Discover Japan's nature-rich,
southwestern island of Kyushu
While many people may associate Japan's main islands with temperate forests and snowcapped mountains,
the climate is very different in the deep south of the country.
Kyushu is a subtropical paradise with warm seas, verdant gorges and glorious beaches.
See another side of Japan in this unique region.
Nature
Get off the beaten track in Kyushu
There are parts of Kyushu that appear to come straight from a dream, and Yakushima is one such place. The ancient forests on this island are at least 2,000 years old, but some estimates put that date as far back as 7,000 years. Also, get up close and personal with monkeys at the Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, an educational and eye-opening experience with nature, and witness majestic volcanoes in Aso-Kuju National Park.
Culture
Discover the many faces of Kyushu
There is no one Kyushu. Instead, this diverse region is home to many different cultural traditions. One powerful example is Kagura, a sacred dance dedicated to Shinto gods. Stop for dinner at a yatai, a traditional hand-drawn food cart in Fukuoka City. In Okawachiyama Village, discover a unique pottery style developed with Korean influence called Nabeshima ware.
Activity
Unforgettable experiences unique to Kyushu
Some activities in Kyushu can be experienced nowhere else in Japan. Take kayaking through the mangrove forest of Amami Oshima, for example. Elsewhere, visitors to the Hells of Beppu are mesmerized by these boiling hot springs that reach temperatures of more than 100 degrees Celsius. While visitors to Hirado must book a night in Hirado Castle, an original fortification perched high above the city.
Recommended Itineraries
in Kyushu
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Discover Scenic Trails, Breathtaking Landscapes and Cultural Heritage on this Kyushu Itinerary
Oita / Kumamoto / Miyazaki / Kagoshima
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Follow This Kyushu Itinerary and Discover the Region’s Most Intriguing Historical Sites
Nagasaki / Saga / Fukuoka / Kumamoto
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Dive deep into Kyushu's rich culture of onsen bathing and porcelain
Tokyo / Saga / Nagasaki / Oita
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Historic Sites and Seaside Adventures
Kumamoto / Nagasaki
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Exploring the boundless world of Japan's meccas of spirituality
Oita / Miyazaki / Wakayama
Kyushu in the News
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Off the Beaten Path: Exploring natural playgrounds in Kyushu and Central Japan
National Geographic
With towering peaks and pristine waters, the diverse landscapes in Japan are nature’s playground for adventure travelers. Throughout the year, outdoor enthusiasts flock to Kyushu and Central Japan, drawn by the opportunity to trek through the breathtaking, ever-changing terrain, paddle the crystal-clear oceans and rivers, and delve into the lesser-known pages of Japanese history. Whether you’re an experienced thrill seeker or a newbie enthusiast, these four destinations offer a wide variety of activities—from kayaking to cycling—that will get your heart pumping.
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Visit Japan for an Aquatic Getaway Unlike Any Other
Travel + Leisure
Japan is a nation of islands of all shapes and sizes, so it makes sense that much of the country’s culture can be found along its stunning, nature-rich coasts. From island escapes and beautiful beaches to natural hot springs and underground waterfalls, here are some of Japan’s best sites for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
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Outdoor adventures, healing quests and cultural deep-dives in Kyushu, southern Japan
BBC
Japan’s third-largest and southernmost main island, Kyushu is blessed with sunny skies, friendly people and pristine nature. The island also has a cosmopolitan present, rooted in a long history of trading with Chinese, Korean, and European merchants. The gateway to the island today is the modern city of Fukuoka, a two-hour flight from Tokyo, or two and a half hours by shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka.
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Discover Japan: Forest Bathing and Spiritual Connections
CNN
Known for its majestic old-growth forests, Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture houses towering Japanese cedar trees—some over 1,000 years old.
Kyushu
While many people may associate Japan's main islands with temperate forests and snowcapped mountains, the climate is very different in the deep south of the country. Kyushu is a subtropical paradise with warm seas, verdant gorges and glorious beaches. See another side of Japan in this unique region.
Hokkaido
Tohoku
Greater Tokyo
Central Japan
Kansai
San'in
Setouchi
Shikoku
Kyushu
Okinawa
