Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Ezra Matiasi
Here is a list of what to do in Kyushu, Japan:
- Explore Fukuoka Castle
- Stroll through the Hakata district
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony
- Try Hakata ramen
- Visit Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park
- Wander through Glover Garden
- Relax in Unzen Hot Springs
- Taste Nagasaki Champon
- Hike Mount Aso
- Take a scenic drive around Aso Kuju National Park
- Explore Aso’s lush greenery and wildlife
- Visit Takachiho Gorge
- Experience Beppu’s hot springs
- Explore the “Hells of Beppu”
- Soak in Yufuin’s hot springs
- Learn about traditional onsen etiquette
- Explore Kumamoto Castle
- Stroll through Suizenji Garden
- Experience Kagoshima Ohara Matsuri
- Learn about Kagoshima Kunchi festival
- Enjoy Kagoshima’s Kurobuta pork
- Sample Oita’s Bungo beef
- Explore Oita’s local food markets
- Try Oita’s “toriten” (tempura chicken)
- Taste Miyazaki mangoes
- Try Miyazaki chicken dishes
- Visit a Miyazaki sake brewery
Key points
- Kyushu offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and culture.
- Explore vibrant cities with traditional charm and modern buzz.
- Discover nature’s paradise through breathtaking landscapes and soothing hot springs.
- Immerse in rich history and culture, visiting legendary landmarks and festivals.
- Indulge in Kyushu’s culinary delights, from Bungo beef to succulent mangoes.
Explore the Vibrant Cities
Kyushu’s cities are a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, offering a unique insight into Japan’s cultural heritage.
Each city has its own distinctive charm, bustling markets, and delectable cuisine that will captivate your senses.
Let’s delve into the vibrant cities of Kyushu and discover the best experiences they have to offer.
Embrace Tradition in Fukuoka
Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu, is a gateway to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Here, you can immerse yourself in the traditional charm and modern buzz that coexist harmoniously.
- Discover the historical significance of Fukuoka Castle: Uncover the tales of samurai and feudal lords as you explore the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, an iconic symbol of the city’s history.
- Stroll through the bustling streets of Hakata district: Wander through the lively Hakata district, famous for its shopping streets, bustling markets, and vibrant atmosphere.
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony in a local tea house: Delve into the art of tea-making and experience the tranquillity of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a serene tea house.
- Try the mouthwatering Hakata ramen, a regional specialty: Indulge in the savoury delight of Hakata ramen, renowned for its rich pork-based broth and thin, chewy noodles.
Unwind in Nagasaki
Nagasaki, a city steeped in history, welcomes visitors with its poignant past and serene beauty.
From historical landmarks to natural wonders, Nagasaki offers a captivating experience.
- Learn about Nagasaki’s poignant history and visit the Peace Memorial Park: Pay your respects at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park, a sombre reminder of the atomic bombing during World War II.
- Wander through Glover Garden and admire Western-style architecture: Step back in time as you explore Glover Garden, showcasing beautiful Western-style houses from the late 19th century.
- Relax in an onsen at Unzen Hot Springs, surrounded by picturesque landscapes: Soothe your soul and rejuvenate your body in the therapeutic waters of Unzen Hot Springs, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas.
- Savour the local delicacy, Nagasaki Champon: Treat your taste buds to Nagasaki Champon, a hearty noodle dish featuring a delightful mix of seafood, vegetables, and savoury broth.
Dive into Nature’s Paradise
Kyushu’s natural beauty is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
From awe-inspiring volcanoes to serene hot springs, the region’s diverse landscapes offer an array of exciting activities to indulge in.
Conquer Mount Aso
Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active calderas, promises an unforgettable encounter with raw volcanic power and breathtaking vistas.
- Hike up the active volcano, Mount Aso, and witness the colossal caldera: Strap on your hiking boots and embark on a thrilling journey to the crater’s edge, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Take a scenic drive around Aso Kuju National Park: Enjoy a leisurely drive through Aso Kuju National Park, passing by lush valleys, ancient forests, and charming villages.
