Kyushu Region Travel Guide Experience rich nature and history in southwestern Japan
ONE OF A KIND, KYUSHU

Set off to see
unfiltered colors of Kyushu.

From steaming volcanic craters and ancient mossy rainforests to open-air Yatai food stalls and thermal bathhouses, discover Japan’s vibrant southern island.

DESTINATIONS

One of a kind places

Seven distinct prefectures and ancient offshore islands—each offering unique landscapes, culinary traditions, and cultural heritage.

Fukuoka City Yatai Fukuoka Prefecture

Fukuoka

Kyushu's energetic northern gateway, world-famous for open-air Yatai food stalls, rich Hakata Tonkotsu ramen, and historic temples and shrines.

Explore Fukuoka →
Kumamoto Castle & Mt. Aso Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto

Home to one of Earth's largest volcanic calderas of Mt. Aso, sweeping emerald grasslands, and the iconic stone-walled Kumamoto Castle.

Explore Kumamoto →
Beppu Onsen Hells Oita Prefecture

Oita

Japan’s hot spring epicenter. Witness the steaming 'Hells of Beppu' and unwind in boutique ryokans tucked beneath Mt.Yufu.

Explore Oita →
Nagasaki Harbor View Nagasaki Prefecture

Nagasaki

A captivating harbor city shaped by centuries of international trade, European architecture, and island archipelagos.

Explore Nagasaki →
Kagoshima Sakurajima Active Volcano Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima

Overseen by the constantly smoldering Sakurajima volcano, famous for natural volcanic sand baths and Kurobuta pork.

Explore Kagoshima →
Takachiho Gorge Miyazaki Miyazaki Prefecture

Miyazaki & Takachiho

The mythical heart of Japanese creation lore, featuring breathtaking basalt river gorges, palm-lined beaches, and sunlit coastlines.

Explore Miyazaki →
Saga Arita Porcelain Pottery Saga Prefecture

Saga & Pottery Towns

The birthland of Japanese porcelain in historic Arita and Imari, complemented by Ureshino’s silky hot spring waters.

Explore Saga →
Yakushima Ancient Rainforest World Heritage

Yakushima Island

UNESCO World Heritage primeval rainforest featuring 7,000-year-old Yakusugi cedars that inspired Studio Ghibli’s animation film "Princess Mononoke".

Explore Yakushima →
Yakushima Ancient Rainforest Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa is Japan’s premier tropical island destination, famous for crystal-clear turquoise waters, rich Ryukyu culture, and a relaxed island lifestyle.

Explore Okinawa →
ACTIVITIES & CULTURE

One of a kind experiences

Immerse yourself in authentic rituals, geothermal wonders, and rich traditions unique to Kyushu.

♨️

Geothermal Onsen Rituals

Soak in therapeutic mineral waters, mud baths, and steam caves across Beppu, Yufuin, and Kurokawa Onsen's secluded mountain valleys.

🌋

Active Volcanic Peaks

Hike along the active craters of Mt. Aso and Sakurajima, feeling the subterranean pulse of Japan’s fiery volcanic backbone.

🍜

Hakata Yatai & Food Trails

Pull up a stool at Nakasu’s iconic riverfront Yatai food stalls for rich Tonkotsu ramen, grilled yakitori, and icy local shochu.

🏯

Samurai Castles & Fortresses

Walk through majestic samurai manors and massive stone fortresses in Kumamoto, Saga, and Shimabara Peninsula.

🚂

JR Kyushu Designer Trains

Travel in ultimate style aboard luxury sightseeing trains like 'Seven Stars in Kyushu', 'Aso Boy!', and the dark-gilded '36plus3'.

⛩️

Mythological Shrines

Witness sacred Kagura fire dances and explore cavernous shrines hidden within Takachiho’s emerald river ravines.

SEASONAL FESTIVALS

One of a kind events

View Event Calendar
1–15 JULY
Fukuoka Prefecture

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

A 700-year-old festival where teams race massive 1-ton decorated floats through Fukuoka streets at breakneck speed.

Two weeks FEB
Nagasaki Prefecture

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Over 15,000 glowing Chinese lanterns illuminate Nagasaki’s Chinatown in a brilliant celebration of music, dragon dances, and food.

2–4 NOV
Saga Prefecture

Karatsu Kunchi Festival

Gigantic lacquer floats shaped like lions, sea dragons, and samurai helmets parade through historic coastal streets.

TRIP PLANNER

Kyushu Holiday Quiz

Answer a few quick questions to generate your custom Kyushu adventure itinerary.

Question 1 of 3

Which holiday landscape is calling you?

Question 2 of 3

Who are you travelling with?

Question 3 of 3

How long do you plan to explore Kyushu?

FEATURED GUIDES

Travel Guides and Tips about Kyushu

FEATURED ROAD TRIP

The Ultimate 7-Day Kyushu Volcanic Trail

Drive through crater passes, misty hot spring mountain towns, and ancient cedar forests from Fukuoka down to Kagoshima.

Read Full Itinerary →
GOURMET CRAWL

Kyushu Ramen Pilgrimage: Hakata to Kagoshima

Discover why Kyushu is Japan's undisputed ramen epicenter, from rich milky pork bone broth in Hakata to garlic-infused Kumamoto styles.

Read Food Guide →
JR Kyushu Scenic Train
RAIL PASS GUIDE

Exploring Kyushu by JR Designer Trains

Everything you need to know about navigating Kyushu using the All Kyushu Rail Pass and riding world-famous designer trains.

Read Train Guide →