I love Tokyo. Absolutely love it. Love the noise and trains and crowds and music and food and organized mayhem and great restaurants and all the friends I have there. It’s great. But, sometimes I also feel a little tug at the corner of my spirit, especially if I am in an overly packed train, and I think, “Ah… wouldn’t it be nice to get out of the city a little, stretch out my arms and feel something different, something more open and free…” And then I think about a great road trip to take. Today I am thinking about Kyushu, or rather the Kyushu region.
Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, is a region known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural attractions. It is one of the most overlooked parts of Japan as most people travel from Tokyo to Osaka to Kyoto to MAYBE… one more place. But they don’t seem to get all the way out to Kyushu. Maybe they are missing out on something marvelous.
Here are 10 great things to do in Kyushu:
- Visit Fukuoka:
- Explore Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu, known for its vibrant street food scene at places like the Nakasu Yatai district.
- Visit Ohori Park, a large, scenic park with a beautiful lake and historical significance.
- Bathe in an Onsen:
- Kyushu is famous for its hot springs (onsen). Beppu and Yufuin are two popular onsen towns where you can relax in traditional Japanese baths surrounded by stunning landscapes.
- Discover Nagasaki’s History:
- Explore the history of Nagasaki, a city with a significant role in Japan’s history and home to attractions such as the Nagasaki Peace Park and the Glover Garden.
- Hike the Kunisaki Peninsula:
- The Kunisaki Peninsula offers beautiful hiking trails with ancient shrines and stunning coastal views. It’s a great place to connect with nature and experience rural Japan.
- Visit Kumamoto Castle:
- Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan’s most impressive castles. Explore the grounds and learn about its history. The castle was damaged in an earthquake, but restoration efforts are ongoing.
- Experience Kagoshima’s Volcanic Wonders:
- Kagoshima is known for its active volcano, Sakurajima. Take a ferry to the island, and you can even soak in an onsen with a view of the smoking volcano.
- Explore Aso Caldera:
- Aso Caldera is one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Visit Aso Kuju National Park to see the Aso Mountains and the picturesque Kusasenri Plateau.
- Sample Kyushu Cuisine:
- Enjoy the unique local dishes of Kyushu, such as Hakata ramen in Fukuoka, Kumamoto’s famous basashi (horse sashimi), and Kagoshima’s Kurobuta pork.
- Walk through Takachiho Gorge:
- Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture is a stunning natural attraction with waterfalls and basalt columns. Take a rowboat through the gorge for a magical experience.
- Participate in a Festivals:
- Kyushu hosts various festivals throughout the year. Consider attending events like the Hakata Gion Yamakasa in Fukuoka, where participants race through the streets carrying massive floats.
As you are planning your own Japan escape and adventure there are really a huge amount of places to go and see. I think that the biggest hinderance for many is that they are not sure where to go, how to get there, and what are they going to do if they can’t understand what is going on. Leave all that to us! We get you to places untouristed, on the path less traveled, and help you carve out your own amazing and unique Japan Adventure
mark@transformationaljapan.com
