An Expert Guide to Kyūshū

Vibrant and volcanic, coastal and cultural; the southern paradise of Kyūshū  

“A land of fire and water, Kyūshū is filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. While cities like Nagasaki and Fukuoka, natural wonders such as the volcanic Mount Aso, and subtropical islands like Okinawa, might take the headlines, visitors willing to explore less-travelled pathways will find much waiting for them just under the surface of this sun-kissed, southerly region. From cascading waterfalls to clifftop shrines, sacred mountains to ancient forests, bubbling hot springs to relaxing sand baths, underrated coastal cities to hidden beach idylls, there is more to Kyūshū than meets the eye. Together, all of this makes the region an especially rewarding travel experience and a very special place to stay.”

Overview

The most southern of Japan’s four main islands, Kyūshū’s proximity to the Asian mainland has made it a gateway for international travellers for centuries; creating a vibrant melting point of multi-cultural influences for modern-day visitors to discover. With all of its prefectures facing the sea, Kyūshū benefits from stunning coastlines and a subtropical climate the further you journey south. It is a region rich in culture and history with a satisfying balance of cosmopolitan port cities and idyllic, laid-back beach resorts to discover, as well as charming villages, organic farms, and untouched wilderness. Less frequented by tourists and ideal for off-the-beaten-path adventures and outdoor activities, Kyūshū has its own distinct character and personality that helps it stand apart for those looking for something a little different. And when it comes to planning the perfect stay in Japan, who doesn’t want a unique and extra special experience? A region that feels authentic and real? Let’s explore the less-travelled roads of Kyūshū together…

Prefectures

Ready to explore Kyūshū? There are eight distinct prefectures, which make up the region. Here is a short description of what each has to offer:

1. Fukuoka

Located on the northern point of Kyūshū, this prefecture is often described as a gateway to the region. It’s also home to the port city of Fukuoka, the largest city in the region, situated on Hakata Bay, and a vibrant, bustling place to stay.  

2. Saga

Famous for its ceramics and feudal history, this lesser-visited coastal prefecture faces the Korean peninsula and its attractions include natural wonders such as sea caves and ancient forests. 

3. Nagasaki

Historically famous for its international trade with the West, this prefecture in the northwestern part of the region is home to the city of Nagasaki, and consists of almost 600 different islands, including Tsushima, which has enjoyed some recent fame in the video game, Ghosts of Tsushima. Another of the prefecture’s islands features the grave of Willam Adams, the sailor whose arrival in Japan inspired the Emmy award-winning series, Shogun.

4. Kumamoto

On the west coast, Kumamoto prefecture is home to Mount Aso, hot spring resorts, and historical landmarks such as Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Jojuen gardens, and Hosokawa Mansion. 

5. Oita

Unspoiled and lesser-visited, Oita’s forests and highlands are filled with places to explore. The prefecture’s most famous attraction is arguably the onsen towns of Beppu and Yufuin. The former being home to multiple onsen as well as the famous ‘Seven Hells of Beppu’ - bubbling, volcanic hot springs, thermal pools, and geysers.

6. Miyazaki

From cascading waterfalls to some of Japan’s best beaches and watersports, Miyazaki is steeped in ancient myth and history, with stunning coastal views, and mountainous hikes. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven.   

7. Kagoshima

Ancient forests, wilderness, sand baths, and volcanoes await in Kagoshima on the southern tip of Kyūshū. Referred to as the ‘Naples of the East’ thanks to its pleasant seaside climate, Kagoshima includes the island group that stretches between Japan and Taiwan.

8. Okinawa

A subtropical island chain off the southern coast of Kyūshū, Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost destination. White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, diving spots, watersports, sealife, and more await in these beautiful islands.

Places to Stay

With a wide range of hotels, traditional ryokan inns, onsen towns, coastal resorts, and more to choose from, you’ll have a lot of options to consider on our Hotels page when searching for the home away from home that’s right for you. As a region, Kyūshū is filled with interesting places to stay, from bustling, modern, coastal cities to rustic and traditional villages at the foothills of towering mountains, hot springs, and green valleys.

• Fukuoka

By the northern shores of Kyūshū, the city of Fukuoka is equal parts ancient and modern. A terrific mix of cultural and futuristic sights helps make Fukuoka one of the best cities to stay in Japan. From ancient temples to contemporary culture, excitement to relaxation, Fukuoka has you covered. Highlights include Fukuoka Castle grounds within the scenic Maizuru Park, Tōchō-ji Temple; an ancient Shingon temple dating back to 806AD, and Momochi Seaside Park, with its man-made beach, panoramic views courtesy of Fukuoka Tower and plenty of shops and restaurants.

