Double Star 4047: A Slow Journey to West Kyushu Connecting Memories and Scenery

        The trip to West Kyushu at the end of November actually started with a simple idea - to take the sightseeing train "Double Star 4047". It travels between Takeo and Nagasaki, and Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture happens to have the Hausdenburg that left deep memories for me when I was young. So, the twin stars 4047, Takeo, Nagasaki, and Sasebo were strung together into a nine day and eight night journey.

                The "Double Star 4047" is the third special train I took in Kyushu, with the first two being "Yufuin no Mori" and "Take the A train". The ticket grabbing process this time was full of twists and turns. The two of them were flustered in front of the screen, thinking several times that they were about to pass by the train. Fortunately, with the help of a small hero behind the scenes, they finally managed to grab the last 7 tickets, allowing this journey to take place.

        The first stop of the journey is Takeo City, Saga Prefecture. There are fewer tourists in the city than expected, and we are greeted by fresh air and spacious streets. For the first time, using bicycles as the main mode of transportation, shuttling between various attractions in the city was surprisingly easy and convenient. We stayed for a day and although we arranged 2-3 attractions, we still felt that time was not enough. Next time, we must stay a few more days and slowly eat a pot of tofu from Sakya Hirakawa House, have a cup of afternoon tea at the most beautiful library, and make up for the missed public bath.

        What impressed me the most about Wu Xiong was the well-known library. Even though I had seen countless photos online beforehand, I was still deeply shocked. The warm atmosphere interwoven with the fragrance of books and coffee is a feeling that photos cannot present. Only by personally visiting the scene can one truly experience that tranquility and comfort. Especially after the lights are turned on at night, the library adds a touch of tenderness, making people linger and forget to leave.

        The second stop is Nagasaki, the endpoint of "Double Star 4047". Considering that many attractions in the city are related to the history of the atomic bomb and have a heavy atmosphere, only the "Goraba Garden" will be arranged as the main visiting location this time. I didn't expect to receive unanimous praise from the members. Not only did I have a panoramic view of Nagasaki Port, but I was also fortunate enough to encounter the maple red season. Everyone took a walk and picked up maple leaves, leaving behind relaxed and happy memories.

        The last stop of my journey to West Kyushu is Sasebo, which is also my favorite city on this trip. There are no crowded crowds here, the pace is slow and comfortable, and the prices of accommodation and dining are much more affordable than in popular cities. The Sasebo Port behind the station is perfect for walking and taking photos. Such a quiet and leisurely atmosphere is exactly the way I aspire to travel.

        Hausdenburg, which is about a 20 minute drive from Sasebo, is our most emotional stop. After a 25 year hiatus, more than half of the original team returned to the park. The children of that time have grown up and now have the next generation around them; The adults of the past have also quietly changed over time, but time seems to have left little trace in the park. In contrast, it has made people realize that what truly needs to be carefully maintained may be themselves.

        This journey to West Kyushu is not just about boarding a sightseeing train, but more like a slow journey that re connects memories, scenery, and current emotions. Perhaps it is precisely because these cities are not so popular that people can calm down and appreciate the true beauty of travel.

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