Kyushu in the News

Off the Beaten Path: Exploring natural playgrounds in Kyushu and Central Japan

Off the Beaten Path: Exploring natural playgrounds in Kyushu and Central Japan

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.

Visit Japan for an Aquatic Getaway Unlike Any Other

Visit Japan for an Aquatic Getaway Unlike Any Other

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.

Outdoor adventures, healing quests and cultural deep-dives in Kyushu, southern Japan

Outdoor adventures, healing quests and cultural deep-dives in Kyushu, southern Japan

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.

Discover Japan: Forest Bathing and Spiritual Connections

Discover Japan: Forest Bathing and Spiritual Connections

Known for its majestic old-growth forests, Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture houses towering Japanese cedar trees—some over 1,000 years old.

Wonder aroundJapan

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