Where? Kyhusu, Southern Japan
When? 11/12-2009

"Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, the flight time to Tokyo is 10 hours 30minutes…" Once again a trip to Japan starts with a long stay on-board Lufthansa' convenient direct flight from Munich to Narita on an Airbus A340. But this time fortunately with the stretched -600 version, offering personal video screens also in the economy class, which really helped for the time fo 'fly-by' a bit faster than usual. However, after 8 hours or so the flight appeared to be endless...

The arrival in Tokyo was unfortunately dominated by a very hazy sky and photography at the domestic airport Haneda, while waiting for my transfer to Fukuoka, was a bit frustrating.

This was even more boosted by the fact that 4 special coloured aircraft (the two ANA Pokemon Jumbo Jets and two ANA B777s: Green Eco Jet and the " Kobukuro Calling" scheme). The flight to FUK on the Southern island of Kyushu was unspectacular – besides the fact that I have been the only Western face on the densely occupied B767. The service was very nice, but the apple juice surely had a 'Japanese' taste.

In Fukuoka it was already dark, so no use to take any photos, but time to get the rental car and get to the traditional youth hostel near Tsuiki. With the help of the car navigation it was once again found without any problems and my basic Japanese language guide assured a nice place to stay for the next two night.

For sure the hot bath before going to bed was priceless after this long trip!