Yamanami Highway

Yamanami Highway is one of the most beautiful driving route in Kyushu from Yufuin to Aso through

Aso Kuju National Park, it is not expressway.

The literal meaning of Yamanami is a series of mountains.

The beautiful scenery can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture

Kitakyushu is the 2nd largest city in Kyushu with a population of 920,00 and is located

at the northern tip of Kyushu. It is the gateway between Kyushu and Honshu and has

long between important location for industry shipping and land transport.

Kitakyushu was chosen for Japan’s modern steel industry from the 17 candidate locations

selected all over Japan and Steel works operation was started in 1901.

Since then the city greatly contributed to Japan’s Industrial modernization.

Kitakyushu possesses numerous natural wonders and tourist attractions.

Nature arears including Mt. Sarakura where is one of the most spectacular and dynamic

night views in the world can be seen, Hiraodai Karst Plateau & Cave, Kanmon strait as well 

well as Wakamatsu North Coast. 

Oshima island, Fukuoka-prefecture

Oshima Island located 11 km from Konominato Port in Munakata-city, and is the largest

island in Fukuoka-prefecture. The population of the island is around 700.

It takes 25 minutes by Oshima ferry and 15 minutes by Shiokaze ferry.

There are two World Heritage Shrines, Munakata Shrine Nakatsu-gu and Munakata Shrine 

Okitsu-gu Yohaishho, those Shrines are registered as Sacred Island Okinoshiam and

Associated site in the Munakata Region.

You can enjoy beautiful nature at any places where you visit including Windmil Observatory

and Mitake Observatory. 

Kujukushima Islands, in Sasebo, Nagasaki-prefecture

Kujukushima Islands, located at the westernmost tip of the Japanese mainland in Kyushu, Sasebo,

Nagasaki-prefecture. There are a picturesque scenic spot consisting of a complex ria coastline

and 208 large and small islands.

There are only four inhabited islands: Kuroshima, Takashima, Maejima, and Todomari Island,

and almost the entire area was designated as the Saikai National Park in 1955.

There is Kujukushima Islands pleasure boat, departing from Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort.

Sakura-jima island, in Kagoshima-prefecture

Sakura-jima Ferry connects Kagoshima-city and Sakurajima in 15 minutes and is

operated for 24 hours.

Takachiho, in Miyazaki-prefecture

Takachiho is located in the south is Aso and offers dynamic nature Takachiho Gorge. 

The gorge has been created by volcanic activity of Aso for many years. 

The V-shaped narrow and deep gorge formed by columnar joins is made by erosion

due to water flow of the Gokase river over many years.

In addition, here is the birthplace of Japanese mythology.

It is the supposed site of legend where Amaterasu, the Shrine

Sun Goddess, disturbed by her brother’s cruel pranks, hid herself in a cave, prompting

the other gods and goddesses to try and lure her out.

Itoshima, in Fukuoka-prefecture

Itoshima is located next to Fukuoka-city, the north side is facing Genkai Sea and has intricate

coastline created by dynamic wave.

The plain and several low mountains between the coastline in the north and Seburu mountain

range in the south create beautiful landscape.

The main industries are fishery and agriculture, including rice, fruits and flowers.

Sake rice is also cultivated and there are also Sake Breweries.

You can enjoy various cuisines such as sea food dish, oyster Barbecue, Sushi as well

as Ramen.

Shimabara Peninsula, in Nagasaki-prefecture

Shimabara Peninsula is located on the east side of Nagasaki-prefecture.

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

There is a unique landscape created by volcanoes located in the center of

the Peninsula.

Unzen, in Nagasaki-prefecture

Beautiful highland Onsen Resort situated Unzen National Park. The area was the first area to

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

views from top one of the many peaks including Nita-toge Pass or looking up these volcanic 

mountains or Fugen, you will marvel at the spectacular scenery.  As each season brings a vivid

change to the appearance the face of Unzen you may wish to return again and again to enjoy

the full range of rich variations.

Aso, in Kumamoto-prefecture

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

Caldera with 18km west-east and 24km north-south, created by 4 periods of explosive

volcanic activity in the ancient times.

The Caldela is surounding the Outer edge mountain with a circumference of around 120 km

In the Aso Caldera, there are Aso five mountains including Naka-dake mountain 

which is an active volcano where the crater can be viewed from the top. 

Daikanbo peak, on the nirthern part Outer edge mountain is the must place

to visit offering panoramic views of the magnificent scenery including the

Aso five mountains and the serene and beautiful green plains below.