Spotlight on The Best Things to do in Kyushu Japan
Kyushu Prefectures
Unforgettable for all the right reasons, we’re shining a spotlight on the best things to do in Kyushu and the Kyushu prefectures. Sitting at the southernmost end of Japan’s four main islands, it’s home to seven of Japan’s 47 amazing prefectures. (Prefectures are similar to administrative areas or regions.)
Discover wild beauty in active volcanoes, hot springs, and relaxing beaches. Furthermore, experience fertile land and warm smiles from its dynamic people, who live in harmony with the power of nature.
The seven main Kyushu Prefectures (or Kyushu destinations) include Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Saga and Fukuoka. Saying the word ”Fukuoka” over and over again may become one of your kid’s favourite things to do in Kyushu so they will be disappointed to find that it’s actually pronounced with a “foo” sound at the beginning. As a result, it’s not like the swear word at all!
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Oita
The Best Things to do in Kyushu – Prefecture of Oita
One of the best things to do in the Kyushu prefecture of Oita is to experience the natural power of hot springs. Families will want to relax in these hot springs after a perfect day of outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling the trails within the mountainous island regions.
Top Five in Oita
- Located at the foot of Mt. Yufu, Yufuin Onsen is a walkable resort town with a wide choice of hot springs and hotels. Don’t miss a stroll around the mist-covered Lake Kinrin. You will find it at the end of the main street around 1.5km from the train station.
- One of the most famous hot spring towns in Japan, Beppu Onsen on Oita’s east coast is home to the “Hells of Beppu” hot springs. These springs reach temperatures of over 100 degrees but don’t worry, there are other lower temperature options for soaking in. Don’t miss lunch at Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell), where you can cook a basket of eggs and vegetables in the hot spring’s steam.
- Who doesn’t love flowers? Featuring over 500 different varieties of flowers and plants in a colourful carpet across the hills at the base of the Kuju Mountains, Kuju Flower Park is beautiful. In other words, it’s 100% Insta-worthy!
- Running through the centre of the popular hot spring town of Yufuin, Yunotsubo Kaido Street is consequently chock full of fascinating shops, cafes and galleries. Mt. Yufu rises above the street, which features low-rise, traditional style buildings that certainly add to the picturesque scene.
- Although much smaller, Harajiri Falls has the nickname of the ‘’Niagara Falls of Japan’’ due to its horseshoe shape. Formed by the great eruption of Mt. Aso around 90,000 years ago, the falls are around 20 metres high. Make sure to walk the suspension bridge which offers a great vantage point over the whole area.
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Miyazaki
The Best Things to do in Kyushu – Prefecture of Miyazaki
One of the best things you could do in the Kyushu prefecture of Miyazaki is to experience its lush forests and golden beach. Considered a home of the gods, Miyazaki features long stretches of coast, temperate weather, great surfing, dense forests, dramatic gorges and hidden mountain villages.
Top Five in Miyazaki
- Takachiho Gorge’s 80 – 100 metre-high basalt walls line a chasm just 3 metres wide at its narrowest point. Families can experience the gorge from both above and below via paths and bridges that span the river. Rent a boat in the south end for a leisurely row along the Gokase River through the ancient rock columns.
- With the appearance of an old-fashioned washboard, the Devil’s Washboard is a jagged bed of rock stretching eight kilometres along the coast of Aoshima Island, which is connected to the mainland by a pedestrian bridge. Low tide brings a treasure of small sea creatures trapped within the rock pools.
- Find the Aoshima Shrine hidden from view of the mainland among palms and tropical greenery on Aoshima Island. Said to be lucky for marriage, this shrine is a popular location for Shinto wedding ceremonies.
- Families visit Cape Toi to watch its wild horses, known as Misak-uma. These horses are said to be descendants of the horses bred for samurai from 1697. Don’t miss the nearby Toi-Misaki lighthouse with its expansive views or the forest of native cycad plants.
- Hike the picturesque hiking trails within Kirishima Yaku National Park. Ebino Plateau is a top spot, surrounded by the Kirishima Mountains.
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Kagoshima
The Best Things to do in Kyushu – Prefecture of Kagoshima
One of the best things to do in the Kyushu prefecture of Kagoshima is to experience the contrasts of the land itself, from the ancient forests of Yakushima through to the tropical islands around Amani Oshima. Shaped by the power of nature and its fascinating people, including Saigo Takamori, one of Japan’s most famous samurai, don’t miss the Kagoshima prefecture of Kyushu.
