around with his humor, lively commentary, and hilarious songs every time we passed under a bridge. His energy was infectious, and laughter filled the boat. Along the way, we spotted beautiful sights – an apricot tree, turtles basking on rocks, birds flying low over the water, and more. Despite the rain, or maybe even because of it, that cruise became a moment I’ll never forget. The joy and laughter shared on that boat will stay with me for a lifetime. 

①Oita Airport

②Beppu Kannawa

③Yufuin Onsen

④Kurokawa Onsen

⑤Aso

⑥Kumamoto

⑦Yanagawa Punting

⑧Nakasu

⑨Fukuoka

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  About the author

  

  Author: Tseden-ish Purev
  Profile: Purev Tseden-Ish hails from Mongolia. She works for the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light industry, specializing in youth affairs. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, basketball, and singing while playing guitar. .