Japan

Kyushu

Region

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, charms you with a captivating blend of seething volcanoes, healing hot springs, and a deeply rooted culture.

by Felix Gillen

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, charms you with a captivating blend of seething volcanoes, healing hot springs, and a deeply rooted culture. You'll find a landscape of dramatic natural beauty, from lush mountains to subtropical coasts, paired with excellent regional cuisine that pampers both palate and soul.

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, is characterized by its intense volcanic activity and the resulting hot springs. You'll discover a diverse landscape here, ranging from the active volcanoes of Aso-Kujū National Park in Kumamoto to the subtropical forests of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Yakushima. The region is famous for its numerous Onsen, including the renowned thermal baths of Beppu and Yufuin in Ōita Prefecture. In Nagasaki, you'll discover important historical sites that document Japan's early opening to the West and the events of World War II. The largest city, Fukuoka, offers a dynamic urban experience with a renowned culinary scene, especially its characteristic Yatai food stalls. For a comprehensive exploration of its diverse nature and culture, a visit in spring or autumn is recommended to enjoy the mild temperatures and smaller crowds.

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Nagasaki

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Yakushima

The round, mountainous island south of Kyūshū is covered in dense, moss-covered rainforest and has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 1993. Famous are the ancient Yakusugi cedars, the oldest of which are estimated to be several thousand years old.

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Beppu

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Fukuoka

Fukuoka, a vibrant port city on Kyushu, blends modern urbanity, rich history, and a relaxed atmosphere, distinguishing it from other Japanese metropolises.

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More places in Kyushu

Kagoshima

Kagoshima, located in southern Kyushu, is inextricably linked to the active volcano Sakurajima, which dominates Kinko Bay. Here, you'll experience a unique atmosphere, shaped by a mild, humid climate and the constant presence of volcanic activity. Visit **Sengan-en Garden**, a historic residence featuring traditional landscapes and direct volcano views. A short ferry ride takes you to Sakurajima itself, where you can experience its volcanic nature firsthand and enjoy local Ashi-yu foot baths. In the lively shopping district of Tenmonkan, you'll find numerous restaurants offering local specialties like Kurobuta (black pork) and Kibinago (small round herring). For panoramic views of the city and Sakurajima at sunset, **Shiroyama Park** is highly recommended. The months of April to May and October to November often offer ideal weather for explorations.

Kumamoto

Kumamoto in Kyushu blends rich history with modern dynamism. Its landmark is the imposing Kumamoto Castle, a significant cultural property whose reconstruction after the 2016 earthquake demonstrates resilience. The picturesque Suizenji Jojuen Garden invites you to relax amidst its miniature landscapes. In the lively shopping streets like Kamitori and Shimotori, you'll discover local life and specialties like Kumamoto Ramen. For an optimal experience, a visit in spring during cherry blossom season or in autumn is recommended.

Sights in Kyushu

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Park

Takachiho Canyon

The Gokase River has carved a gorge up to 100 meters deep through basalt columns in the mountains of northern Miyazaki Prefecture. The Manai Waterfall plunges over the cliff into the green water.A riverside path of about one kilometer runs along the gorge. At the bottom, you can rent a rowboat; in high season, boats are quickly fully booked. Takachiho is known as the setting for Japanese god myths and is about three bus hours from Kumamoto.

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Place of Worship

Dazaifu Tenman-gū

The shrine in Dazaifu, about 30 minutes by train from Fukuoka, is dedicated to the scholar Sugawara no Michizane, who is revered as the god of learning. Before exams, students from all over Japan come here.The grounds are home to around 6,000 plum trees that bloom in February. Along the approach road, shops sell Umegae-mochi, grilled rice cakes with bean paste filling. The Kyushu National Museum is located very close by.

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Place of Worship

Kirishima-Jingū

The shrine is located in a cedar forest at the foot of the Kirishima volcanic mountain range, about an hour's drive northeast of Kagoshima. It is dedicated to Ninigi no Mikoto, who, according to myth, descended from the heavens in this region.The red-lacquered halls from the early 18th century are richly carved and are heritage-listed. Numerous hot springs are found nearby, and hiking trails lead to the volcanic peaks of Kirishima National Park.