Top Five in Kagoshima
- Ibusuki Onsen is famous for its sand bathing, or sunamushi. The volcanic hot springs that line the coast warm the sands to a toasty 50 – 55 degrees. As a result, there are several resorts in which families can experience both sand bathing followed by a regular soak in a hot spring afterwards.
- Yurigahama Beach appears only between spring and autumn and only for a few hours at a time according to tides. Featuring white sand made from tiny coral pieces, it’s surrounded by clear emerald water. Apparantly, each time it appears, it has a different shape and location. As a result, families wishing to visit this unique beach will need to book a boat tour from Okaneku Beach.
- Just four kilometres from the city, Sakurajima is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. All ages come here to see the smoke billow dramatically from the crater. Families wishing to get as close as possible should visit Yunohira Observatory near the north peak.
- The colourful, carved exterior of Kirishima Jingu Shrine contrasts beautifully with the surrounding cedar forest. So it’s no surprise that this shrine is steeped in mythology! The original shrine was damaged by volcanic eruptions so it was rebuilt at the current site in 1715. It is said that Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, first descended from Heaven to rule the Earth at the site of the original shrine. He was said to have married a local princess and produced the lineage that would become the Japanese imperial family.
- Natural World Heritage Yakushima National Park is an island located off the southern coast of Kagoshima. Families can enjoy nature at its best with primeval cedar forests, quiet beaches, the moss-covered forests of the Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine, snorkelling and Nagata Inakahama Beach.
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Kumamoto
The Best Things to do in Kyushu – Prefecture of Kumamoto
Two of the best things to do in the Kyushu prefectures of Kumamoto is to experience its most powerful landmarks, Mt. Aso (Japan’s largest volcano) and Kumamoto Castle. Also, don’t miss the idyllic islands of Amakusa, which have a fascinating history of Christianity to explore.
Top Five in Kumamoto
- Tucked away in the misty Kuju mountains, Kurokawa Onsen has been a popular hot spring resort for over three centuries. Families can hike to the Hirano Dai Plateau Viewing Point to watch the sunset over Mt Aso and experience a traditional multi-course dinner and breakfast when staying the night at a traditional inn.
- Find Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine hidden among the cypress forests around Takamori at the foot of Mt. Aso. The shrine features around 100 moss-covered stone lanterns that line the steps leading up to this atmospheric shrine.
- Mt Aso is Japan’s most active volcano and Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater stretches 24km, surrounded by five peaks known collectively as Aso Gogaku. Mt. Naka is the most active peak of the five and is a rare opportunity for families to see an active volcano up close.
- Located right next to Kumamoto Castle, Sakura no Baba Josaien is a complex of shops, restaurants and a museum that highlight the history of Kumamoto. Families can enjoy free cultural shows and a band of roving ‘’samurai’’ who are happy to pose for photos.
- Daikanbo Peak offers families panoramic views of the five central peaks of not only Mt. Aso, but also Oita’s Kuju Mountain Range. Visit this peak in November to witness a sea of clouds that complete the scene to perfection.
Credit – KTPO
Nagasaki
The Best Things to do in Kyushu – Prefecture of Nagasaki
Nagasaki has a turbulent past from Christian martyrs to the atomic bomb, creating a remarkable culture of peace and tolerance with a few hot springs to round out the experience.
Top Five in Nagasaki
- Unzen Hells is home to 30 or so pools of bubbling, sulfuric water and mud that were once the grim setting for the deaths of Christian martyrs between 1603 – 1867. Families can walk the winding path through the pools among the steaming fields of white clay.
- Close by to Unzen Hells, Unzen Onsen is a hot spring resort town featuring outdoor hot springs with views of Mt. Unzen.
- Families can visit the observatory on Mt. Inasa for panoramic night views of the twinkling lights of Nagasaki city centre. The glass-enclosed observatory is accessible by ropeway from Fuchi Shrine.
- Shimabara Castle Town is an intriguing castle surrounded by houses that were once home to lower-ranking samurai. Families can visit three restored samurai houses in Teppo-machi for a glimpse into the past. However, if you only have time for one, visit Shimeiso House, as it’s the most beautiful.
