Kushima Travel Guide

Plan your next adventure with our comprehensive travel guide to Kushima. Discover the best attractions, activities, accommodations, local cuisine, and customs of this charming city.


Introduction to Kushima

Located in Miyazaki Prefecture, in Kyushu, Japan, Kushima is a charming coastal city that offers an abundance of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Whether you are seeking to explore the local history, soak up the Japanese seaside lifestyle, or embark on exciting excursions, Kushima has it all. In this travel guide, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information, tips, and recommendations to plan a memorable trip to this vibrant city.

List of Places to Visit in Kushima

With a wide variety of attractions and sightseeing spots, Kushima will offer something for every traveler. Here’s a list of some of the must-see places in Kushima:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kushima Castle Ruins - a historical site that dates back to the Sengoku period
  • Kushima City Museum - explore the city’s rich history and culture
  • Takachiho Shrine - a picturesque shrine located on a hill with scenic views

Natural Attractions of Kushima: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cape Toi - a natural park with stunning sea views and unique rock formations
  • Namino Beach - a beautiful beach with crystal clear water and fine sand
  • Hyuga-nada Sea - famous for its magnificent view of the sunrise

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kushima

Kushima offers a wide variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts, including several hiking and biking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Some popular hiking and biking routes in Kushima include:

  • Tengu-no-Michi Trail - a scenic trail that winds through lush green forests and past beautiful waterfalls
  • Cape Toi Nature Trail - a challenging hike that leads up to the iconic Cape Toi Lighthouse
  • Hyuganada Cycling Road - a picturesque cycling route that offers stunning views of the sparkling sea

Best Things to Do in Kushima: Activities and Tours

Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, Kushima offers an abundance of exciting activities and tours to keep you entertained throughout your stay. Here are some of the best things to do in Kushima:

  • Take a relaxing boat trip to observe the stunning sea landscapes and marine life
  • Learn the traditional cuisine of Kyushu by joining a cooking class
  • Try your hand at making pottery, traditional Japanese paper or indigo dyeing

Week-Long Itinerary for Kushima

For those planning a more extended stay in Kushima, here’s a sample week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore Kushima City Museum and Kushima Castle Ruins
2 Hike the Tengu-no-Michi Trail
3 Visit Cape Toi and the Namino Beach
4 Take a boat trip to observe the sea landscapes and marine life
5 Enjoy a cooking class to learn the local cuisine
6 Explore Takachiho Shrine and Hombu Cave
7 Appreciate the beauty of sunrise at Hyuga-nada Sea

Food and Drink Scene of Kushima

Must-Try Dishes

Kushima is popular for its authentic, traditional Japanese cuisine, and seafood is a must-try in this coastal city. Here are some of the essential dishes you must try in Kushima:

  • Nishin-soba: a type of soba noodle with herring
  • Shiokara: lightly pickled seafood and fish guts
  • Tako-yaki: a type of ball-shaped snack with octopus

Local Beverages

While in Kushima, be sure to try some of the local beverages. Here are some of the best local drinks to taste:

  • Shochu: a distinctive Japanese alcoholic beverage
  • Awamori: a distilled spirit unique to Okinawa
  • Japanese green tea: a signature beverage that has been a part of Japan’s culture for centuries

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

Kushima has plenty of accommodation options for travelers with various budgets and preferences, from comfortable hotels to affordable hostels and guesthouses. Here are some recommended accommodation choices:

  • Shiosai-no-yado Seaside Inn Kushima: a hotel located by the ocean with luxurious facilities
  • Yuyado-Cyuukaen: a traditional Japanese-style inn with hot springs
  • Grameen House Kushima: a guesthouse that welcomes backpackers and solo travelers on a budget

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

Kushima is famed for its rich cultural heritage and unique local products. Here are some of the souvenirs and local products to consider bringing back home:

  • Handmade Pottery: a traditional Japanese art form
  • Shochu: a distinct Japanese alcoholic beverage
  • Sea Urchin: a premium seafood delicacy.

Local Culture and Customs of Kushima

Kushima has a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved for centuries. Some of the unique cultural customs of Kushima include:

  • Omotenashi: the Japanese spirit of hospitality, which is highly valued by the locals
  • Kushima Dolls: locally crafted dolls that represent the city’s rich history and culture
  • Hina Matsuri: a traditional Japanese festival that takes place in March, celebrating girls’ growth and prosperity.

Best Time to Visit Kushima

Kushima has a mild climate, and visitors can enjoy the city’s attractions throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Kushima is from late spring to early summer (April to June) or late summer to early autumn (August to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and there are many local festivals and events to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kushima

Do:

  • Do bow slightly when greeting someone
  • Do be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  • Don’t tip at restaurants or service-oriented establishments
  • Don’t eat while walking in public
  • Don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or certain buildings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kushima

Kushima is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take general precautions, such as keeping their valuables secured and being aware of their surroundings, especially when in crowded or unfamiliar places.

Health in Kushima

There are no significant health concerns or vaccinations required to visit Kushima. However, travelers should always take necessary precautions, such as practicing good hygiene, drinking bottled water, and wearing sunscreen/hat outdoors.

Getting to Kushima: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kushima is easily accessible by different modes of transportation, with detailed infrastructure connecting the city to other parts of Japan. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Kushima

  • Miyazaki Airport (approx. 2-hour train ride to Kushima)

Bus Stations Near Kushima

  • JR Kushima Station: Kushima is on the JR Nippo Line, which connects to other parts of Kyushu and Japan.

Other Options

  • Renting a car: an excellent option for those who want more flexibility and independence to explore the city at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Kushima

Kushima is relatively small, and visitors can easily navigate around the city on foot, by bike, or by car. Public transportation is also available.

Where to Go Next from Kushima: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kushima is ideally located within proximity to other exciting destinations and attractions. Some nearby destinations and activities to include in your itinerary after your Kushima visit include:

  • Aoshima Island
  • Ebino Kogen volcano
  • Udo Shrine

Conclusion

Kushima offers an excellent balance of cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures, and natural beauty. This travel guide provides you with comprehensive information to help you plan your trip and enjoy all that Kushima has to offer. Whether you’re here to see the city’s historical sites, explore the outdoors, learn the local culture, or indulge in authentic local cuisine, Kushima offers something for everyone.

Cape Toi Lighthouse Cape Toi Lighthouse Kojima Island Kojima Island