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Attraction

Aso Volcano and Kusasenri

Aso, in central Kyushu, about an hour east of Kumamoto, boasts one of the world's largest calderas. Within its confines lie villages, rice fields, and pastures. Kusasenri is a grassy plain at the foot of the central peaks, where horses graze and a shallow crater lake lies.The active Nakadake Crater is either accessible or closed depending on the gas concentration and volcanic alert level; check the current status before your visit. The visitor center in Kusasenri provides information on the region's volcanology.

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Eating & Drinking on Kyūshū

Hakata-Ramen

Fukuoka is home to Tonkotsu Ramen: thin, straight noodles in a milky-white broth made from long-cooked pork bones. It's also enjoyed at the city's Yatai, its mobile food stalls.

Champon and Castella

Nagasaki's cuisine shows early contact with China and Europe: Champon is a noodle soup with seafood and vegetables, Castella a Portuguese-style sponge cake.

Basashi

Raw horse meat, thinly sliced and served with ginger and soy sauce, is Kumamoto's most famous specialty.

Kurobuta and Shōchū

Kagoshima is known for the meat of its black pigs, served as Shabu-shabu or Tonkatsu. To accompany it, one drinks Shōchū, here mostly distilled from sweet potatoes.

Jigoku-mushi

In Beppu, vegetables, fish, and eggs are steamed in hot springs. In Kannawa, you can place ingredients into the steamers yourself.

Kyushu's Cultural Heritage and History

For centuries, Kyushu served as Japan's primary gateway to the world, playing a crucial role in early exchanges with China and Korea. This strategic location significantly shaped its history, from the spread of Buddhism to the introduction of Western technologies. During the period of national isolation (Sakoku), Nagasaki, in particular, functioned as the sole port for trade with the Netherlands and China, fostering a unique cultural blend.The region is rich in historical architecture, including the impressive Kumamoto Castle and numerous temples and shrines, such as the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which plays an important role in its scientific and cultural history. A distinctive cultural feature of Kyushu is its outstanding ceramic art, especially the internationally renowned Arita-yaki and Imari-yaki from Saga Prefecture, profoundly influencing Japanese craftsmanship.Even though the catastrophe of Nagasaki represents a profound turning point, Kyushu preserves a vibrant festival culture and deeply rooted traditions, ranging from ancient Onsen rituals to the dynamic processions of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa. This blend of global influences and deeply ingrained local customs makes Kyushu's cultural fabric particularly multifaceted and historically significant.

On the road in Kyūshū

Getting ThereShinkansen: The Sanyō Shinkansen terminates at Hakata, Fukuoka's main station. From Osaka, you'll be there in about two and a half hours.By Air: Fukuoka Airport is unusually central; the subway takes only a few minutes to Hakata. Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Ōita, and Miyazaki also have airports with domestic connections.TrainKyūshū Shinkansen: From Hakata, via Kumamoto, to Kagoshima-Chūō, the entire journey takes about an hour and a half.To Nagasaki: Take an express train to Takeo-Onsen, then continue on the Nishi-Kyūshū Shinkansen.East Coast: The Sonic express train connects Hakata with Beppu and Ōita.Bus, Car, and FerryThe long-distance bus network is extensive and often the most direct connection, for instance to Yufuin or across the island. For the Aso Caldera, Takachiho, and the Kirishima Mountains, a rental car is practical, as buses run infrequently there. You can reach Yakushima by speedboat or plane from Kagoshima.

Round trips through this region

Kyushu – Volcanoes, Hot Springs and Castles

The route begins in Fukuoka, continues to Beppu's east coast hot springs, through the Aso-Caldera to Kumamoto, and ends in Kagoshima opposite Sakurajima. From Fukuoka to Beppu, the Limited Express Sonic takes about two hours; from Beppu to Kumamoto, a long-distance bus via Aso takes a good four hours. The Kyushu-Shinkansen connects Kumamoto and Kagoshima in just under an hour.

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Kumamoto