- Gunkanjima (or Hashima) means ‘’Battleship Island’’, and was name for its silhouette of a deserted building which looks like a battleship. Abandoned when the coal reserves ran out in 1974, it was once a thriving mining town. These days it’s a World Heritage Site that families can visit via daily ferry tours from Nagasaki Port.
Credit – KTPO
Saga
The Best Things to do in Kyushu – Prefecture of Saga
One of the best things about the Kyushu prefectures of Saga is that it’s a small region with a huge cultural impact, rich in history, craft and food. Families will experience pink sunsets over terraced rice fields, colourful hot air balloons in the dawn sky, the blue and white of the region’s pottery and the greens of the tea fields.
Top Five in Saga
- Yotuku Inari Shrine is one of three major shrines dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and successful business. Families can enjoy the picturesque vermillion buildings set against the greenery. Spring is a great time to visit when the azalea shrubs and wisteria trees are in colour.
- Okawachiyama Village was once known as the ‘’Village of the Secret Kilns”. Many of the potters here were Korean, which brought a different style of pottery from the surrounding areas. To preserve this style known as Nabeshima ware, the village was kept isolated from outsiders. Families can see the porcelain details in the walls as they walk the quiet cobblestone streets.
- At Arita Porcelain Park, the museum and park highlights the town’s famous porcelain productse, featuring a full-size reconstruction of Germany’s Zwinger Palace. Families can visit the studio and try their hand at making porcelain.
- This hot spring resort town of Takeo Onsen dates back over 1,300 years and features a distinctive red and white, two-story Romon Tower Gate which was completed in 1915. The water here is alkaline and as a result, is supposed to be good for your skin.
- Created in 1845 as a living work of art for the ruler of the Takeo region’s holiday villa, find the beautiful Minefuneyama Rakuen Gardens at the foot of Mt. Mifune. Families visiting in spring will experience thousands of pink blossoms created by the cherry trees and azaleas. There is a tea house here open to visitors.
Credit – KTPO
Fukuoka
The Best Things to do in Kyushu – Prefecture of Fukuoka
Open to new cultures and ideas with a young, diverse community from around the world, Fukuoka is also steeped in history. For this reason, families will enjoy modern shopping districts that co-exist a short distance away from ancient shrines, temples and castle towns.
Top Five in Fukuoka
- Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu, a large Shinto shrine set in beautiful grounds in the historic town of Dazaifu. Families can enjoy the thriving contemporary art program and the gardens, which are beautiful in all seasons.
- Ainoshima Island is small and home to only around 500 people. However, it’s also home to hundreds of stray cats! They while away the day posing for photographs, seeking out fishy treats and relaxing in the sun. Families will have no problems finding the cats near the main ferry port and the Ainoshima Fisheries Association.
- Originally part of the moat for Fukuoka Castle, Ohori Park features a classical Japanese Garden and a traditional teahouse.
- The Kyushu National Museum is a standout glass structure with exhibitions on Kyushu’s history as the gateway for trade to Japan. Visit the free Ajippa Gallery on the first floor as it’s designed for children to enjoy.
- Seek out Sakurai Futamigaura, a beach in the small seaside town of Itoshima. The beach has an unusual feature of two rocky outcrops just offshore that are joined by a sacred rope to symbolise a happy marriage. Each May, a ceremony is held to replace the 30 metre rope which binds the rocks together.
Credit – KTPO
Getting to Kyushu in Japan and Getting Around
How to get to Kyushu
Getting to the prefectures of Kyushu is easy! Each one has its own airport with direct flights from major cities in Japan such as Tokyo and Osaka. Fukuoka is the busiest airport in Kyushu and also receives flights from other Asian cities including Singapore, Shanghai and Seoul.
Kyushu is well connected to other cities in Japan by train. Although the travel times are longer, Japan’s trains have a fantastic reputation. Families on a budget may like to consider an overnight sleeper train thus avoiding a hotel room for the night.
Getting around Kyushu’s prefectures
Kyushu has an extensive network of trains, buses and ferries both within the major cities and connecting each prefecture. You can also fly to many of Kyushu’s scenic islands, such as Yakushima. Active families may like to cycle around Kyushu as there are routes to suit all levels.
More information on Kyushu
Find more information on things to do in Kyushu on the official Visit Kyushu website.
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Pssst – If your looking for more Japan inspiration, check out our post on a snow vs tropical island holiday in Japan.
