A Guide to Kyushu: Japan’s Best-Kept Secret

Japan is a bucket list destination for many travellers; however, few choose to venture beyond the beaten path. Yet, if you fly just two hours from Tokyo, you’ll reach Kyushu, an island brimming with unique natural wonders and rich cultural traditions. Considered the gateway to Japan, Kyushu is famous for its active volcanoes, hot springs, lush greenery, delicious food and friendly locals.

Kyushu is made up of seven different prefectures, each with its own distinct character and identity. Learn more about what each prefecture has to offer with our guide to Kyushu, Japan’s best-kept secret.

Fukuoka Prefecture

Kyushu’s Fukuoka Prefecture is often considered the geographical and historical gateway to Asia. Home to beautiful castle towns, trendy shopping districts, revered shrines and temples and lively food stalls, Fukuoka offers the perfect introduction to all Kyushu has to offer.

Top things to do in Fukuoka

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: This important Shinto shrine is located in the historic town of Dazaifu, less than an hour from Fukuoka’s city centre. Spend some time watching the local worshippers and exploring the onsite teahouses, art installations and landscaped gardens. Just a short walk away is the Kyushu National Museum, whose exhibitions focus on Kyushu’s history and interactions with Asia and Europe.

Yanagawa Canals: Visit the small rustic town of Yanagawa, located in the prefecture’s south, to enjoy a slower pace of life. Famous for its narrow canals and waterways, the best way to explore this quaint and scenic destination is to get on the water. Hop onboard a donko-bune, similar to a Venetian gondola, and drift leisurely along the river, enjoying insightful commentary on Yanagawa’s impressive history along the way.

Saga Prefecture

Saga Prefecture may be small in size, but it’s large in cultural impact. Rich in history, craft and food, this coastal prefecture was once a key trading centre and the birthplace of pottery in Japan. Trust that your visit will be filled with colourful experiences.

Top things to do in Saga

Arita Porcelain Park: Learn more about the influence of Kyushu’s porcelain on European design at Arita Porcelain Park. Designed in the style of a traditional German Village, the main attraction here is the massive reproduction of the Zwinger, a grand palace in Dresden. Why not try your hand at ceramics at the onsite pottery studio and sample sake, shochu and beer at the onsite brewery?

Sueyama Shrine: Not far from Arita Porcelain Park is the intriguing Sueyama Shrine, built in the mid-1600s to honour the deities that introduced porcelain-making to Arita. What makes this Shinto shrine unique is that its torii gate and Komainu guardian dog statues are both made from porcelain. Sueyama Shrine is also a great spot to witness Japan’s iconic spring cherry blossoms and colourful autumnal foliage.

Nagasaki Prefecture

Shaped by history, natural forces and a fusion of international influences, a trip to Nagasaki Prefecture will be nothing short of fascinating. Despite having a more turbulent past, Nagasaki boasts a remarkable culture of peace and tolerance.

Top things to do in Nagasaki

Nagasaki Peace Park: No visit to Nagasaki is complete without paying your respects at the Peace Park. Commemorating the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945, destroying a significant portion of the city, this tranquil space was created to represent a wish for world peace. Spend some time exploring the complex, comprised of two parks and a memorial museum.

Gunkanjima: Located off the coast of Nagasaki Port, the island of Gunkanjima is one of Kyushu’s most eerie attractions. Until 1974, the island served as a significant undersea coal mine, supporting a high-density population with apartments, shops and schools. When the coal serves ran out, the mine was shut down and the island was quickly abandoned. In fact, Gunkanjima means ‘Battleship Island’, as the silhouette of the deserted buildings looks like a battleship.

Kumamoto Prefecture

Known for its fighting spirit, Kumamoto Prefecture is a product of both the forces of nature and its samurai heritage. Kumamoto is symbolised by two powerful landmarks: Kumamoto Castle in the city, and the striking Mount Aso further inland.

