Kyushu 2023 - Yufuin Breakfast, Checking Out to Yufuin Station Library

 

Next morning, I woke up early to enjoy a nice hot green tea while catching the sunrise.

My breakfast: Onigiri rice ball which we got from the nearby Aeon MaxValue supermarket, as well as some Japanese strawberries. Super value for money breakfast. I like eating like this when I'm travelling. I like eating the local food that doesn't cost a bomb, instead of dining at some fancy breakfast cafe or fast food joint. Having my first meal like this allows me to relax in the room first thing in the morning, instead of searching for a place and queuing for food outside. Plus, I can eat in my sleeping clothes!

We were checking out, and it seems a lot of people were also checking out early in order to make use of the free transport to the train station that the ryokan provided. (hmmm, maybe they provide this service to encourage guest to leave early so that they can clean the room!). Since we have to wait our turn, we hung around the lobby and found some interesting reading materials about the places around here. Unfortunately they are all in Japanese! I had wanted to go to the nearby lake in the morning, but my husband was having none of those 20mins plus 20mins walk before checkout time :P

A local map of the area we were staying at. Perhaps I could have stayed an extra night to enjoy the nature around the place, instead of wasting half a day visiting the Floral Village....

View of the train station where we were dropped off. Looked kinda like a modern cowboy town!

They even have horse carriage ride you could take around the town. 

Left side, the train station, and right side is where all the tourist shops start. It was a rather quiet town, so not much cars on the road. I would say more people than cars on the road.

But on my list of things to do, was actually to visit the free library right next to the train station. Above is the view of the 2nd floor of the library. Isn't it a nice place to sit and wait for your train? We were there rather early, so we sat here until it was time to head down to the station. There are books to read in the library, as well as free wifi! There is also a luggage storage counter at the ground floor. It was almost a pity there were no cafe here. 

This photo was taken inside the library, from the 2nd floor looking towards the train track. So you could actually see when your train pulls into the library! I thought the yellow train there was rather nice looking and provided contrast to this photo. It was actually our train out of Yufuin!

Sitting area inside the library 2nd floor looking towards the town side.

The library with books, everything wooden, and lovely ceiling design. Actually, the whole library was beautifully designed! Highly recommended that you stop by if you have time to spare while waiting for your train.