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KYUSHU

Activity

Amakusa, Sakitsu Village

"Amakusa, Sakatsu Village" is one of the constituent assets of the "Hidden Christian sites in Nagasaki and Amakusa region."
Even during the time of persecution, the faith was continued for more than 250 years by cultivating a unique form of belief using familiar things in daily life and business as religious items, such as revering the pattern inside of shells that resemble Mother Mary.

Activity

Mt.Aso

Entry to Mount Aso's crater has been restricted since the mountain erupted in October 2016, but now the tourist route has been reopened. The First Crater of Aso Nakadake, one of the five peaks surrounding Mount Aso in Kumamoto, is one of the few tourist destinations in the world where you can experience volcanic activities up close. (The photo shows Kusa-Senrigahama, a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.)

Activity

Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa Onsen is one of the renowned hot spring resort towns found in the Kyushu area. It is located in Minami-Oguni Town in the Aso district of Kumamoto Prefecture. The town's Information Center offers information on the variety of popular hot spring baths available in Kurokawa, and will also recommend bathing spots and accommodations to suit your needs. There are also many baths that can be visited on day trips.

Accommodation

Shimoda Onsen

Shimoda Onsen is located just inland from the west coast of Amakusa, an area famous for its beautiful sunsets. The water in the hot spring baths is sourced entirely from the source spring and is said to be beneficial for healing cuts and for recovery from exhaustion. It has a long history, with the first hot spring baths believed to have appeared here some 750 years ago. There is also a legend that the spring burst forth from a spot where an injured egret was soothing its wounds.

Culture

Yachiyoza

he Yachiyoza playhouse was built in 1910. Once open, it was used for various types of shows, entertaining audiences in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, but fell into decline as television became more popular. Subsequently, however, a local campaign to restore the theater resulted in its designation as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1988, and even today, it hosts a variety of performances.

Activity

Kencho Promenade

The promenade that leads to the entrance of the Kumamoto Prefectural Office is lined with 54 Ginkgo biloba trees, which are at their most beautiful around mid-November.

Culture

Kumamoto Castle

Tabaruzaka in Kumamoto, where a fierce battle took place during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, has several tourist sites.

Culture

Tabaruzaka Museum

Tabaruzaka in Kumamoto, where a fierce battle took place during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, has several tourist sites. Among them are Tabaruzaka Museum, which exhibits a variety of materials on the Rebellion. Also, in Tabaruzaka Park, a restored house stands to show scars of the battle.

Activity

Kikuchi Valley

The Kikuchi Valley is located in a corner of the Aso Kuju National Park in the northeastern part of Kikuchi city, and the subterranean river water springing from Aso somma is so pure that it could be selected as one of the Selected One Hundred Exquisite Waters of Japan.

Activity

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

One of the famous power spots in Aso in Kumamoto is the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine. As you climb up the approach road, along which there are nearly 100 lanterns, you feel as if you’ve entered a different world. It also became famous as a setting in a popular manga, and many people visit from all over the country.

Activity

Amakusa, Sakitsu Village

"Amakusa, Sakatsu Village" is one of the constituent assets of the "Hidden Christian sites in Nagasaki and Amakusa region."
Even during the time of persecution, the faith was continued for more than 250 years by cultivating a unique form of belief using familiar things in daily life and business as religious items, such as revering the pattern inside of shells that resemble Mother Mary.

Activity

Kikuchi Valley

The Kikuchi Valley is located in a corner of the Aso Kuju National Park in the northeastern part of Kikuchi city, and the subterranean river water springing from Aso somma is so pure that it could be selected as one of the Selected One Hundred Exquisite Waters of Japan.

Activity

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

One of the famous power spots in Aso in Kumamoto is the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine. As you climb up the approach road, along which there are nearly 100 lanterns, you feel as if you’ve entered a different world. It also became famous as a setting in a popular manga, and many people visit from all over the country.

Accommodation

Shimoda Onsen

Shimoda Onsen is located just inland from the west coast of Amakusa, an area famous for its beautiful sunsets. The water in the hot spring baths is sourced entirely from the source spring and is said to be beneficial for healing cuts and for recovery from exhaustion. It has a long history, with the first hot spring baths believed to have appeared here some 750 years ago. There is also a legend that the spring burst forth from a spot where an injured egret was soothing its wounds.

