THE OUTLETS Kitakyushu

The largest Outlets in Kyushu, and is located Higashida in Kitakyushu-city.

There are 140 outlet stores, including the world’s leading imported brands,

outdoor sports brands, and speciality stores.

And also there are restaurant and cafes.

There are many places where not only adults but also children can enjoy

such as Space LABO, ASOBLE, Gira Park HIGASHIDA as well as Activation Field. 

Amakusa

Amakusa is situated on an archipelago consisting of several island on the

west side of Kumamoto. It possesses a beautiful lush green landscape and

natural geological formations giving the islands the designation “national

Geopark”. Marine activities such dolphin watching, boat tours, seafood & 

local delicacies can be enjoyed. Amakusa also has an important historical

significance to Christians.

Population

  Amakusa-city : 70,500 people, Kami-Amakusa-city : 22,500 person, Reihoku-machi : 6,400 people

Saga

Saga is located in the Saga Plain where is spreading from the foot of Mt. Seburi.

And southern part of Saga is facing to Ariake Bay.

There is the Yoshinogari Remains where rice cultivation first began in Japan

2400 years ago.

And the place made a great contribution to the Japanese Industrial Revolution as

the starting place of industrialization.

Population : 229,000 people, Population density : 530 people / km2

Takeo

Takeo is a Onsen Resort, located west of Saga–city, and has 1200 years history.

The hot spring temperature is 18 to 52 degrees. Spring quality is smooth with alkaline

simple hot spring.  It is said that the color is colorless and transparent and has an

outstanding effect on recovery from fatigue. The landmark of Takeo Onsen. Romon

Gate, which was designed by a renowned architect in the Meiji Era, Kingo Tatsuno,

and is at the entrance of the Onsen area.

Population : 47,000 people, Population density : 240 people / km2

Ureshino

Ureshino Onsen is a hot spring town in south-western Saga-prefecture. Its clear

Onsen waters are high in sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride and feel

extremely smooth on skin, giving rise to its popularity as a “Bihada no Yu”

( beautiful skin waters).

Ureshino is famous for its tea. Terraces of tea fields sprawling out one after the next is

a scene typical of Ureshino. Proper cultivation of Ureshino Tea was begun between

1648 and 1651 by tea grower, Jinbei Yoshimura, who is even sung about in the local folk

songs. Tea seeds were gathered from Mount Sefuri and planted in the mountainous region

of Ureshino Onsen, ideal as a tea growing area.

Population : 25,000 people, Population density : 200 people / km2

Arita

Arita is located in the north side of Saga and surrounding the mountain ranges.

And Arita is the first place producing porcelain in Japan in the early 17th century.

The pieces have bright, elegant picture drawn in transparent white porcelain.

Arita porcelain was exported to Europe in the later half of 17th century and

greatly influenced European pottery.

The unique Arita porcelain red, green and yellow patten called Kakiemon style.

It holds the largest porcelain fair in Western Japan, the Arita Porcelain Fair.

This event is held from April 29 to May 5 every year and has thousands of stores

and stalls lining the six-kilometre long main street.

Population : 18,000 people, Population density : 280 people / km2

Imari

Imari is most notable because of Imari porcelain which has 400 years history.

The city borders Arita to the south and embraces the natural port of Imari Bay.

The porcelain was exported from the port of Imari specifically for the European

export trade.

Okawachiyama porcelain district

Originally, an owner of the Imari porcelain was Nabeshima clan, in order to develop 

and protect its outstanding technique, he gathered skilled artisans and painters in 

Okawachiyama district. Now. about 30 potteries are manufacturing Imari porcelain.

Population : 50,700 people, Population density : 200 people / km2

Kagoshima

The southern most major city in Kyushu and from here you can see 

Sakura-jima Island and it’s active volcano from which smoke and steam

rise across Kagoshima Bay. Kagoshima prospered in the Edo period 

as a castle town. Tenmonkan is the biggest shopping arcade and here

you can dine on local cuisines, especially succulent meats and also enjoy

the vibrant night life, bars and restaurants.

Population : 586,000 people, Population density : 1,070 people / km2

Sakurajima Island

Sakurajima Island is the symbol of Kagoshima.
The smoke and steam rises almost every day from the active volcano

Minamidake. Formerly an island, it became connected with the Osumi 

Peninsula in 1914 when lava from its summit closed the channel between

 the two. Observation points on the island can be accessed by ferry.

Population in Sakurajima Island : 5,000 people

Ibusuki and Satsuma peninsula

Ibusuki is known for it’s hot spring Onsen Resort, and it’s famous natural steam sand baths

located on Kinko bay. To the east the Satsuma peninsula offers spectacular ocean views

and this peaceful rural area is know as the “home of the sweet potato”.

Population : 37,000 people, Population density : 250 people / km2