• Kagoshima

A vibrant, friendly city, with a spectacular backdrop in the form of the volcanic Sakurajima, Kagoshima is a great example of a lesser known Japanese city with a huge amount to offer. Whether you want the thrill of hiking up a volcano or the gentle tranquillity of gardens and parks, Kagoshima has a little bit of everything. Look out for Sakurajima itself, an active volcano overlooking Kagoshima Bay, Sengan-en Gardens, which date back to the city’s feudal days under the lords of the Shimazu Clan, and Shiroyama Park and Observatory on the slopes of Mount Shiroyama. Also look out for Reimeikan Museum, which sits within the ruins of Kagoshima Castle, Terukuni Shrine and its white torii gate, and Kagoshima City Aquarium. Kagoshima is also the gateway to Yakushima Island off the southern coast of, which we’ll talk about in more detail in our off-the-beaten path recommendations further below.

• Nagasaki

While the city’s name may be associated with the tragic bombing at the end of the Second World War, the beautiful port city of Nagasaki has a rich history, a unique identity, and a bright future that makes it a wonderful place to stay. For centuries, Nagasaki welcomed international visitors and overseas communities as one of Japan’s busiest and most vibrant ports, even when the rest of the country was closed off to foreigners. This rich international history, with Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese, Russian and American influences, remains a key aspect of Nagasaki’s unique, multicultural identity today and one of the reasons why it’s so popular with overseas visitors and travellers and so different from other Japanese cities. In the early 20th Century, Nagasaki’s port location saw it become a key naval base for Japan, which eventually led to it being targeted by the US military on that fateful day in 1945. Since then, Nagasaki has rebuilt and recovered. Today, it remains a uniquely international city and surprisingly different to other urban centres in Japan – instead of subways, it has San Francisco style electric trams, the city’s architecture bears more European influences, and the cuisine is just as diverse and multicultural. Nagasaki is picturesque and attractive, with tall hills and a long, narrow harbour, and has retained the welcoming atmosphere and international flavour that made it such a popular and important destination for overseas visitors for hundreds of years.

• Kumamoto

Set in a dramatic landscape, this quiet, hidden gem of a city on the coast, is a lovely place to stay for those looking to see a different side of Japan. The most famous landmark in the city is Kumamoto Castle, which dates back to the 1600s and is considered one of Japan’s most impressive castles. Other highlights include Suizenji-jojuen gardens, Hanaokayama viewing point, hiking up nearby Mount Kinbō, and visiting the beautiful Honmyo-ji temple. The latter, a historic Buddhist temple completed in 1614,  features a picturesque staircase of 176 steps lined with lanterns.

• Beppu

A famed destination for rest and relaxation, the city of Beppu is best known as a spa resort destination. Located on the shores of Beppu Bay, the city is home to over 2,000 hot spring spas, known in Japan as onsen, and is an ideal place to stay in a traditional ryokan. You can find a large selection to choose from on our Hotels page. As a further local tip, try visiting one of the area’s onsen-food restaurants for a unique, one-of-a-kind dining experience. Jigoku-mushi, or ‘hell steaming’, involves using the region’s abundant volcanic waters to steam food, from boiled eggs to puddings and buns.  

• Ibusuki

Ideal for beach lovers, the dark sands of Ibusuki can be enjoyed as a daytrip from Kagoshima or as a place to stay in their own right. As well as being a picturesque destination, Ibusuki is famous for its relaxing sand baths. That’s far from the only activity however. There are also around 500 onsen in the area. You can also hike along the coastline, past Ikeda and Unagi lakes, and up to Kaimon-dake volcano. Cape Nagasakibana is a highly recommended viewing point, which looks out over the ocean. There’s also a small botanical garden and shrine to visit. Another attraction in Ibusuki is Flower Park Kagoshima, with nearly 3 km of walking trails and a light show during the winter months.

Naturally, there are many more places to stay in the region and this is just a small selection. We’ll have more recommendations below in our section exploring off the beaten path destinations.

Landmarks and Attractions

Kyūshū may be a more untraveled road, but it still has more than its fair share of striking landmarks, both historic and contemporary, natural and man-made. In fact, depending on your interests, the region arguably boasts some of Japan’s best attractions. Kyūshū is particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its coastlines, green spaces, hot springs, and warm climate, but you’ll also find castles, temples and shrines, and more to discover.  