- Explore the lush greenery and wildlife in the Aso region: Experience the natural wonders of Aso, where verdant landscapes are home to diverse flora and fauna waiting to be discovered.
- Visit the Takachiho Gorge, known for its mesmerising waterfalls: Lose yourself in the enchanting beauty of Takachiho Gorge as you witness the stunning Manai Falls cascading into the emerald green river below.
Relax on the Onsen Trail
Kyushu is a paradise for onsen enthusiasts, boasting an array of hot springs that offer not only relaxation but also therapeutic benefits.
- Experience the therapeutic benefits of Beppu’s numerous hot springs: Beppu, known as the “City of Springs,” offers an unparalleled onsen experience with a wide variety of unique baths to choose from.
- Uncover the “Hells of Beppu,” unique and vibrant hot springs for viewing: Explore the “Jigoku” or “Hells of Beppu,” a collection of hot springs with vibrant colours and intriguing names, such as the Blood Pond Hell and the Sea Hell.
- Soak in the rejuvenating waters of Yufuin, a charming hot spring town: Enjoy a serene retreat in Yufuin, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains, where you can unwind in peaceful onsen settings.
- Learn about traditional onsen etiquette and practices: Immerse yourself in Japanese onsen culture and learn the do’s and don’ts to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience.
Immerse in Rich History and Culture
Kyushu’s history spans millennia, and its cultural heritage is deeply rooted in ancient traditions.
Explore the region’s historical landmarks and partake in traditional festivities to get a glimpse of Kyushu’s captivating past.
Visit Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle stands as a symbol of resilience and architectural marvel, offering a window into Japan’s feudal era and its legendary samurai history.
- Explore one of Japan’s most impressive castles, Kumamoto Castle: Wander through the majestic castle grounds and impressive stone walls, gaining insight into the strategic significance of this historical fortress.
- Discover the castle’s history and significance during the feudal era: Unravel the tales of samurai and daimyo that once ruled the region, and learn about the castle’s role in Japanese history.
- Stroll through Suizenji Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden: Experience tranquillity at Suizenji Garden, a meticulously designed landscape garden that embodies the essence of wabi-sabi aesthetics.
Revel in the Festivals of Kagoshima
Kagoshima’s vibrant festivals reflect the region’s cultural vibrancy, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of Kyushu’s local traditions.
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Kagoshima Ohara Matsuri: Join the lively festivities during the Kagoshima Ohara Matsuri, a traditional summer festival featuring captivating parades and traditional performances.
- Learn about the historical Kagoshima Kunchi festival and its rituals: Immerse yourself in history during the Kagoshima Kunchi festival, where you can witness time-honoured rituals and colourful displays.
- Enjoy the local Kagoshima specialties, including Kurobuta pork: Delight your taste buds with Kagoshima’s famous Kurobuta pork, known for its succulence and exceptional flavour.
Indulge in Culinary Delights
Kyushu’s culinary scene is a gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving for more.
From regional delicacies to unique dining experiences, the flavours of Kyushu are sure to tantalise your taste buds.
Delight Your Palate in Oita
Oita is a food lover’s paradise, offering a delectable array of dishes that showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage and coastal bounty.
- Sample Oita’s famous Bungo beef, a premium Japanese wagyu: Treat yourself to the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Bungo beef, a highly-prized wagyu breed raised in the lush pastures of Oita.
- Explore the local food markets and try a variety of fresh seafood: Dive into the vibrant seafood markets of Oita and indulge in the freshest catches, from succulent sashimi to grilled delicacies.
- Taste the unique “toriten” – Oita’s version of tempura chicken: Experience the crispiness of “toriten,” Oita’s specialty tempura chicken, seasoned with a perfect balance of spices.
Discover Flavors in Miyazaki
Miyazaki’s cuisine is deeply influenced by its bountiful nature, showcasing an array of fresh produce and delightful tropical flavours
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- Savour the succulent Miyazaki mangoes, a regional delicacy: Delight in the sweetness of Miyazaki mangoes, revered for their exceptional taste and quality.
