Trying to find thrilling experiences so as to add to your Japan itinerary? We’ve got the proper checklist of one of the best issues to do in Kyushu, a phenomenal and culturally distinct area of southern Japan simply two hours by flight from Tokyo!
Of all of Japan’s primary islands, the third-largest, Kyushu, is at all times the area that makes folks fall in love with Japan. Whether or not you’re a first-time customer or knowledgeable back-backer, you might be stunned to search out that there are numerous issues to do in Kyushu.
Kyushu is house to seven of Japan’s forty-seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga. Okinawa, essentially the most southern of all Japan’s prefectures, is typically related to Kyushu regardless of being on a wholly separate island. Okinawa is without doubt one of the high journey locations for Japanese vacationers and deserves its personal devoted itinerary, so we’ll put it aside for later.
Kyushu covers an space of land that’s barely bigger than Taiwan and is house to many nationwide parks, well-known statues, and native delicacies that you just received’t discover to be pretty much as good anyplace else.
From distinctive dishes to out of doors experiences, there’s a lot to find in Kyushu that you could be even wish to take into account staying for per week. With out additional ado, let’s check out 20 of one of the best issues to do in Kyushu.
Greatest Issues To Do In Kyushu
Listed here are the 20 greatest issues to take a look at when you’re questioning what to do in Kyushu:
Fukuoka
1. Nokonoshima Island Park
Within the centre of Hakata Bay, there’s an island known as Nokonoshima that takes solely 10 minutes by ferry to achieve. Nokonoshima is the proper day journey if it is advisable spend a couple of hours away from the hustle and bustle of Kyushu’s largest metropolis.
Some of the in style Kyushu points of interest is Nokonoshima Island Park, an out of doors flower backyard that blooms with 1000’s of seasonal flowers all year long. For Cosmos, one of the best time to go to is in early October, whereas one of the best time to catch the sunflowers can be August.
The park can also be close to a goat-petting zoo and a well-liked swimming seashore known as Nokonoshima Camp Village. By the port, there are some native cafes and eating places that make Nonokoshima one of the best place to host a summer season barbecue.
In the event you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable place to discover and take aesthetic photographs simply past the town limits, positively give Nokonoshima a strive!
2. Koura Taisha Shrine
Kyushu is house to many well-known shrines, however you might have already heard of Koura Taisha Shrine. Usually featured in TikTok movies and Instagram reels that showcase a colourful, extremely romanticised model of Japan, Koura Taisha Shrine is known for having among the best views of Fukuoka Metropolis’s iconic skyline.
Simply 60 minutes by automotive or public transport from downtown Hakata, Koura Taisha Shrine is situated in Kurume Metropolis and is close to Kumamoto prefecture. At first look, Koura Taisha appears like every other Shinto shrine in Japan, however come sundown, when the town lights activate, you’ll have a entrance row seat to among the best views of the town from the highest of the shrine’s stone stairs.
Kurume is understood for being the house of tonkotsu ramen, so when you’re there, make sure to cease by Taiho Ramen Store for some actually genuine Japanese ramen.
3. Nanzoin’s Reclining Buddha
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Kyushu can be visiting the well-known Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple. This Buddha statue homes the stays of a number of essential figures within the Buddhist religion that have been donated by the Buddhist Congress of Myanmar in 1988. When visiting, please attempt to keep in mind that it’s a memorial web site and be as respectful as potential when you determine to take photographs.
Nanzoin Temple is barely half-hour by prepare from Hakata Station, however when you’re all in favour of attempting a once-in-a-lifetime expertise, I’d suggest staying on the Dainichiya Inn. The Dainichiya is a Buddhist temple the place monks keep whereas partaking within the Sasaguri Pilgrimage. Vacationers are additionally welcome to remain so long as there may be availability. There’s additionally a restaurant that’s open to the general public, which makes the Dainichya the proper place to eat lunch earlier than heading again to the town.
Saga
4. Yūtoku Inari Shrine
In the event you love visiting Japanese shrines, then Yutoku Inari Shrine will probably be proper up your alley. This shrine has many intricate buildings fabricated from pink lacquer which can be harking back to the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
The shrine itself rests on the face of a small mountain that gives scenic views when you’re in a position to climb to the highest. It takes round thirty minutes if you’re a fast climber to achieve the shrine, however be ready as the steps are fairly uneven and the trail, at occasions winding, generally is a little steep.
Yutoku Inari was in-built 1687 by a Daimyo to honour the god of foxes, agriculture, and swordsmiths, Inari Okami. One of many many festivals held on the shrine is the Shunki Taisai Pageant, the place attendees can admire azaleas and cherry blossoms whereas monks carry out a dance asking the gods for a very good planting season.
