JAL Card's "Miles Trip": A long-awaited couple's trip to Oita in spring

<During the trip> Expressing gratitude to each other. A long-awaited couple date in Oita in spring

Oita is a soothing place where you can enjoy hot springs in addition to spectacular scenery and delicious food. This time, we'll be heading to the Yufuin area, about an hour's drive from Oita Airport. In the mild spring weather, you can experience beautiful scenery and culture while enjoying delicious food and the healing effects of a hot bath. Spending some relaxing time together is sure to bring you and your partner closer. With the money saved on airfare, why not take advantage of the savings and enjoy a luxurious date night in Oita?

Immerse yourself in the art, architecture, and nature of Yufuin at "COMICO ART MUSEUM YUFUIN"

First, we went to "COMICO ART MUSEUM YUFUIN". Opened in 2017, this contemporary art museum was designed by one of Japan's leading architects, Kengo Kuma. In the center of the museum is a glass-enclosed water basin, with two galleries facing each other from this point.

The exhibition features works by world-renowned contemporary artists. "GALLERY I" features masterpieces that connect traditional Japanese art and historical perspectives, including Takashi Murakami's "Snow Moon Flower Triptych" (2001).

"GALLERY II" displays Hiroshi Sugimoto's masterpiece, "Seascapes," a monochrome photograph of horizons from around the world with equal vertical and horizontal composition.

And in the "OPEN GALLERY" on the second floor, Yoshitomo Nara's sculpture "Your Dog" stands majestically against the backdrop of Mount Yufu. The work evokes the viewer's childhood and adolescence and stands as a monumental symbol of the depth of human experience.

In order to blend in naturally with the scenery of the Yufuin Basin, which is surrounded by mountains, the museum's exterior walls are made of burnt cedar, which has been burned to increase its durability, rather than concrete. In addition, to synchronize with the scenery of the area, which is filled with small houses, a separate building format with a series of small roofs has been adopted.

Beautiful art and architecture blend in with the nature of Yufuin, stimulating our senses while calming and refreshing our minds. It was the first time we had visited an art museum together, and we both felt refreshed by the unusual date, saying, "We've gotten to like going to these kinds of tranquil places."

The museum is scheduled to have a grand reopening in June 2022, with an expansion of the building and an increased number of artists and works.

COMICO ART MUSEUM YUFUIN

Enjoy a relaxing bath and a luxurious Japanese lunch at "Yufuin Sansuikan"

Among the many hot spring inns in the Yufuin area, Yufuin Sansuikan is a long-established inn that was founded in 1911. The hot spring, also known as the beauty bath, has used the same source for a long time and is known as a famous hot spring in the area.

The facility is a JAL Card affiliated store where you can earn double miles. This time, we will use the "Japanese meal plan" (ordering a Japanese meal of 3,300 yen or more including tax also includes bathing, reservations must be made three days in advance) which can be enjoyed as a day trip, to enjoy a drop-in bath and a luxurious lunch.

During drop-in bath times, "Yufu no Yu" on the first floor is for men. This is an open-air bath with a view of Mt. Yufu, a sauna, a cold bath, and a jet bath. The "Mori no Sauna" in particular is a luxurious facility where you can wash off your sweat while gazing at Mt. Yufu.

The women's bath is on the second floor, "Asagiri no Yu," and also offers a panoramic view of Yufuin and the Yufuin Basin from its open-air bath. In spring, the mountains are colored with the colors of cherry blossoms and other flowers, allowing you to enjoy the luxurious scenery that is unique to the hotel's location.

The inn is also proud of its cuisine. The creative kaiseki course is produced by Tadamichi Ota, a master of Japanese cuisine who is famous as an "awarded chef." "Let's splurge from lunch once in a while!" you can enjoy a gourmet lunch that incorporates the bounty of Oita.

The specialty "Unkai Nabe" uses cotton candy to represent a sea of clouds. The cotton candy dissolves smoothly in the hotpot soup, making it a visual treat, and dipping Bungo beef in the soup brings out the sweetness of the beef's rich fat, making it an exquisite dish.

The menu, which allows you to enjoy both the bounty of the sea and the land, and the hot springs, which will gently relax your body, will leave you completely satisfied, both in your stomach and in your soul.

In addition, the inn is also famous as the birthplace of Kyushu's first craft beer, "Yufuin Beer," which is brewed on-site. We recommend enjoying a beer made with Yufuin's famous water in the afternoon. Of course, you can pay with your JAL card.

Yufuin Sansuikan

The couple reminisced while walking around "Yunotsubo Kaido" and "Kinrin Lake"

One of the best things about hot spring towns is walking around the town. On the way to the famous Lake Kinrinko, there are many shops lined up, so you can enjoy sightseeing and eating your way through the town. One of the most popular walking streets is the bustling Yunotsubo Kaido.

Along the road, there are souvenir shops selling Oita specialties such as yuzu kosho, and restaurants where you can try local delicacies such as toriten. There are also stylish cafes, antique stores, and art museums, so you can enjoy a stroll date while looking at the view of Mt. Yufu.