- Try the famous Miyazaki chicken dishes prepared in various styles: Treat yourself to a variety of mouthwatering chicken dishes, including the renowned Miyazaki chicken nanban and yakitori.
- Experience the process of making traditional Japanese sake at a local brewery: Immerse yourself in the art of sake brewing with a visit to one of Miyazaki’s sake breweries and sample the region’s finest rice wine.
With convenient access by land, sea, and air, Kyushu exudes energy, culture, and excitement.
As Japan’s third-largest island, it boasts international fame for its mouthwatering tonkotsu ramen, diverse hot springs, awe-inspiring mountains, and serene beaches.
Kyushu, a land of natural wonders, is characterised by a complex system of volcanic ranges.
In the southern region, a subtropical climate prevails, fostering lush vegetation and abundant rainfall.
The island’s remarkable landscapes include the world’s largest active volcanic crater, Mount Aso, as well as the captivating Aso-Kuju, Kirishima-Yaku, and Unzen-Amakusa national parks.
Nature enthusiasts are in for a treat with Kyushu’s breathtaking volcanic beauty and rich biodiversity.
Kyushu’s seasonal beauty offers diverse experiences throughout the year.
Late October to mid-November is the perfect time to witness the stunning autumnal foliage, adding vibrant colours to the landscapes.
For cherry blossom enthusiasts, the last week of March to the first week of April is when the region comes alive with the delicate blooms of cherry trees.
Moreover, Kyushu’s warm climate makes winter an appealing choice, offering a pleasant escape during the colder months.
Whether you prefer the fiery hues of autumn, the ephemeral cherry blossoms in spring, or the cosy charm of winter, Kyushu has something special to offer in every season.
Hakata tonkotsu ramen proudly claims the top spot among Kyushu’s local dishes.
Featuring straight and exceptionally thin noodles bathing in a rich, cloudy broth, this delectable dish is prepared by simmering pork bones for hours, resulting in a flavoursome and hearty broth.
The best part is, you get to personalise your ramen experience by selecting your preferred noodle firmness.
A bowl of Hakata tonkotsu ramen is a true delight for your taste buds, and a must-try culinary experience when visiting Kyushu.
The Hōnichi dialect (豊日方言|Hōnichi hōgen) is a distinctive group of Japanese dialects predominantly spoken in eastern Kyushu.
Interestingly, the Hōnichi dialect shows certain similarities to the Western Japanese dialect (Chūgoku dialect) rather than being closely aligned with other Kyushu dialects.
This linguistic peculiarity adds to the region’s cultural diversity and showcases the intriguing variations found within the Japanese language across different regions of Kyushu.
Fukuoka, as the capital of its eponymous prefecture, holds a prominent position in Kyushu, the fourth largest and southernmost main island of Japan.
Not only is Fukuoka the capital of the prefecture, but it also stands as the primary large city in Kyushu, making it a bustling hub of culture, commerce, and vibrant urban life.
With its strategic location and dynamic atmosphere, Fukuoka plays a pivotal role in the economic and cultural landscape of the region, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience the unique charm of Kyushu.
Conclusion: What to do in Kyushu Japan
Kyushu, Japan’s hidden gem, is a treasure trove of captivating experiences, offering a perfect blend of tradition, natural beauty, and delectable cuisine.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cities, relaxing in rejuvenating hot springs, delving into history and culture, or indulging in culinary delights, Kyushu has something special to offer every traveller.
From the majestic caldera of Mount Aso to the tranquil gardens of Nagasaki, and the charm of Kumamoto Castle to the lively festivals of Kagoshima, Kyushu’s allure is irresistible.
So, embark on a journey to this enchanting region of Japan, and let Kyushu’s captivating landscapes and rich heritage create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
It’s time to immerse yourself in the wonders of Kyushu – a destination like no other!