Culture

Yachiyoza

The Yachiyoza playhouse was built in 1910. Once open, it was used for various types of shows, entertaining audiences in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, but fell into decline as television became more popular. Subsequently, however, a local campaign to restore the theater resulted in its designation as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1988, and even today, it hosts a variety of performances.

Activity

Kencho Promenade

The promenade that leads to the entrance of the Kumamoto Prefectural Office is lined with 54 Ginkgo biloba trees, which are at their most beautiful around mid-November.

Culture

Kumamoto Castle

Tabaruzaka in Kumamoto, where a fierce battle took place during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, has several tourist sites.

Culture

Tabaruzaka Museum

Tabaruzaka in Kumamoto, where a fierce battle took place during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, has several tourist sites. Among them are Tabaruzaka Museum, which exhibits a variety of materials on the Rebellion. Also, in Tabaruzaka Park, a restored house stands to show scars of the battle.

Activity

Mt.Aso

Entry to Mount Aso's crater has been restricted since the mountain erupted in October 2016, but now the tourist route has been reopened. The First Crater of Aso Nakadake, one of the five peaks surrounding Mount Aso in Kumamoto, is one of the few tourist destinations in the world where you can experience volcanic activities up close. (The photo shows Kusa-Senrigahama, a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.)

Activity

Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa Onsen is one of the renowned hot spring resort towns found in the Kyushu area. It is located in Minami-Oguni Town in the Aso district of Kumamoto Prefecture. The town's Information Center offers information on the variety of popular hot spring baths available in Kurokawa, and will also recommend bathing spots and accommodations to suit your needs. There are also many baths that can be visited on day trips.

Activity

Sakurai Futamigaura, Itoshima

Selected one of the 100 most beautiful sunset views and one of the 100 best beaches in Japan, Sakurai Futamigaura in Itoshima is famous for the two giant “married couple rocks” that are joined by a “Shimenawa” rope and the torii gate standing on the beach. Also known as Chikuzen-Futamigaura, it is recognized as a great sunset viewing spot as opposed to the pair of rocks in Futamigaura in Mie Prefecture that are famous for the sunrise. The two rocks standing together in the middle of the sea 150 meters away from the beach have become the symbol of marital happiness and matchmaking.

Food

Nakasu Yatai

Nakasu is an area with a great sense of history that has long flourished as an outlet of culture and information. It includes Kushida Shrine, which has always upheld Hakata's traditional culture, and Canal City Hakata, an entertainment spot that is home to the latest trends. As the sun sets, the yatai, traditional Japanese street food stalls, start to appear.

Culture

Hakata Traditional Performing Arts Centre

In November 2017, the "Hakata Traditional Performing Arts Centre" was launched as a new sightseeing spot to "touch" and "experience" Hakata's traditional culture in front of its guardian, the Kushida Shrine of Hakata. This facility also serves as the "Hakata Kenban Office/Rehearsal Hall."*1 *1 There are no routinely scheduled performances.

Accommodation

Nansuikaku

Wakita Onsen is a hot spring town located midway between the two cities of Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Nansuikaku is a hot spring accommodation that boasts 10 different types of open-air baths as well as a large indoor bath and private baths. Nestled in a rich, leafy natural environment, guests can enjoy hot spring baths, delicious meals, and heartfelt hospitality, while listening to the sound of the Inunaki River. The ryokan has undergone a full renovation in 2012 to offer greater comfort to guests.

Activity

Kawachi Wisteria Garden

The Kawachi Wisteria Garden was selected as one of the “31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan” by the U.S. news channel CNN in 2015. Its main attraction is the beautiful shades of wisteria flower tunnels. The garden is privately owned by founder Masao Higuchi and his family, who have been devoting themselves to growing wisteria flowers with great care and a deep love for over 50 years. As you walk through the beautiful blossoming wisteria trees of 22 different varieties, their rich fragrances surround you. The garden displays different tunnels, domes, and a huge trellis draped in wisteria flowers grown with respect to the will of the founder and offering a stunning sight that you can never get tired of looking at.

