Yamanami Highway

 

Oshima island, in Fukuoka Prefecture

 

 

Unzen, in Nagasaki Prefecture

 

A beautiful highland Onsen Resort situated in Unzen National Park. The area was the

first to be designated as a National Park in Japan. Whether you are taking in the stunning

panoramic views from the top of one of the many peaks, including Nita-toge Pass, or

looking up at these volcanic mountains like Mt. Fugen, you will marvel at the spectacular

scenery.  As each season brings a vivid change to the face of Unzen, you may wish to

return again and again to enjoy the full range of rich variations.

Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

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Aso, in Kumamoto Prefecture

 

Aso is located almost in the center of Kyushu and boasts one of the world’s largest

calderas, stretching 18 km east-west and 24 km north-south. It was created by four

periods of explosive volcanic activity in ancient times. The caldera is surrounded by

an outer rim with a circumference of around 120 km. Within the Aso Caldera, there

are the Aso Five Peaks, including Mt. Naka-dake—an active volcano where the

crater can be viewed from the top. Daikanbo Peak, on the northern part of the

outer rim, is a must-visit location offering panoramic views of the magnificent

scenery, including the Aso Five Peaks and the serene, beautiful green plains below

Shimabara Peninsula, in Nagasaki Prefecture

 

The Shimabara Peninsula is located on the eastern side of Nagasaki Prefecture.

The peninsula is surrounded by three calm seas and boasts magnificent nature.

You can find a unique landscape shaped by the volcanoes situated in the center

of the peninsula.

Umagase, in Hyuga, Miyazaki Prefecture

 

Exciting scenery created by the raging waves of the Hyuga Sea. 

The coastline here is a ria coastline, marked by intricate waterways sandwiched

between steep cliffs. The cliffs reach 70 meters in height, and the sight of waves

crashing against them is truly spectacular. The bare rock faces of the cliffs feature

columnar joints, which were formed when magma from a volcanic eruption cooled

and hardened. The name “Umagase” is thought to come from the fact that the 

color of the rocks resembles that of a horse’s back.

Cruz Sea, in Hyuga, Miyazaki Prefecture

 

Where your wishes come true. The Sea of Cruz is a coastal area that appears to form

a cross when viewed from the observatory. This cape is part of a ria coastline; the

“cross shape” was created by the narrow terrain being eroded by the sea and rivers,

resulting in a cross-shaped waterway. Because this shape resembles the Japanese

kanji character “叶” (meaning “to grant a wish”), it is widely believed that if you make

a wish here, it will be granted

Itoshima, in Fukuoka Prefecture

 

Hiraodai Karst Plateau & Caves, in Fukuoka Prefecture

 

Yougunbaru was so named because the limestone rocks scattered across the vast

meadow resemble a flock of sheep. Along with dolines (conical hollows) and limestone

caves, they create a truly distinctive landscape.

The plateau offers a unique view in each of the four seasons: the dramatic “burnt field”

(Yamayaki) in spring, fresh and vibrant greenery in early summer, and the serene,

dry plains of autumn.