Kyushu Travel Guide

Fukuoka

As the biggest city in Kyushu, Fukuoka City is considered the gateway

to the country due to its close proximity to the Asian mainland. This

energetic  and bustling city is the center of the region’s politics, economy,

culture, fashion, and tourism. With Fukuoka International Airport offering

direct flights from Asia, Guam, and Honolulu, the city serves as an ideal

starting point for your Kyushu exploration.

Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu is the second-largest city in Kyushu and possesses numerous

tourist attractions. Its natural areas include Mt. Sarakura, which offers one

of the most dynamic night views in the world. You can experience traditional

Japanese culture in the castle town of Kokura, explore Mojiko Retro facing

the beautiful Kanmon Strait, and visit the industrial area of Yahata, which

boasts many World Industrial Heritage sites.

Dazaifu

Dazaifu is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Fukuoka

Prefecture  for experiencing traditional Japanese culture. From the late

7th to the late 12th century, it served as the “Western Capital” of Japan

and the administrative center of Kyushu. Geographically, Dazaifu was

the front line for Japan’s diplomacy and defense, as well as a primary

gateway to the Asian continent.  

Itoshima

Itoshima is located next to Fukuoka City, with its north side facing the Genkai

Sea.  It has beautiful beaches and an intricate coastline created by dynamic

wave activity. A plain and several low mountains lie between the coastline in

the north and the Seburu Mountain Range in the south, creating a serene a

ranquil landscape.

Yanagawa

Yanagawa is a beautiful canal town featuring flat fields that face the calm

Ariake Sea. The area was originally created through the reclamation of the

shallow sea, with a network of canals constructed for daily life and agriculture.

Once a castle town of the Tachibana Domain, Yanagawa is famous today for

its scenic canal boat cruises and delicious eel cuisine.

Munakata & Fukutsu

Munakata Region is located in the western part of Fukuoka Prefecture,

facing the Genkai Sea. It is home to beautiful coastal scenery and sacred

sites designated as a UNESCO World Heritage, titled “Sacred Island of

Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region.

Asakura

Asakura is located in the south of Fukuoka Prefecture and spreads across

 the Chikugo Plains of the Chikugo River basin. It is a thriving agricultural

area and possesses natural scenery that is rich and relaxing. The area also

includes the tranquil Harazuru Onsen resort on the river and the historical

Akizuki Castle Ruins.

Ukiha

The most enjoyable experience is fruit picking throughout the year.

Ukiha is blessed with nature, where many orchards spread out at the foot

of the Mino Mountain Range. Yoshii, located in the center of Chikugo,

flourished as a post town during the Edo period. Today, there are a lot of

sake breweries in the area.

Yame

Known as the home of Japanese green tea, Yame is a tranquil rural region

famous for its tea cultivation and traditional crafts. For a truly special

experience, we recommend tasting Gyokuro tea – the highest grade of

Japanese tea – cultivated in the beautiful Hoshino Village.

Saga

Saga Prefecture is situated on the Saga Plain, which stretches from the f

oothills of Mount Seburi down to the Ariake Sea in the south.

The region is home to the Yoshinogari Ruins, where rice cultivation in

Japan first began 2,400 years ago. Furthermore, the area made a great

contribution to the Japanese Industrial Revolution, serving as the starting

place of Japan’s modernization and industrialization.

Karatsu & Yobuko

Karatsu and Yobuko, located on the Higashi Matsuura Peninsula in

northwestern Saga Prefecture, have flourished since ancient times as a

vital hub for trade with mainland China.

Yobuko is renowned for its fresh, translucent squid sashimi. 

Takeo & Ureshino

Takeo, boasting a 1,200-year history, is located in western Saga, while

Ureshino is a renowned hot spring resort in the southwestern part of

the prefecture.

Arita

Arita is located in northern Saga Prefecture and is surrounded by mountains.
It was the first place in Japan to produce porcelain in the early 17th century

and is known as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. These precious pieces

are famous for their bright, elegant designs painted on the translucent white

porcelain.

Imari

Imari is best known for Imari porcelain, which boasts a 400-year history.
The city borders Arita to the south and embraces the natural harbor of Imari

Bay. Nearby Okawachiyama is a famous pottery village; with its more than

30 kilns, it is a highly recommended place to visit.

Kashima & Tara

Kashima is located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Saga City.

The main sightseeing spot is Yutoku Inari Shrine, and visiting the local

sake breweries is also highly recommended.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki City became Japan’s first international port city when its port

opened in 1571. As a result, it developed a unique blend of European,

Chinese, and Japanese cultures. The city offers many tourist spots each

with profound historical significance. Nagasaki served as Japan’s

gateway to foreign countries, the first area where Christianity spread,

and a key player in Japan’s industrial modernization. Sadly, it was also 

the site of the atomic bomb used in WWII.

Unzen

Unzen is a picturesque Onsen resort located on the Shimabara Peninsula

and surrounded by the Ariake Sea. It is situated at an altitude of 700

meters within the Unzen National Park. The scenery of Unzen Jigoku

(hells) offers an otherworldly atmosphere, with white steam rising over a

wide area. The natural beauty of Unzen can be enjoyed year-round.

Shimabara

Shimabara consists of two cities on the Shimabara Peninsula: Shimabara

City on the east side and Minami-Shimabara City in the south. The region

offers various attractions, including beautiful nature, relaxing Onsen, the

historic castle town of Shimabara, and Christian pilgrimage sites in

Minami-Shimabara, such as the Hara Castle Ruins and the Holy Mary

Kannon.

Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch

Sasebo is located on the Kitamatsuura Peninsula and is famous for the

Kujukushima Islands, a beautiful area of numerous small islands often

called the “99 Islands.” Taking a cruise through these islands is a relaxing

and reinvigorating experience. Another must-visit attraction is Huis Ten

Bosch, a theme park modeled after a Dutch village. It faithfully

reproduces the charming streets and architecture of the Netherlands,

even including a stunning recreation of the Huis Ten Bosch Palace.

Hirado

Hirado holds a significant place in Japanese history as the first port

where Portuguese ships arrived in 1550. Shortly after, St. Francis Xavier

visited the same year, and Christianity was introduced to Japan here.
In the 1580s, the Portuguese established a trading post, soon followed

by the Dutch and the British. Hirado is located in northwestern Nagasaki

Prefecture, facing the Genkai Sea. The region is mainly composed of

the Kitamatsuura Peninsula, Hirado Island, and Ikitsuki Island, which

are connected by the Hirado Bridge and the Ikitsuki Bridge.

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.