Kyushu Travel Guide

Fukuoka

Fukuoka is Kyushu’s largest city and the dynamic gateway to

Japan. Centered around culture, fashion, and commerce, this

energetic hub features an international airport, making it the

ideal starting point for your journey.

Kitakyushu

As Kyushu’s second-largest city, Kitakyushu offers diverse

attractions: breathtaking night views from Mt. Sarakura, the

rich history of Kokura Castle town, scenic Mojiko Retro on

the Kanmon Strait, and Yahata’s World Industrial Heritage

sites.

Dazaifu

Dazaifu is a premier destination in Fukuoka for experiencing

traditional Japanese culture. From the 7th to 12th centuries,

it served as Japan’s “Western Capital” and the administrative

center of Kyushu, acting as the front line for diplomacy and

a vital gateway to Asia.

Itoshima

Located next to Fukuoka City, Itoshima faces the Genkai Sea,

boasting beautiful beaches and a dynamic, rugged coastline.

Nestled between the sea and the southern Sefuri Mountains,

the region offers a serene, tranquil landscape

Yanagawa

Yanagawa is a scenic canal town facing the Ariake Sea,

historically built on reclaimed land with a vital network of

waterways. As a former castle town, this charming destination

is renowned today for its relaxing boat cruises and local

specialty eel.

Munakata & Fukutsu

Located in western Fukuoka and facing the Genkai Sea, the

Munakata Region features beautiful coastal scenery and

sacred sites designated as a UNESCO World Heritage, titled

“Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites.

Asakura

Located in southern Fukuoka across the fertile Chikugo Plains,

Asakura is a thriving agricultural area with relaxing natural

scenery. The region features the tranquil Harazuru Onsen

resort along the river and the historical Akizuki Castle Ruins.

Ukiha

Enjoy year-round fruit picking in Ukiha, a nature-rich area

famous for orchards along the Mino Mountain Range. It also

features Yoshii, a historic Edo-period post town today home

to excellent local sake breweries.

Yame

Yame is a peaceful rural region renowned as the home of

Japanese green tea and traditional crafts. The ultimate

highlight here is tasting Gyokuro, Japan’s highest-grade tea,

produced in the scenic Hoshino Village.

Saga

Stretching from Mount Sefuri to the Ariake Sea, Saga is

home to the 2,400-year-old Yoshinogari Ruins and served a

s a cradle for Japan’s modernization

Karatsu & Yobuko

Located in northwestern Saga, Karatsu and Yobuko have long

flourished as a vital trade hub with mainland China. Today,

Yobuko is renowned for its fresh, translucent squid sashimi.

Takeo & Ureshino

Takeo boasts a 1,200-year history in western Saga, while

nearby Ureshino is a renowned hot spring resort famous for

its healing  waters.

Arita

Nestled in the mountains of northern Saga, Arita is the

17th-century birthplace of Japanese porcelain. It is

renowned for precious works featuring elegant, colorful designs

on translucent white porcelain.

Imari

Renowned for its 400-year porcelain history, Imari sits by the

scenic bay next to Arita. Don’t miss Okawachiyama, a famous

pottery village home to more than 30 historic kilns.

Kashima & Tara

Located 60 kilometers southwest of Saga City, Kashima’s top

highlight is the stunning Yutoku Inari Shrine. Exploring the

historic local sake breweries is also highly recommended.

Nagasaki

As Japan’s first international port since 1571, Nagasaki developed

a unique blend of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cultures.

The city holds deep historical significance, reflecting Christian

heritage, industrial modernization, and the tragedy of WWII.

Unzen

Unzen is a year-round hot spring resort located 700 meters above

sea level within a national park. Surrounded by the Ariake Sea,

it offers an otherworldly atmosphere with the steaming landscapes

of Unzen Jigoku.

Shimabara

The Shimabara region includes Shimabara City in the east and

Minami-Shimabara City in the south. It features beautiful nature,

hot springs, a historic castle town, and Christian heritage sites

such as the Hara Castle Ruins and the Holy Mary Kannon.

Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch

Sasebo is famous for the Kujukushima Islands, where visitors can

enjoy a relaxing cruise among numerous small islands. Another

main attraction is Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park that faithfully

reproduces the beautiful streets and architecture of the Netherlands.