• Mount Aso

Mt Aso, also referred to as Aso-san, is the largest active volcano in Japan and lies in the middle of Kyūshū. It may not be as famous as Fuji, but it’s just as spectacular. Its ancient caldera, volcanic landscape, and the surrounding national park, make for a unique and breathtaking environment to explore. With a caldera measuring 25 km and a circumference of about 120 km, Mt Aso is truly immense and ranks among the largest volcanoes on earth. Much of the caldera can be explored, including the most famous crater of Nakadake, which is still active. Every now and then, activity levels increase to such an extent that it is off limits to visitors so be sure to check before you travel. Nakadake is the most famous part of Aso-san and so iconic that it is often assumed as being Aso-san in its entirety rather than just the caldera. It’s possible to make a hike around the entire crater with dramatic photo opportunities all around. The mountain is situated within Aso-Kuju national park, which includes As far as iconic landmarks go, Mt Aso towers above all others in Kyūshū - in more ways than one!

• Takachiho Gorge

Formed by the eruption of Mt Aso, this stunning gorge is known for its distinctive columns of rock and Manai Falls, a 17-metre high waterfall that is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan.  

• Beppu Springs (The Hells of Beppu)

Referred to as both the hells of Beppu, these fiery and violent volcanic hot springs are a separate attraction from the area’s plentiful onsens. Feared in ancient times for their volatile mix of gas, iron oxide-rich steam and mud, today they have become a much-loved wonder to behold.    

• Kumamoto Castle

Long considered one of Japan’s most picturesque castles, Kumamoto Castle underwent restoration work in recent years to restore access to key parts of the building. Japan’s castles are unique for their style and grandeur and a great way to connect with the rich history of this beautiful country.

• Meoto Iwa

One of Japan’s most photogenic sights, this pair of sacred stones, known as the ‘wedded rocks’ or ‘husband and wife’ rocks, is officially known as Meoto Iwa and can be found located in Futami, near Ise City. Standing together in the sea, these stacks are literally wedded together by shimenawa rope, which is believed to connect the spiritual and earthly realms. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji in the distant background – making this beautiful location even more magical. A small Torii gate sits atop the ‘husband’ rock, known as Izanagi. Futami-Okitama Shrine and the Ryugu Shrine are also nearby and within walking distance if you want to explore. 

• Ama-no-Yasukawara

A mythic and legendary cavern along the Iwato River in Miyazaki prefecture, Ama No Yasukawara Cave is believed to be where the ancient Japanese gods gathered to tempt the sun goddess, Amaterasu, out of hiding after her absence plunged the world into darkness.   

• Yutoku Inari Shrine

Built into the hillside of a picturesque valley, with views over the Ariake Sea, Yutoku Inari Shrine is regarded as one of the three greatest inari shrines in all of Japan. This beautiful, photogenic, and striking-looking shrine in Kashima City, Saga prefecture, was founded in 1687, and is dedicated to inari - one of Shinto’s most popular deities who is closely associated with foxes, rice, and prosperity. 

• Dejima

This unique area of Nagasaki city is a major historical attraction in its own right. An artificial, man-made island where Dutch traders were permitted to live in Nagasaki during Japan’s period of isolation, Dejima still exists today and remains a fascinating snapshot of historical life and European style architecture within Japan. There are seventeen buildings in total and all have been painstakingly restored. Walking tours are provided and definitely worth it for a trip back in time. Look out for the Oranje Festival every April too.

• Tanegashima Space Center

Located on an island just south of Kyūshū, the Tanegashima Space Center is a major part of Japan’s space program. Established in 1969 with the formation of the National Space Development Agency of Japan, the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) is used for research, development, assembly and launch of Japan’s rocket systems. Today the site is operated by JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Covering an area of 9.7 square kilometres, the Tanegashima Space Center is the largest launch complex in the country. The complex features a rocket launching pad, mission control, tracking stations and test and research facilities. Launches from the centre’s Yoshinobu Launch Complex include satellite launches, cargo deliveries to the International Space Station (ISS) and more. As such, TNSC is a core part of Japan’s space program. As well as watching a launch, visitors can also go on a journey of exploration at Japan’s Space Science and Technology Museum. Set across several floors, the museum takes visitors through the development and successes of Japan’s distinguished space program. The museum’s exhibits here display equipment like launch vehicles, rockets and satellites, as well as full scale models, such as a recreation of the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module on the ISS.

