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

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.