Lake Kinrin was originally called "Takemoto no Ike" (Lake below the mountain) because it is located at the foot of Mt. Yufu. In 1884, Confucian scholar Mouri Kuso named it Lake Kinrin after seeing fish scales shining golden in the setting sun. It is said that this name has continued to this day.

The lake is about 400 meters in circumference, and a promenade is also provided. The water is very clear, and when there is no wind, the lake surface reflects the scenery like a mirror. There is a power spot called Tenso Shrine and a small pier in the surrounding area, so it is the perfect size for a short stroll.

As they enjoyed walking around the city, the conversation naturally turned to reminiscing. They laughed and said, "Come to think of it, we went there on our first date," and "But we were really late that time!" The two of them were remembering how they felt before they got married, and were happy to still be together and enjoy these funny stories.

Yunotsubo Highway

Lake Kinrin

A relaxing hot spring stay for couples at "Yufuin Tama no Yu," a representative hot spring in Yufuin

The inn to visit in Oita is "Yufuin Tama no Yu". It is one of the most famous inns in Yufuin, with a total of 12 detached buildings set in a vast grove of about 10,000 square meters. It started as a resort for a Zen temple in 1953, and is attractive not only for the quality of its spring water, but also for the scenery that changes with the seasons.

The cherry blossoms in spring are a must-see. The inn is known to have been loved by many writers, one of whom, Kobayashi Hideo, would enjoy the cherry blossoms almost every spring. There are also cherry trees on the premises that were planted by the third Sakuramori of Sano Toemon, a famous Kyoto gardener.

All rooms are equipped with a bathtub with natural hot spring water, ensuring a luxurious stay. You can enjoy a private bath without worrying about time or other guests.

In the evening, the couple went to Nichols Bar inside the hotel, where they toasted with champagne while gazing out at the grove of trees from a counter made from a single plank of ash.

"Come to think of it, we haven't had much time to spend alone together like this lately," he said, thinking back on their recent trip together. Because it was an unusual trip, they were able to talk about things they rarely get to talk about, and spent a more fulfilling time together than usual.

Enjoy a relaxing time with your partner while savoring the spring greenery including cherry blossoms and delicious food. As it is also a JAL Card affiliated store, you can earn double miles, which is a great deal. Make sure to take advantage of this when making payments.

Yufuin Tama no Yu

Buy souvenirs at "théomurata" and take home memories of your trip to Oita

I came to look for souvenirs from my trip to the chocolate brand and shop "théomurata" located in "Yufuin Fantasy Forest Artegio," a facility that collects art related to music. You can purchase a variety of sweets, including specialty chocolates and cheesecakes.

The motto of "théomurata" is that it is chocolate that only Japanese people can make. They have a lineup of sweets that are perfect as souvenirs from Yufuin, such as "Tea Leaf Chocolate" that uses Japanese tea leaves as is, and "Yuzu Truffle" that uses yuzu paste, a traditional method in Oita Prefecture since ancient times.

It's a fun time choosing souvenirs together, saying things like, "Would this make a good souvenir for that person?" or "Oh, let's keep this for ourselves!"

While the main focus is on chocolate, there is a wide variety of chocolates available. The colorful, intricately designed packages are also full of individuality, making them perfect gifts.

After purchasing souvenirs, you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea while gazing at the forest in the attached tea room "thé théo". You can also enjoy the books and art in the library and museum inside the building. Please spend your time immersed in the memories of your trip to Oita.

théomurata／thé théo

Purchase additional souvenirs for your flight on the return flight

After thoroughly enjoying their time in Oita, the two head off home. However, the flight back is still halfway through the journey. They bought souvenirs in Oita, but also bought souvenirs from their flight on the in-flight sales.

Not only is there a wide selection of products available for in-flight purchase, but there are also some items that can only be purchased here, such as JAL original products that are only available on board and products recommended by flight attendants. You're sure to find a souvenir that catches your eye.

The first thing they bought was the JAL limited edition "GHERARDINI Softy Tote Bag" (JAL Card price: 39,600 yen). It looks luxurious, but is light and soft, and has a flap closure, making it easy to use, making it perfect for walking around town when traveling. It's an item that will make you look forward to your next trip.

In addition, there is also "Authentic Sweet Potato Shochu "Tsurusora 50/50" (30% alcohol)" (JAL Card price: 2,700 yen). This is an authentic shochu developed by the JAL Group, made using sweet potatoes harvested at JAL Agriport's own farm. We bought it as an accompaniment for two alcohol lovers to enjoy an evening drink and reminisce about their trip to Oita.

If you pay with your JAL card, you can get a 10% discount on the retail price of products sold on board. In addition, as it is an authorized dealer, you can earn double miles. Enjoy a great mileage trip until the very end.

Domestic in-flight sales

Beautiful scenery that can only be seen in spring, a refreshing bath in a famous hot spring, an extraordinary experience in a place you've never been to before. Even if you're a close couple, if you take a leisurely trip together, you may discover new sides to each other that you didn't know before. These will surely become irreplaceable memories that will be etched in your hearts.

Especially if it's been a while since you've been here, you can use your JAL card to enjoy a luxurious trip with miles at a great price. And if you take advantage of the benefits that are only available with the JAL card, you can enjoy the next opportunity at a great price. The benefits of the JAL card are still available, so check out the information below that you can use after your trip.