• Nanzo-in Temple

Famous for having the largest reclining buddha statue in the world, Nanzo-in Temple can be found in a temple complex hidden in the mountains of Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture. Its famous buddha is 41 metres long, 11 metres high, and weighs more than 300 tons.

• Udo Shrine

A spectacular seaside shrine - arguably one of the most unique in all of Japan - can be found built into the cliffside on the Udozaki coastline in Miyazaki. Udo Jingu is dedicated to the Shinto god Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto and is actually situated within a cave overlooking the cliffs and ocean beyond. This is a truly special sight to behold and visitors can draw on its positive spiritual energy by throwing a small clay ball, known as an ‘undama’, at a target below amidst the rocks. If they hit the target, it is said that their wish will come true. 

Off the Beaten Path

Although historically Kyushu was a gateway for international visitors, today it is among Japan’s less touristy prefectures, which makes it ideal for exploring the roads less travelled. Below are a few suggestions for off the beaten path destinations: 

• Yakushima

There’s off the beaten path and there’s truly off the beaten path. Yakushima is definitely the latter. A small, almost round island in the East China Sea, just south of the Kyushu mainland, Yakushima has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its wondrous, unspoilt landscape, ancient trees, and endangered wildlife. Yakushima’s semi-tropical waters are filled with tropical fish and corals while its beaches attract endangered loggerhead turtles to lay their eggs in the summer months. The rest of this 200 square mile island is extremely mountainous and heavily forested. The most famous of these fairy tale forests is Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine, which is home to ancient Japanese cedar trees known as Yakusagi. More than 1,000 acres of dense forest, atmospheric mist, lime-green moss, babbling streams, ancient, gnarled wood, and snaking vines, Shiratani is hauntingly beautiful and perhaps more than anywhere else in the country, truly brings to life Japan’s belief in the natural world as a gateway to the spirit realm and the domain of kami and gods. There are numerous walking, hiking, and climbing trails through the forest if you’re the energetic type, ranging from beginners walks through to expert level, including a three-day trek across the island’s interior which includes many Yakushima landmarks such as Wilson’s Stump (belonging to a long-dead cedar tree). There are also several bridges across the valley and gorge and pathways to follow. You can even trek right up the mountainous Miyanoura for a spectacular and high-altitude vantage point over the forest. Yakushima is so magical it is said to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki, the genius behind Studio Ghibli, to include it in one of his animated masterpieces, Princess Mononoke. Whether you’re a Ghibli fan in search of a real-life fairy-tale or you’re looking for adventure and excitement off the beaten path, whether you need to detox the soul by returning to nature and indulging in a spot of ‘forest bathing’, or if you want a travel experience like no other, Yakushima could be your fantasy come true.

• Shiiba Village

One of the three most secluded villages in Japan, Shiiba Village in Miyazaki is less explored, less travelled, and off the beaten path all in one. If you want to experience authentic and traditional Japan, you’ll find it here. This mountain village is home to a sight that’s unique even in Japan, the Rice Terraces of Sennin - 100 stepped rice terraces that appear to float in the sky. 

• Kuma Valley

Green and verdant, Kuma Valley is a nature lovers’ dream and a true hidden gem of an area to explore. It is also home to the Kuma river, which is the longest in the Kyushu. As well as feeling invigorated by the beautiful, rural countryside, there are ancient Shinto shrines to discover such as Aoi Aso Shrine, as well as Hitoyoshi Castle ruins. You can even immerse yourself in samurai culture and learn traditional swordsmanship from grand master Yamamoto Takahiro at Hyoho Taisha-ryu Training. 

• Himeshima

This tiny island in Oita, known as the ‘Island of Princesses’ (based on a mythic tale of a Korean princess who washed up on shore) is a special place to explore. It features ‘seven wonders’ to discover   

• Hashima / Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)

While its official name is Hashima, this island off the coast of Nagasaki has become known as Gunkan-jima or Battleship Island. A former mining colony dating back to 1870, Hachima was the location of Japan’s first ever concrete skyscrapers, which alongside the high sea walls gives the whole island the look of an enormous grey battleship. When the coal industry declined in the 1970s, the island was abandoned and it became a ghost ship. Today, it exists as a unique and popular tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage site that feels as close as you can get to wandering around a post-apocalyptic cityscape. Film lovers might also recognise Gunkan-Jima as the site of Javier Bardem’s hideout in Skyfall starring Daniel Craig as James Bond. 

