Overview of Kyushu
The gateway to Japan and Asia, Kyushu is a haven for hot springs, great food and dynamic nature.
Located on the southwest end of the Japanese archipelago, Kyushu consists of the mainland and a chain of small, sub-tropical islands. It is made up of seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki and Kagoshima.
Blessed with rich nature resources and a warm climate, Kyushu is Japan's third largest island. Gigantic caldera volcanoes line up one after another, and appropriately Kyushu is called "Land of Fire." As well as its many onsen, Kyushu has characteristic coastlines and various isolated islands.
Kyushu boasts an abundance of fresh food, with characteristic local dishes rooted in each area unique and wide-ranging. Kyushu is a relatively inexpensive place and that contributes to its attractiveness among tourists. The Kyushu Shinkansen line allows one to travel around Kyushu very conveniently.
Introduction video of Kyushu
Kyushu is surrounded by the beautiful sea and it is a place blessed with rich nature.
In the center there is the majestic "Kyushu Sanchi" mountainous area. The core "Mt. Aso" has the world's largest caldera and is also famous as a geopark.
There are also attractions such as "Takachihokyo Gorges," where cliffs reaching as high as 80 to 100 meters continue for 7 km, and the "Harajiri Falls," known as "Oriental Niagara."
On "Yakushima," a remote island floating in the sea to the south, you can see "Yakusugi," a tree which is over 1,000 years old.
Mount Aso / Yakushima
Takachiho Gorge
There are many unique onsen spots throughout Kyushu.
We've highlighted some of them including Beppu Onsen yielding the highest number of springs and water amount in the country as well as Ibusuki Onsen's sand bath, etc!
Kurokawa Onsen
Ibusuki Onsen's sand bath
The Wagyu beef of Saga, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki are famous brands. On the other hand, great cheap food, like Hakata ramen, for common people is also abundant.
Also, a lot of delicious liquor is brewed in Kyushu, which is blessed with beautiful spring water. Especially in the northern part of Kyushu, many breweries make nihonshu (sake) as well as wine and beer. And of course the representative liquor of Kyushu, "Shochu!" Please visit Kyushu and find shochu that can only be enjoyed in Kyushu.
Food stalls and Hakata ramen
Saga beef
In Kyushu, for over 1000 years, there has been an open culture of active exchange with other countries since long ago. Nagasaki was also a contact point for exchanges with foreign countries during the period of isolation.
There are many sightseeing spots related to the history of Japan such as "Kirishima Jingu Shrine" which is deeply involved in the founding myth, and the famous castle "Kumamoto Castle". When you go there, you will feel the flow of history that continues to the present age.
Kumamoto Castle
Due to the damage of the Kumamoto earthquake, restoration work is currently in progress. Construction of the castle pavilion will be completed in 2019.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine / Nagasaki lantern festival
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