Hirado

Hirado is a historic port city where Portuguese ships arrived in

1550 and Christianity was introduced by St. Francis Xavier.

Located in northwestern Nagasaki, its peninsula and islands

are connected by the Hirado and Ikitsuki bridges.

Kumamoto

Kumamoto is the third-largest city in Kyushu, ideally located in the

center of the island with the Aso region to the east and the Ariake

Sea to the west. The city is home to Kumamoto Castle, renowned

as one of Japan’s three premier castles. Visitors can also enjoy

shopping and local delicacies at the Shimotori shopping street,

one of the largest arcade districts in Japan.

Aso 

The Aso region boasts one of the world’s largest calderas, formed

by four periods of massive volcanic activity in ancient times. Within

the caldera lie the Five Peaks of Aso, including Mt. Nakadake-an

active volcano where visitors can view the crater up close

(subject to volcanic conditions). Daikanbo Peak, located on the

outer rim, is a must-visit spot that offers breathtaking panoramic

views of the five peaks and the serene green plains stretching below.

Amakusa

Amakusa is an archipelago consisting of numerous islands located

west of Kumamoto. The region features lush green landscapes and

unique geological formations, earning it the designation of a

“Japanese Geopark.” Visitors can enjoy various marine activities

such as dolphin watching and boat tours, as well as fresh seafood

and other local delicacies. Amakusa also holds profound historical

significance, particularly regarding its Christian heritage and

World Heritage sites.

Hitoyoshi

Hitoyoshi is a historic castle town situated along the Kuma River.

Often called Kyushu’s “Little Kyoto,” it is renowned for its Onsen

resorts, ancient castle ruins, and thrilling river boat tours.
Visitors can also explore fascinating limestone caves, discover

the region’s rich steam locomotive heritage, and visit local shochu

distilleries.

Takachiho

Located just south of the Aso region, Takachiho offers both

dynamic nature and a serene spiritual experience. The

breathtaking Takachiho Gorge was formed by ancient volcanic

activity from Mt. Aso. This spectacular, deep, V-shaped gorge

features impressive columnar joints, carved out over millennia

by the erosive flow of the Gokase River.

Hyuga

Hyuga is a bay-front city facing the Hyuga-nada Sea, famous for

its excellent surfing and beautiful seascapes. The spectacular

scenery features artistic columnar rock formations, sculpted by

years of weathering and the powerful, constant waves.

Miyazaki & Nichinan

The Miyazaki and Nichinan region, facing the Pacific Ocean, is

located in a subtropical climate zone. The landscape is stunning,

characterized by a beautiful combination of abundant sunshine

and ocean views. The area offers a variety of attractions, including

ocean resorts, unique wildlife habitats, and many historical and rel

gious sites such as ancient castles and seaside shrines.

Kirishima

The Onsen resort region is located at the foot of the Kirishima

Mountains. Kirishima Jingu Shrine is one of the most beautiful and

mystical shrines in Kyushu, completely surrounded by a deep forest.
Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails offering spectacular mountain

views, and then relax in the area’s volcanic hot springs.

Kagoshima

Kagoshima is the southernmost major city in Kyushu. From here,

you can see Sakurajima Island and its active volcano, with plumes

of smoke and steam constantly rising across Kagoshima Bay.
The city prospered as a castle town during the Edo period, and

today, Tenmonkan serves as its largest shopping district.

Sakura-jima Island

Sakurajima is the iconic symbol of Kagoshima. Plumes of smoke

and steam can be seen rising almost every day from the active

craters of Minamidake. Formerly after a massive lava flow filled the

channel between them. a true island, it became connected to the

Osumi Peninsula in 1914 After a short ferry ride from the mainland,

visitors can access several observation points that offer stunning

views of the volcano.

Ibusuki & Satsuma peninsula

Ibusuki is a renowned Onsen resort famous for its unique natural

sand steam baths along the shores of Kinko Bay. Located at the

southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, the area offers spectacular

ocean views and is a peaceful rural region known as the “home of

the sweet potato.

Chiran

Chiran is a charming town located in the heart of the Satsuma

Peninsula. Often referred to as “Little Kyoto,” it features a beautifully

preserved historic Samurai district with a collection of traditional

residences and gardens.
Another significant site to visit is the Chiran Peace Museum, which

offers a profound look into the region’s history.