Food and Drink

Diverse and delicious are the words that come to mind when describing Kyushu’s cuisine. Here are some of the dishes you may encounter during your stay in the region:

• Tonkotsu Ramen

Hailing from Fukuoka prefecture, Tonkotsu means ‘pork bones’ and they are used in the broth of this delicious ramen. A variation of this dish is known as Hakata ramen and uses thinner noodles and a seasoning of shio.

• Hiya jiru

A cold miso soup with dumplings that’s a regional speciality of Miyazaki.

• Goya chanpuru

A savoury stir fry that’s famous in Okinawa, it is often made with ingredients that can include bitter melon, tofu, bonito flakes, egg, and pork belly.

• Yobuko ika

A translucent squid served raw as a sashimi dish and popular in Saga prefecture.

• Touba-stew 

Stewed pork belly in the Shippoku style cooking of Nagasaki. 

• Kuruma Ebi

Giant prawns which are a delicacy in Himeshima (and across Japan).

• Beppu Eggs

Eggs boiled in the steaming waters of Beppu’s volcanic hot springs. You’ve never eaten a boiled egg until you’ve tried one cooked in volcanic waters! As we mentioned earlier in this guide, the technique is known as Jigoku-mushi or ‘hell steaming’. 

Climate and Landscape

Volcanically active, mountainous, filled with hot springs, surrounded by seas and epic coastlines, Kyūshū is typically varied in terms of its geography and landscape. As far as weather goes, the region’s southerly location means you’ll generally enjoy warmer, sunnier weather than the majority of Japan. Several parts of Kyūshū - notably the island of Okinawa - also qualify as sub-tropical. If you can picture white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, spectacular sea life and beautiful coastlines, you’ll have a very good idea of what to expect from Okinawa and the most southerly edges of Kyūshū. Overall, the region is typically known for having hot, sometimes rainy, summers with mild, bright and sunny, winter months. Thanks to its consistent warm climate, Kyūshū is known as a year-round getaway.

Travel and Transport

Kyūshū is connected to the neighbouring Japanese island of Honshu by the Kanmon Railway Tunnel and Shin-Kanmon Railway Tunnel, the latter being for the famous Shinkansen ‘bullet trains’. The Kyushu Shinkansen, from Hakata down to Kagoshima-Chuo, fully opened in 2011, with the West Kyushu Shinkansen or Nagasaki Shinkansen, followed in 2022. The latter connects Nagasaki city to Fukuoka (Hakata station) and boasts a journey time of just 1hr 20mins. The majority of its trains are included in the Japan Rail Pass (which covers the whole of Japan), while regional passes are also available for those planning a stay in Kyushu without further travel. As we mentioned above, Fukuoka is often considered the gateway to Kyushu and one of the reasons for this is that Hakata station in the city is a key stop on the Tokaido / Sanyo Shinkansen line from Tokyo, via Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.  Alongside this, there are also limited express trains focussed on specific routes, such as the Limited Express Yufuin no Mori and Limited Express Kawasemi Yamasemi. Kyushu is also well-known for its scenic railways and luxury sightseeing trains like the Seven Stars cruise train with a restaurant service overseen by leading Japanese chefs. Several of the region’s larger cities also have subways and metro systems. As well as trains, Kyushu has buses covering more than 2,400 routes between cities and a wide range of other destinations. This includes long-distance highway buses. The region also has a number of airports for those flying directly into Kyūshū. In fact, each prefecture has its own airport. The busiest is Fukuoka Airport. If you’re an international traveller flying into Kyushu for a stay on the island then this might be where you initially arrive. With each of Kyushu’s prefectures facing the sea and the region surrounded by many smaller islands (not to mention the decidedly large island of Okinawa), it may come as no surprise that there are numerous ferries available. In particular, look out for ferries to Sakurajima and Yakushima. Finally, there’s car rental for those quiet country roads in the region. Generally speaking however, the region’s outstanding public transportation is hard to beat - as it is across the whole of Japan - for value, comfort, and efficiency. 

Further Recommendations 

• Ready to book accommodation in the Kyūshū region? Visit our Hotels page for a hand-picked selection of more than 4,500 hotels and traditional ryokan. 

• Kyūshū is just one of Japan’s eight regions. You can read about the other seven on our Destinations page. 

• Want to learn more about Japan from our team of travel experts and their unique, local knowledge? Our Stories page brings together carefully curated articles and in-depth guides on almost every subject, from travel and transport to food and drink, history and culture, with recommendations for the most interesting and authentic activities.  

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