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Kyushu
九州
The southern islands of Japan have a predominantly relaxed atmosphere and rural landscape. Resting in the waters of the Inland Sea, Shikoku is home to classic gardens, countless temples and farming villages. Cross to the island by train from Okayama 岡山, board a boat through the archipelago from Hiroshima 廣島 or take a bus across the world's longest suspension bridge, to discover remote farm houses, ancient pilgrimages and classical culture. Kyushu is the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, with a turbulent history matched by its seething volcanic terrain. During Japan's long years of self-imposed isolation, this island was the only place in which contact with the outside world was permitted. Kyushu is an ideal location for scenic hikes and for visiting hot spring resorts. The islands further south that make up the Okinawa archipelago form a huge arc stretching from southern Kyushu almost as far as Taiwan, offering white sand beaches and an island lifestyle. The climate here is sub-tropical, offering a perfect break from it all at the end of your mainland Japan adventures.
Yakushima Island 屋久島
The spectacular cedar trees and coastline of the UNESCO listed yakushima make for great hiking opportunities.
Iya Valley 祖谷
For adventurous types there is white-water rafting or vine bridge walks in the Iya Valley.
Kurokawa 黑川
Relax in the onsen waters of this charming town.
Matsuyama 松山
Stop at Matsuyama, home to one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts.
Nagasaki 長崎
Visit Nagasaki, with its World War II memorial and remnants of Dutch trading.
Mount Aso 阿蘇山
Drive to the expansive caldera of Mount Aso, near Kumamoto.
Northern Kyushu
Nagasaki 長崎is Kyushu's best-known city as the site of the second atomic bomb. The understated Peace Park and museum are a likely point of interest for every visitor, but Nagasaki's topography mercifully protected the city from being totally destroyed. The blend of western and Japanese architecture at the Glover Gardens and the foreign enclave of Dejima show what living conditions were like for those original Dutch residents, and the story of Nagasaki's secret Christians displays a darker side of Japan. Travelling across Ariake Bay to Kumamoto brings you to one of the country's finest castles, with its excellent musuem and panoramic views. A short drive from here into Kyushu's wild interior is the vast and stunning spread of the world's largest caldera, with volcanic Mount Aso smouldering in the centre. To the north-east of the Aso-Kuju National Park, the hot spring resorts of Kurokawa and Yufuin 湯布院 offer a tranquil and relaxing break from sightseeing.
5 Things to do in Northern Kyushu
Blessed with abundant natural beauty and numerous hot springs, the nortern part of Kyushu offers plenty of attractions. The Fukuoka, Oita, Saga and Nagasaki prefectures are also where industries like coal mining, shipbuilding and ironworks used to blossom, and plenty of historical structures remain from this period. Tour them all while enjoying the area's highly rated culinary culture.
- Oita 大分: Soak in a hot spring in Oita, the "onsen prefecture" With a whopping 4,538 hot springs, Oita is Japan's top onsen prefecture. Alos used for farming and electricity generation, the underground heat is a source of pride for local residents. If you're only visiting one spot, make sure to try Beppu 別府: this city boasts 10 of the 11 known varities of hot springs in the world, including unique option like sand and mud baths. From public bat facilities with entrance fees as low as Y100 to endlessly spacious "infinity baths" and historical hot spring inns (ryokan) with outdoor baths, you'll always be spoiled for choice here.
- Saga: Visit an Arita-yaki workshop and try your hand at pottery
Building on more than 500 years of tradition, the town of Arita remains a centre for crafts and is full of workshops that turn out artistic Arita-yaki porcelain, one of the best-known traditional handicraft in Japan. Just touring the many shops makes for a nice outing, but for the full experience, we recommend trying your hand at actual pottery - many of the workshops are happy to welcome visitors.
- Fukuoka 福岡 : Stroll through 120 years of history in Mojiko
Opened for commerce in the early Meiji era. Moji Port (Mojiko) is home to a number of historical buildings from both the Meiji and Taisho periods. Stroll past the area's landmarks, including the wooden Moijko Station building and the Old Customs brick building, which tell tales of the area's glorious industrial past, before ducking into one of the stylish cafes. Later on, make sure to try supremely fresh seafood from the Shimonoseki Straits, including fugu (pufferfish), octopus and squid.
- Nagasaki 長崎 : Get lost in a kingdom of light at Huis Ten Boasch
A huge theme park modelled on a medieval Dutch town, Huis Ten Bosch is particularly well known for its magnificent winter illuminations. 3D displays are projection - mapped onto the buildings, the colorfully lit canals can be seen from the deck of a cruise boat, and you can even try bungee jumping into a sea of light.
- Fukuoka 福岡市: Sip sake at Hakata's street stalls
An oasis for local office workers, the many food and drink stalls found in central Hakata 博多 are great for getting to know the locals, all while sipping a beer and munching on some tempura or gyoza dumplings. When you're done stall-hopping, end the night with a hot bowl of Hakata ramen, the area's famed gourmet speciality. The lightly coloured, port-based soup is rich and goes down effortlessly even after a long evening of snacking.
Southern Kyushu
The warm and friendly city of Kagoshima 鹿兒島is a good place to visit. It boasts many historical sites and one of the best gardens in Kyushu at Suizenji 水前寺. In the middle of the bay, Sakurajima, one of the world's most active volcanoes, spews out smoke and ash with ominous frequency. Just an hour's drive from the city brings you to the heart of Kirishima National Park 霧島國家公園, where you can hike through the inspiring scenery before relaxing in one of the many onsen that dot the area.
Okinawa 沖繩島
Naha and the southern end of Okinawa Honto (the main island) make a good base from which to start your time in the Okinawan island chain. The area direclty surrounding Naha has some good nightlife, as well as Shunjo Castle, attractive gardens and plenty to keep children occupied. Many of the resort hotels have excellent beaches with extensive facilities, and to the north of the island you'll find more rugged scenery and a first-class aquarium. A short journey from Naha are the semi-tropical islands of Ishigaki, Miyako and Kurume, offering white sand beaches, diving and snorkelling, coral reefs, jungle walks and various other resort activities. Overseas visitors to these islands are still few and far between, making travel here a little more challenging for non-Japanese speakerss. It allows you to experience true Japanese style relaxation.
Getting Around
Kyushu is accessed from Honshu by air or rail. Flights operate from Tokyo or Osaka and other regional airports to several destinations on the island, and are about an hour's duration. The bullet train runs as far south as Kagoshima, so it makes sense to pick up a hire car here to explore the national parks and hot springs.
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