Discover Scenic Trails, Breathtaking Landscapes and Cultural Heritage on this Kyushu ItineraryOita / Kumamoto / Miyazaki / Kagoshima

Exploring small villages in Japan by bike is a wonderful way to get close to the communities that live alongside the cycle route, helping to ensure you leave with a real sense of an area’s culture and traditions. The Maple Yaba Cycling Road follows the remains of a 35 kilometers railroad site that opened in 1913 and was discontinued in 1975. As well as passing by small settlements, the route takes you on a gentle ascent through scenic landscapes and serene streams while passing by many local attractions and historic sites, such as the Yabakei Gorge and Ao no Domon, a rock tunnel dating back to the Edo era (1603–1867). Biking in Japan is incredibly popular, due in no small part to the wide variety of landscapes and routes on offer. Nature in Japan is often dazzling, and this cycle trip is the perfect way to enjoy Kyushu’s natural and man-made wonders in equal measure.

The traditional Japanese samurai sword is called katana, and katana forging is still practiced to this day. While there are far fewer places to practice samurai training, it’s still popular to observe Japanese sword making with a visit to a working forge. At the Matsunaga Japanese Sword Forge, you can learn this ancient art under the guidance of Mr. Matsunaga himself, who has created over 1,000 swords in his illustrious career spanning more than 40 years. As well as learning the masterful techniques required to create a katana, you’ll be entranced by the passion and dedication that Mr. Matsunaga has put into his craft over the decades. After the demonstration, you'll have the opportunity to handle and test a genuine katana, giving you the experience of cutting and slicing as you immerse yourself in the world of traditional swordsmaking.

One of the best hikes in Japan takes you around the enchanting Ebino Highlands Crater Lakes. While there are many lakes in Japan, there is something particularly special about these pristine waters, which mirror the hue of the surrounding forest as it transforms across the seasons. The best hiking in Japan isn’t just invigorating, it’s healthy too, and in a way you might not suspect. The hiking course around the Ebino Highlands Crater Lakes crosses through one of Japan's top forests for nature therapy. In this lush environment, the surrounding trees release a great deal of phytoncides, chemicals known to boost your immune system. The route is calm and not too strenuous, except for a short steep climb at the end as you reach the summit of Mt. Shiratori. It is however worth the effort, and you are rewarded with uninterrupted views of the lakes below and mountains stretching out into the distance.

Sakurajima volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan, a country well known for its volcanic activity. Located at the heart of Kagoshima Bay, Mt. Sakurajima is a powerful and imposing presence that strikes awe in those who come close to it. On your visit to the area, discover this fiery mountain by kayak. Kayaking in Japan is a popular pastime and at Sakurajima, it’s a fantastic way to take in the size and scale of the resident volcano. After enjoying a relaxing kayak excursion and taking in the view of the volcano from the water, join a guided tour and explore the slopes of the volcano, learning about its history and geography along the way. In 1914, the Sakurajima volcano had an enormous eruption which eventually linked the mountain to the mainland via a massive lava bridge, but it’s still easier to access the area by ferry from Kagoshima City.