Culture

Dazaifu Tenmangu

Dazaifu Tenmangu is a popular spiritual spot and a tourist destination in Fukuoka. There you can purchase rice cake sweets called "Umegae mochi" on the path leading up to the shrine and enjoy events such as "Kyokusui no utage." Dazaifu Tenmangu is a shrine with a pavilion built over the grave of Michizane Sugawara—an eternal dedication to his spirit. It is worshipped as the god of academic achievement, integrity, and protection against bad luck, attracting around eight million visitors per year, not only from around the country but all over the world.

Activity

Ainoshima Island

Located about 20 minutes by ferry from Shingu Port on the outskirts of Fukuoka City, Ainoshima is a small island which you can walk all the way around. It is a historic island depicted in Man’yoshu, the oldest anthology of Japanese poetry, while also being involved in cultural exchange with Korea even during the Edo period (1603-1868) when Japan was closed off to the world. While a variety of activities including fishing, birdwatching, and hiking can be enjoyed, the island has garnered attention among cat lovers as a "cat island" where you can encounter around 150 to 200 cats roaming around freely.

Activity

Mojiko

Mojiko Retro's charms include its streetscape with quaint architecture as well as "Yaki Curry." Mojiko Retro attracts attention in the Kanmon Straits area in particular, featuring quaint architecture such as Mojiko Station, the Old Moji Customs Building and the former Mitsui Club; you can feel the atmosphere of the olden days. The area is also known for having originated the sales pitch for bananas, and you can hear boisterous salespersons selling their goods on holidays.

Accommodation

Glamping Fukuoka

Opened in 2017, Glamping Fukuoka is a luxury glamping resort along the coastline that lets you experience empty-handed, premium camping. Glamping is a term that defines the concept of glamorous camping. It is an all-new style of camping that offers hotel-like luxury and comfort in the midst of the great nature. Guests can enjoy various activities such as horseback riding on the beach while looking over the Genkai Sea as well as a sushi-making lesson using locally sourced seafood.

Culture

Kokura Castle

Kokura Castle was built in 1602 in the center of the town of Kokura by Tadaoki Hosokawa, a samurai warrior of the Warring States Period (late 15th century to late 16th century). The current building was completely restored in 1959, with a castle keep of an unusual style referred to as a “Karazukuri,” in which the top floor is larger than the floor below. The adjacent Katsuyama Park has around 300 cherry trees, which are in full bloom in the spring, offering visitors a splendid view.

Activity

Sakurajima

Sakurajima, the major tourist destination in Kagoshima Prefecture, is one of the world's major active volcanoes, with the smoke still rising from its crater. It is located about 4 km from central Kagoshima City and a 15-minute ferry ride from the downtown area.

Activity

Ibusuki Natural Sand Bath Center Saraku

Ibusuki Sunamushi Onsen sand bath is the world’s one and only natural sand bath. The health benefits of the sand bath are said to be three to four times greater than that of a regular hot spring. After taking a sand bath, your body and mind will feel completely detoxified and refreshed. This unique bathing experience involves putting on a yukata robe, lying down, and being buried in the hot beach sand, which is heated by the hot spring water bubbling beneath the coastline. After about 10 minutes in the sand, your whole body will be soaked with sweat. Nothing is more relaxing than listening to the sounds of waves as you lay by the sea with your whole body wrapped in the warming sand.

Activity

Yakushima

Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is one of the World Heritage Site’s popular tourist destinations. Located 600 to 1,050 meters above sea level, it is designated as a national recreational forest for its abundant yaku sugi cedar trees.

Activity

Kirishima-Jingu

Imagine yourself wearing a kimono and walking leisurely through the shrine believed to be the site where the grandson of the sun goddess descended in ancient days. This program, “Stroll through Kirishima-Jingu Shrine in a Kimono” is a great way to get away from your daily life and experience something completely new!

Culture

Sego-don Mura Village

The Hinatayama Sego-don Mura Village now has a new addition a Saigo Takamori-themed inn. Situated in the Hinatayama Onsen Village, the inn’s building is modeled after the Ryuho Residence Saigo used to stay at when on vacation in the village, thus making it a historically important facility as well. Complete with a beautiful Japanese garden, this facility provides a new great tourist attraction.

Food

Kagomma Furusato Yataimura

Some food stalls in Kagomma Furusato Yataimura are open for lunch, offering a variety of great-tasting local Kagoshima specialties at reasonable prices.