Top things to do in Kumamoto

Kumamoto Castle: First constructed in the early 1600s, Kumamoto Castle is considered one of the most impressive in all of Japan. This castle has an eventful history, having changed hands several times and suffering damage and subsequent reconstructions over the ages. Be sure to visit the observation floor to enjoy a panoramic view of the castle grounds and the city beyond.

Mount Aso: Located in central Kyushu, Mount Aso is Japan’s largest and most active volcano. The mountain’s huge caldera has a circumference of over 100 kilometres and is surrounded by five individual peaks. Visit the crater of Mount Nakadake, famous for its milky green lake, and check out the Mount Aso Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the geology and topography of the volcano.

Oita Prefecture

In the east of Kyushu, you’ll find Oita Prefecture, whose landscape offers the perfect blend of coastal splendour and lush mountainous interior. Most famous for its hot spring towns, Oita Prefecture is a place to relax the body and get in touch with nature.

Top things to do in Oita

Hells of Beppu: The spa resort town of Beppu produces more hot spring water than anywhere else in Japan. It’s also home to the Hells of Beppu, a collection of seven hot springs that reach temperatures of over 100 degrees Celsius. While too hot to soak in, each has something different to offer. For instance, Umi Jigoku, or ‘Sea Hell’, boasts a steam-shrouded pool of milky blue water, while Chinoike Jigoku, or ‘Blood Pond Hell’ is bright red in colour.

Yufuin Onsen: For a more tranquil hot spring experience, visit one of the many onsens in the town of Yufuin. When not soaking in the thermal waters, explore the Yufuin’s quaint streets, which are lined with cafes, boutiques and galleries. At the end of the main street of Lake Kinrinko, a gorgeous natural landmark with several walking paths to follow.

Miyazaki Prefecture

Considered a home of the gods, a holiday to Miyazaki Prefecture offers a chance to immerse yourself in ancient legends. Defined by a long stretch of coast, Miyazaki Prefecture is a land of golden beaches, dense forests, dramatic gorges and hidden mountain villages.

Top things to do in Miyazaki

Takachiho Gorge: Located in northern Miyazaki, this narrow chasm was formed over 100,000 years ago after eruptions from the nearby Mount Aso volcano. Lined by 100-metre-tall basalt cliffs, Takachiho Gorge can be explored via an array of scenic walking trails. For a unique perspective, consider renting a boat to row along the Gokase River. However you choose to explore, don’t miss the dramatic Manai Falls, located partway along the gorge.

Aoshima Shrine: Located on a small island just off the coast of Miyazaki, Aoshima Shrine is deeply connected with Japanese mythology. In fact, it’s known as a lucky shrine for marriage and, if you’re lucky, you may just witness a Shinto wedding ceremony. The large red torii gate of Aoshima Shrine is positioned right next to Devil’s Washboard, a jagged bed of rock that stretches eight kilometres along the island’s coast.

Kagoshima Prefecture

Dive into a beautiful land of contrasts with a visit to Kagoshima Prefecture. Shaped by both the power of nature and the energetic people that call the prefecture home, Kagoshima is home to active volcanoes, ancient forests and tropical islands.

Top things to do in Kagoshima

Sakurajima: This active volcano and island, just off the shore of Kagoshima port, is the ultimate symbol of Kagoshima. Standing 1117 metres high, Sakurajima frequently erupts, sending plumes of ash thousands of metres into the air. Be sure to check out the Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate, which once stood three metres tall before being almost completely buried by a major volcanic eruption in 1914.

Sengan-en: This elegant home and beautifully landscaped garden was built in 1658 for the Shimadzu family, who ruled this part of Kyushu at the time. The gardens, complete with picturesque ponds, streams and shrines, span over 12 acres and offer views of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima. You can also take a self-guided tour around the house, built in a mix of traditional Japanese and European styles.

Explore Kyushu and beyond on a touring holiday

Prepare to discover an abundance of wonders in Kyushu with My Cruises’ exclusive tour holiday packages. Travelling with an expert tour leader, these in-depth discoveries offer return flights, centrally-located hotel stays, bucket list experiences and so much more.

Uncover Japan’s best-kept secret by exploring our touring holidays in Kyushu.