5. Okawachiyama Village
Established within the city of Imari across the late seventeenth century, Okawachiyama Village was as soon as the central hub of all Japanese porcelain manufacturing till the tip of the nineteenth century. Immediately, there are just a few kilns nonetheless in operation within the village and they’re simply recognised by their tall brick chimneys.
In the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do, Okawachiyama is a historic village that’s the excellent place to stroll round and take photographs of pottery artwork on show in varied locations across the village. You may peruse the various outlets alongside the cobblestone avenue that promote Nabeshima-style ware, together with cups, bowls, and plates, or cease by the Imari Village Exhibition Corridor to see some preserved items of pottery.
Close by factors of curiosity embrace the Nabeshima Kiln Bridge, which is fabricated from 1000’s of items of porcelain and the marginally farther Sueyama Shrine in close by Arita City.
6. Yobuko Squid
If you want to strive a scrumptious delicacy from Karatsu City, then we suggest attempting Yobuko Squid. From the fishing port of Yobuko, this squid is known in Kyushu and is revered for its distinctive texture and candy flavour.
Yobuko Squid has been bought because the Nineteen Seventies and continues to be a serious promoting level for vacationers who come to Karatsu to remain in a standard Japanese inn or “ryokan” and expertise recent sashimi that was harvested from the close by sea. Yobuko Squid are caught year-round and are positively price a strive!
The port of Yobuko was as soon as well-known for whaling and is now well-known for its Morning Market, the place distributors promote a wide range of seafood. You could have the choice of leaping on a ferry and taking a journey to the close by islands of Kakara and Oshima, which have many cosy mattress and breakfasts excellent for attempting this Yobuko Squid.
Nagasaki
7. Path of Temples & A Church
In Nagasaki, there may be an island known as Hirado that’s house to many relics of the Hidden Christians, Japanese individuals who have been transformed by overseas missionaries and persecuted by the Tokugawa authorities after Christianity was banned from 1614 to 1873.
There are lots of church buildings scattered by way of the Hirado island which can be superbly preserved and a must-see when you plan on driving round. Typically, it’s okay to take photographs of the skin of the church, however typically, you possibly can solely enter in case you have particular permission or are a part of the congregation.
Certainly one of these church buildings is St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church in Hirado Metropolis. It was erected subsequent to Komyoji Temple, and vacationers usually cease to take photographs of the 2 constructions side-by-side from a marked spot on the cobblestone avenue.
Close by factors of curiosity embrace Hirado Fort, the Matsūra Historic Museum, and the well-known Hirado Suspension Bridge.
8. Yumihari Park Statement Deck
About 1.5 hours by automotive from Nagasaki Metropolis is the city of Sasebo, identified for its scenic islands and American-style delicacies. The well-known Sasebo Burger is a well-liked dish to strive for vacationers. In the event you’d wish to take photographs of Nagasaki’s surrounding islands, the Yumihari Park Statement Deck is a good place to go to.
We extremely suggest trying out the “Married and Glasses Rocks,” which is a brief drive away from downtown Sasebo. There may be additionally a botanical backyard with many types of flowers that may be loved year-round. The favored theme park Huis Ten Bosch, modelled to appear to be an actual Dutch city, is maybe essentially the most visited theme park in all of Kyushu.
All of those locations are nice decisions when discovering issues to do in Kyushu and are inside cheap driving distance of Fukuoka when you’re on the lookout for a pleasant day journey.
9. Castella Cake
Castella will be present in comfort shops throughout Japan, and you might have even tried it earlier than when you’ve been to Japan. Nevertheless, we’re right here to interrupt the information that the one place to strive actually genuine Castella is none apart from Nagasaki Metropolis, the place this cake was first launched to Japan by the Portuguese.
There are numerous confectionery outlets scattered all through Nagasaki that promote Castella. You actually can’t go improper in the case of deciding on the fitting store, however when you simply so occur to be in downtown Nagasaki Metropolis, we suggest shopping for some cake from the Bunmeido Flagship retailer. The primary retailer in Japan opened in Nagasaki Metropolis within the yr 1900 and is now thought of one of many metropolis’s high premier castella outlets. We promise it will likely be higher than the castella on the comfort retailer.
Kumamoto
10. Hike Round Mount Aso
Mount Aso is a well-liked vacation spot for nature-lovers and is undoubtedly among the best issues to do in Kyushu as a result of its location contained in the Aso-Kuju Nationwide Park. We not too long ago coated Mount Nakadake and the Daikanbo lookout level in our one-day Kumamoto itinerary, however this time we’ll be specializing in the huge grassland referred to as Kusasenri-ga-hama.
