Kyushu Travel Guide (Japan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Kyushu

Kyushu is Japan’s southernmost island and a veritable treasure trove for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the country’s unique culture, spectacular natural beauty, and vibrant food scene. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, history or modernity, Kyushu has something to offer everyone.

Home to stunning beaches, picturesque mountains, and lush forests, Kyushu is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. For history buffs, it boasts a rich cultural heritage, with fascinating museums, ancient shrines and temples, and beautifully preserved old towns. And if you’re a foodie, Kyushu will leave you spoiled for choice, with its distinct culinary traditions and locally sourced ingredients.

This comprehensive travel guide will take you on a journey through Kyushu, giving you an inside scoop on the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture and customs to experience.

List of Places to Visit in Kyushu

Kyushu is a large island with numerous attractions to explore. Here is a list of some of the most popular places to visit:

Fukuoka
Kumamoto
Nagasaki
Beppu
Kagoshima

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kyushu is steeped in history, and visitors can explore its rich cultural heritage at numerous museums and historical sites. Some notable places to visit include:

Kumamoto Castle
Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum
Sakurajima volcano
Huis Ten Bosch theme park

Natural Attractions of Kyushu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kyushu’s stunning natural landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. Some must-visit natural attractions include:

Yakushima Island
Aso Geopark
Takachiho Gorge
Mt. Kuju

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kyushu

Kyushu is a great place for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with numerous picturesque routes available. Some popular routes to explore include:

Kyushu Nature Trail
Kuju Mountains
Yufuin Cycling Road
Kirishima Hiking Trail

Best Things to Do in Kyushu: Activities and Tours

Kyushu offers a plethora of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Some of the best things to do in Kyushu include:

Onsen soaking at hot springs
Sea kayaking in Yakushima Island
Sake tasting in Fukuoka
Whale watching in Nagasaki

Week-Long Itinerary for Kyushu

Here’s an ideal one-week itinerary for exploring Kyushu:

Day 1-2: Fukuoka
Day 3: Nagasaki
Day 4: Beppu and Yufuin
Day 5: Aso and Kurokawa Onsen
Day 6: Miyazaki and Takachiho
Day 7: Kagoshima

Food and Drink Scene of Kyushu

Kyushu is known for its unique culinary traditions and locally sourced ingredients. Some must-try dishes and local beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

Hakata ramen
Motsunabe (offal hot pot)
Karashi-renkon (spicy lotus root)
Basashi (horse meat sashimi)

Local Beverages

Shochu (Japanese distilled spirit)
Japanese sake
Amazake (sweet, low-alcohol rice drink)

Where to Stay in Kyushu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kyushu offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Some top choices include:

Henn na Hotel in Huis Ten Bosch
Ibusuki Bay Terrace Hotel & Spa
Yufuin Yumeguri Hotel Sankouen
Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu

What to Buy in Kyushu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kyushu is known for its wide range of unique and locally made souvenirs and products. Some popular items to bring home include:

Kagoshima Kurobuta (black pork) products
Yame tea
Kumamoto ramen noodles
Arita-yaki ceramics

Local Culture and Customs of Kyushu

Kyushu has distinct local customs and traditions that visitors should be aware of, such as:

Removing shoes before entering homes or temples
Bowing as a greeting
Using chopsticks while eating
Covering tattoos at public baths

Best Time to Visit Kyushu

The best time to visit Kyushu is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the island’s natural beauty is at its peak.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kyushu

Do:

Try local food and drinks
Respect local customs and traditions
Explore Kyushu’s scenic landscapes and historic sites
Be polite and courteous to locals

Don’t:

Expect to see geishas or samurais everywhere you go
Take photos of people without their permission
Be too loud or rowdy in public places
Leave tips at restaurants or hotels

Safety and Health

Safety in Kyushu

Kyushu is a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate and helpful locals. However, visitors should take common precautions such as:

Keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas
Checking weather forecasts before engaging in outdoor activities
Following local rules and regulations while driving

Health in Kyushu

Kyushu’s healthcare system is excellent, and visitors can access medical treatment at numerous hospitals and clinics on the island. However, travelers should take basic precautions such as:

Staying hydrated during hot or humid weather
Packing any necessary medication and first aid supplies
Following basic hygiene practices to avoid illness

Getting to Kyushu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kyushu is well-connected to the rest of Japan, with numerous transportation options available to travelers. Some of the ways to get to Kyushu include:

Airports Near Kyushu

Fukuoka Airport
Kagoshima Airport

Bus Stations Near Kyushu

Hakata Bus Terminal
Kumamoto Bus Center

Other Options

Bullet trains (Shinkansen) from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
Ferries from mainland Japan or nearby islands

How to Get Around in Kyushu

Kyushu has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy for travelers to get around the island. Some of the modes of transport available include:

Trains (JR Kyushu)
Buses
Taxis
Rental cars or bicycles

Where to Go Next from Kyushu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kyushu’s location makes it a great starting point for exploring other destinations in Japan or neighboring countries. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions include:

Okinawa Islands
Hiroshima
Busan, South Korea
Taipei, Taiwan

Conclusion

Kyushu is a unique and unforgettable destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, the island’s myriad attractions will leave you with lasting memories. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your Kyushu trip and make the most of your time on this beautiful island.