Accommodation

Kirishima hot spring village

Kirishima is one of Kagoshima’s leading hot spring resorts, with many hot spring hotels and ryokan that let their overnight guests and day-trippers alike enjoy hot spring bathing.

Culture

Museum of the Meiji Restoration

Museum of the Meiji Restoration in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima, has so many attractive features.

Activity

Tanegashima Space Center

Visitors to JAXA Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane-cho can look around its facilities on their own or join a guided tour led by a full-time guide.

Shopping

Tenmonkan Shopping Street

Tenmonkan Street in Kagoshima-shi is known as the biggest and most thriving shopping street in Kagoshima.

Culture

Aoshima, Aoshima Shrine

Miyazaki City is a popular destination, embracing great tourist attractions such as Aoshima Shrine and Miyazaki Shrine.

Activity

Ikoma Plateau

The tourist attractions in Kobayashi City include Ikoma Plateau, known for its beautiful cosmos flowers, and Ebino Plateau, where you can enjoy a variety of seasonal beauty throughout the year. At Idenoyama Park, you can relax in nature and visit a freshwater fish aquarium.

Activity

Cape Toi

Kushima City is a tourist destination where you can see horses at Cape Toi and monkeys at Kojima. This is the perfect place to see wild animals in majestic scenery.

Activity

Nango Onsen Yamagiri

Legend has it that the hot springs of Nango Onsen sprang from the mountains behind the shrine dedicated to the Kudara (Baekje) royal family on the day of the noborimashi (the visit by Isaga Shrine to Hiki Jinja in Kijo and the ceremonial welcoming bonfires at the torii gate) of the Shiwasu Matsuri, one of Misato's top three festivals.

Food

Teppanyaki Steak House Miyakichu

Miyazaki Beef, the epitome of Miyazaki Wagyu. It has won the Prime Minister’s Prize at the National Competitive Exhibition of Wagyu three years running. Steakhouse “Miyachiku” in Shinbeppu Town, in the city of Miyazaki, is where you can enjoy Miyazaki Beef. Delicious wagyu beef, which has passed stringent criteria and received national recognition, is served in teppanyaki style.To be classed as Miyazaki Beef, the animal must be of the Japanese Black (Kuroge) breed, born and raised in Miyazaki P…

Culture

Obi Castle Town

Obi Castle Town is known as the little Kyoto of Kyushu, and was the first place in Kyushu to be designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. There are streets of samurai residences lined with stone walls said to closely resemble times gone by, moss-covered castle walls, and rows of Obi cedars. On the commercial street, you should try sampling some of the delicacies on offer, such as the famous "Obi Tempura" and "Atsuyaki Tamago", thick Japanese omelet.

Food

Oyster Hut Kakitei

Hososhima Port in Hyuga, Miyazaki, is a good natural harbor with a flourishing set-net fishing industry. This region overflows with the blessings of the ocean, boasting Miyazaki's largest catch of rock oysters. The port's unloading docks are bustling with fishing vessels landing their catches of fresh marine products. Here at Hososhima Port, amid the scents of the ocean, you will find the wonderful Oyster Hut Kakitei, a stylish eatery that serves freshly caught Hososhima rock oysters.

Culture

Horikawa Canal

This canal was completed in the Edo period after two years and four months of challenging work. There is an arched stone bridge over the canal called Horikawa Bridge. It also functions as a pathway into the neighboring Ahiratsu Shrine. As well as this, there are buildings in the vicinity of the canal such as Aburatsu Red Brick Hall (a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property) with a Taisho-retro vibe.

Activity

Okuragahama

Everyone from beginners to skilled surfers can enjoy surfing on the plentiful waves off the coast of Okuragahama Beach in Hyuga-shi, Miyazaki. It is also one of Japan's best surfing spots, with international surfing tournaments held year in year out. In September 2017, the beach became Asia's first venue for the World Junior Surfing Championship, where young athletes aiming for the Olympics from 41 countries and regions demonstrated their skills head to head in competition.

Activity

Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is a popular place believed to have special powers. It is located in the town of Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture's Nishiusuki district. Take a boat cruise to enjoy the beautiful views that change by the season and contemplate the illuminations and colored foliage, depending on the time of year. Take a leisurely moment to enjoy the flowing waterfall, formed by the volcanic activities of Mount Aso.