Beppu (Kyushu Island), Japan

Upon our early morning arrival, we saw many smoky steam vents dotting the port village. By 8:30am, we were en route to our first 'landing' in Usuki Village to visit the castle ruins (built in 1562). We then walked through the Samurai District.

The next leg of today's journey was to a site of some 60 carved-into-rock images of Buddhas, (8th to 12th century carvings - over 1,000 years old). These figures are called Magaibutsu and are regarded as National Treasures. Magnificent.

In the evening, we attended the Sunday Night Family Dinner.Read more