Throughout the summer season, your entire park turns right into a sea of inexperienced grass and it’s by way of the center of this park which you could hike a path from the fields of Kusasenri-ga-hama to the summit of Mount Nakadake. The hike has many locations the place you possibly can catch unforgettable views of Kyushu’s most lively volcano earlier than heading again right down to the beginning on the Aso Volcano Museum. There may be additionally a close-by ranch the place you possibly can go for a horseback journey and relaxation on the close by Kusasenri Espresso Roastery.
From base to summit and again to base, the Mount Aso Loop takes round 4.5 hours. This can be a really useful path for extra skilled hikers, however it ought to completely be added to your subsequent itinerary when you love the outside.
11. Shiraito Falls
This breathtaking waterfall is about 40 minutes by automotive from Kumamoto Metropolis within the village of Nishihara. Shiraito or “white strings” is the identify of a 20-meter-high waterfall that’s set in a rural city southwest of the Aso-Kuju Nationwide Park. A bit off the overwhelmed path, Shiraito Falls is a peaceable sightseeing exercise that’s straightforward to entry if you’re getting round by automotive.
There are some beginner-friendly trails across the falls and entry prices solely 100 yen. Shiraito is named an influence spot, and there’s a close by shrine named Myouken that’s mentioned to deal with the god of the waterfall.
In the event you’re a fan of the Japanese manga One Piece, Shiraito is near Nami’s statue, and when you’re a motorsports fan, the falls are additionally shut by an attraction known as “Kenny Highway,” a winding street that’s in style amongst motorcyclists.
12. Taipien & Dagojiru
Kumamoto’s most well-known dish is basashi or “raw-horse meat,” which generally is a little bit of a tradition shock to some foreigners. In the event you aren’t able to strive basashi, don’t fear, we now have one other tasty various.
Just like the fusion delicacies of Nagasaki’s Champon, in Kumamoto, you possibly can strive a Chinese language-style soup known as Taipien. Composed of seafood and varied greens that swim in a flavorful broth crammed with bean thread vermicelli, Taipien is a well-liked dish served in Chinese language eating places all through Kumamoto and is a good instance of an genuine native dish.
Dagojiru, generally referred to as Dago soup, is one other soup that’s wealthy with greens and made with dumplings, which makes Dagojiru a comforting addition to any meal. Dagojiru has completely different names in Kumamoto, and we extremely suggest giving it a strive when you’re on the lookout for extra vegetarian-friendly choices.
Kagoshima
13. Kirishima Shrine
Resting on the face of Mount Takachiho on the foot of the Kirishima Kinkowan Nationwide Park, Kirishima Jingu was constructed to enshrine Ninigi-no-Mikoto, an essential determine in Japanese mythology and great-grandfather of the primary emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu.
Based on legend, Ninigi no Mikoto is believed to have introduced with him the three sacred treasures of Japan after his grandmother, the solar goddess Amaterasu, despatched him right down to the untamed land of Japan.
In-built 1715, Kirishima Jingu is a good place to obtain your omikuji and get your fortune learn. There’s a tall sacred tree guarding the principle constructing. The paranormal environment will be felt at each step at this prestigious shrine, particularly when you observe the trail to the left of the shrine’s primary constructing and go to the smaller yama or “mountain” shrine, which is surrounded by timber which can be a whole lot of years outdated.
14. Kaimondake Volcanic Park & Lake Ikeda
The Kaimondake Volcano is a stratospheric volcano which sits on the southwestern peninsula of Kagoshima. Also known as the “Mount Fuji of Satsuma,” this incredible geopark can also be the place you’ll find Lake Ikeda, which was shaped because of the excessive volcanic exercise within the area and is alleged to be house to a lake monster named “Issie.”
Kaimondake tends to be overshadowed by Kagoshima’s most well-known and lively volcano, Sakurajima, however you’ll thank us later when you determine to spend a while discovering one of the best issues to do in Ibusuki Metropolis!
Factors of curiosity for this Ibusuki embrace: Cape Nagasakibana, the Saraku Sand Bathtub Corridor, the place you possibly can strive a sand bathtub, Hirakiki Shrine, the Golden Torii gate, and the Ibusuki ferry terminal, the place you possibly can take a ship to close by islands, together with Yakushima, which impressed the setting for the Studio Ghibli movie Princess Mononoke.
Miyazaki
15. Go Browsing in Hyuga
Kyushu Island attracts 1000’s of surfers every year, and most will agree that among the greatest locations to catch a wave are in Miyazaki.
In the event you’re new to browsing and nonetheless attempting to study the fundamentals, we suggest trying out our one-day information to Miyazaki to see the place you possibly can take classes which can be beginner-friendly. In the event you’re a professional, then we suggest trying out the Okuragahama Surf Level within the city of Hyuga. Recognized for having constant waves and exquisite sunrises, Okuragahama is a well-liked hangout spot for surfers. In the event you like swimming, locals usually head as much as close by Isagahama Seaside.
