SINGAPORE, Feb 16 ― Horse meat is a delicacy in some parts of the world and one of the best places to have this dish is Kyushu, the southernmost island of Japan. Here, horses farmed by locals range freely over the lush fields on the slopes of Mount Aso — even though the area has been closed to visitors since an earthquake struck last April.

Horse meat, anyone?

The region is known for producing premium horse meat known as basashi. Any method usually used to prepare beef is used to prepare basashi as well.

But epicures and adventurers should not miss basashi sashimi. Thin slivers of raw horse meat are available at different grades of marbling. The fattier they are, the more tender the texture. The meat is surprisingly sweet and will leave you craving more.Can’t stomach the idea of eating horse meat? Try the beef instead. Thinly sliced beef is placed on a pan that resembles a shovel head and grilled over a fire.

An outdoor onsen in Kurokawa Onsen, a small resort town dotted with ryokans. ― Picture by Maureen Yeo/TODAY

If that works up an appetite for more horse-friendly activities, email Guti at yuji-zenno.11-10-2013@docomo.ne.jp. This charming and helpful guide can take riders of any level on a lovely journey.

We were beginners but felt secure when he taught us how to ride when the horse is at a trot, a canter, and going up and down steep slopes. Guti’s wife works at an excellent beef restaurant, and he will be more than happy to recommend it to you.

Soak it up

The hot springs of Kurokawa Onsen are another attraction. This small resort town is dotted with ryokans that provide guests with comfortable yukata (light cotton robes) and geta (sandals) that can be worn while strolling about town.

You can acquire a pass from the information centre that lets you visit more than 20 different ryokan onsens. You’ll be given a list of the different features of each onsen: Indoor or outdoor, mixed genders or single gender, depth of the water, sulphur content — even what ailments are best tackled by each bath.

Tip: Soak till all your muscles are relaxed, then get out and splash yourself with ice-cold water, before getting back in the onsen. Repeat till dizzy. It makes you feel alive!

There is also the option of trying an indoor onsen. ― TODAY pic

Shop till you drop

For more urbane pursuits, go shopping in Fukuoka. The large department stores like Daimaru and Takashimaya are always a treat, particularly the basement floors with their massive selections of fresh produce and immaculately packaged sweets and snacks that are ideal for omiyage (gifts).

A great retail stop is Tenjin Loft, where all sorts of nifty Japanese designs have been collected on seven storeys under one roof. The basement is entirely devoted to bicycle parts and paraphernalia. Tenjin Loft products represent the best in Japanese practicality and aesthetics. You’ll find lots of useful items for the home and unique presents for loved ones. ― TODAY

An unusual way of cooking beef is to place the meat on a pan that resembles a shovel head and grill it over a fire. ― Picture by Maureen Yeo/TODAY