Hyuga is known for the Sea Cross Overlook, which has an aerial view of a singular rock formation that resembles a cross. In the event you head to the sting of the park, the Umagase statement deck has some actually unforgettable views of the cliffs and the ocean.
16. Go to the Studio Ghibli Spots
In the event you’re a severe Hayao Miyazaki fan, then you might have heard of certainly one of his earlier works, a movie known as Laputa: The Fort In The Sky. Miyazaki (the prefecture) is not any stranger to Studio Ghibli’s most beloved characters. Happening a treasure hunt to search out the entire completely different artwork installations of a few of Miyazaki’s (the director) most well-known characters may simply be one of the best factor to do in Kyushu.
The Laputa Robotic is simply outdoors Nobeoka Metropolis in a quiet park, surrounded by timber, which is sort of befitting of the Laputa Robotic Troopers from the movie. The Laputa Robotic is joined by different characters from completely different Ghibli movies, together with Spirited Away, Howl’s Shifting Fort, and even Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
Miyazaki prefecture alone has at the least 4 life-sized Totoro Bus Stops, however there are numerous extra statues to be discovered all through Kyushu.
17. Heiwadai & The Haniwa
Some of the underrated Kyushu points of interest is Heiwadai and its impressive-looking “Tower of Peace” which stands on the centre of Heiwadai Park. Constructed solely 5 years earlier than the tip of WWII, the tower was as soon as a logo of Japanese imperialism and reworked into a logo for peace after Princess Shimazu visited Heiwadai and different locations in Miyazaki throughout her honeymoon.
There are lots of mountain climbing trails surrounding Heiwadai if you wish to see extra apart from the tower. Simply be ready for plenty of stairs and sudden inclines or declines! In the event you’re an artwork historical past lover, the Haniwa Park has many statues which can be free to have a look at and admire up shut. In the event you’re questioning what to do in Kyushu that doesn’t require quite a lot of strenuous exercise, the Haniwa Park will probably be excellent for you.
Oita
18. Furen Limestone Cave
Thought of to be some of the lovely caves in Japan, the Furen Limestone Cave system is a community of caves 60 minutes by automotive and 1.5 hours by prepare southeast of Oita Metropolis within the city of Usuki. For 1,000 yen, guests can go on self-guided excursions of this incredible cave and admire the spectacular examples of stalagmites and stalactites.
The perfect a part of Furen Limestone Cave is an space about 500 meters in known as the “Palace of the Dragon,” which marks the tip of the cave. Temperatures contained in the cave are usually round 15 levels Celsius, even in the summertime, so make sure to costume appropriately and anticipate to climb a number of stairs. The ceiling peak additionally modifications dramatically relying on the place you’re. Lastly, when you’re an animal lover, there are bats that stay within the cave, however they’re innocent.
19. Sightseeing in Nakatsu
Oita prefecture’s most well-known sightseeing spots are sometimes cited as being the Jigoku Seven Hells of Beppu Metropolis or the Floral Village in Yufuin, however right now we’ll be specializing in Nakatsu Metropolis. From the center of the town to the northeast, to Mount Hiko to the west, there are many enjoyable issues to do this make Nakatsu the proper day journey from Oita Metropolis and Fukuoka Metropolis.
The autumn foliage atop Mount Hiko is a well-liked attraction and is a beloved sightseeing spot for hikers. There are a handful of shrines on Mount Hiko, essentially the most well-known of which is Hikosan Jingu. Close by is the Onta Pottery Village, the origin of Onta-style pottery and the previous residence of the well-known British potter, Bernard Leach.
Extra scenic places embrace Sarutobi Sentsubo and the Bakeibashi Bridge. On the town, there’s Nakatsu Fort, a botanical backyard, and the Nakasu Metropolis Historical past Museum.
20. Toriten Fried Rooster
There’s no easy reply in the case of recommending the proper dish to strive in Oita, as there are too many choices to select from. It’s greatest to begin with Oita prefecture’s most well-known dish, Toriten Fried Rooster.
Toriten is taken into account a culinary juggernaut and is sort of actually bought at nearly each restaurant in Oita. It’s the proper marriage of tempura-style batter and hen. To create a good higher dish, you possibly can add toriten on high of a bowl of soba noodles and take a look at one thing known as “Toriten Soba.”
Toriten has been round because the Nineteen Sixties and is a protein-rich dish that’s excellent in your subsequent journey to Oita.
Conclusion – 20 Distinctive Issues To Do In Kyushu
Kyushu is a vacation spot that may be a must-visit for anybody trying to see a distinct facet to Japan. We hope this information has given you some inspiration for locating one of the best issues to do in Kyushu.