UPDATE | February 01, 2023
Have you ever traveled to Kyushu? Compared to the Kanto and Kansai regions, it may be a place that is still not well known to foreigners. Kyushu is full of attractions such as hot springs, gourmet food, and nature. This time, I would like to introduce recommended spots in Kyushu that I would like everyone to visit.
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Kyushu is one of the four major islands that make up the Japanese archipelago, along with Hokkaido, Honshu, and Shikoku, and is the third largest island.
Because it is located in the southwestern part, there is an image of a warm climate, but in fact there is a large temperature difference between the northern and southern parts of Kyushu.
While the temperature in the north is so cold that it sometimes snows in winter, it rarely snows in the south, making it a very comfortable "tropical" climate.
However, typhoons often approach the Kyushu region from August to October, so be careful when visiting Kyushu during this period.
There are seven prefectures in Kyushu, so why is it called "Kyushu"?
This is because Kyushu used to be divided into 9 countries (areas), and after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the current 7 prefectures were established.
Because Kyushu is surrounded by nature with many mountains and rivers, I get the impression that many people in Kyushu are generous and laid-back.
Kyushu has a lot of specialties, and the representative ones are local chicken dishes, motsunabe, and tonkotsu ramen. It is also known as a famous sweet potato production area, and sweet potato shochu is often drunk.
There are many people, both men and women, who are strong drinkers, so there are many izakayas in the downtown area that are crowded until late at night.
Now, I would like to introduce the attractions of each prefecture.
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It is the most populous prefecture in Kyushu and the economic center of Kyushu.
It is called the gateway to Kyushu because it has a Shinkansen station and an international trade port.
There is a Shinkansen station called Hakata, which can be reached in about five hours from Tokyo and two and a half hours from Osaka.
Yamaguchi prefecture in the Chugoku region across the sea is also conveniently accessible by train.
The most recommended thing about Fukuoka is eating while walking around the food stalls. There are more than 100 stalls in the city, and you can eat various specialties such as Hakata ramen, grilled curry, and karashi mentaiko.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, where Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, is enshrined is also a famous tourist spot.
Saga Prefecture, which is next to Fukuoka Prefecture, has the smallest area and the smallest population in Kyushu.
The Yoshinogari Ruins Park, which reproduces ruins from the late Yayoi period, is a popular tourist destination, and there are programs where you can experience the lives of ancient people.
Saga is also famous for its over 400-year history of Arita-yaki pottery. This is a place I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes pottery.
There are many hot spring towns that are loved by the locals, and it is a little-known spot where you can enjoy hot springs at your leisure without the crowds.
Saga beef, which is certified as A5 rank Japanese black beef, and fresh squid sashimi from the Ariake Sea are famous.
Nagasaki, next to Saga, is located at the westernmost point of mainland Japan. The number of islands is the largest in Japan, and it is said that there are nearly 600 small islands. It is a prefecture filled with many attractions, such as nature and history surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of seafood.
Since ancient times, trade with the Korean Peninsula, mainland China, and Western countries has flourished, prospering as a hub for international exchange.
Influenced by foreign cultures, such as the Sasebo Burger from Sasebo City, where the U.S. military base is located, and Nagasaki Champon, which is a mixture of about 10 ingredients such as pork, seafood, and vegetables, mixed with Chinese noodles. Nagasaki's unique gourmet developed. You can enjoy the atmosphere of a foreign country, such as Huis Ten Bosch and Dutch Slope, which are famous sightseeing spots.
Oita Prefecture, located in the eastern part of Kyushu, has so many famous hot springs that it calls itself a "hot spring prefecture." There are many hot spring inns, but one of the attractions is that you can rent a car and easily enjoy visiting hot springs. There are various types of hot springs, such as natural hot springs and footbaths, and Beppu Onsen and Yufuin are among the most popular hot spring towns for tourists.
After the hot springs, how about Oita's specialties "Toriten" and "Chicken rice", or "Jigokumushi pudding" steamed with natural hot spring steam?
In addition, Oita, surrounded by mountains, has many autumn leaves spots, and many people visit Oita every year during the autumn leaves season.
Kumamoto Prefecture, located in the center of Kyushu, has the world's largest caldera (a large round depression created by a volcanic eruption), Mount Aso. You can also go by car, but if you want to hear a more detailed explanation from the locals, we recommend taking a day tour.
The caldera seen up close from the ropeway is very impressive, and you can feel the power of nature.
The natural water that springs from Mt. Aso is popular for its health benefits and is used in a variety of dishes. In addition, the amount of consumption of horsemeat sashimi is the highest in Japan, and it is a representative Kumamoto specialty along with Kumamoto ramen.
There are many sightseeing spots other than Mt. Aso, such as Kumamoto Castle, which is famous for its splendid stone walls, and Aso Shrine, which is designated as an important cultural property.
Miyazaki Prefecture, located in the southern part of Kyushu, has a tropical atmosphere. The more you misunderstand.
Miyazaki's beaches, lined with crystal clear waters and palm trees, are bustling with surfers all year round. There are many places where you can experience things you can't do anywhere else, such as Aoshima, which has a shrine known as a power spot, and the seven Moai statues officially recognized on Easter Island.
It seems that more and more people are moving from the city to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
It is also characterized by many gourmet foods that can be enjoyed easily, such as chicken nanban, spicy noodles, and meat-wrapped rice balls. Souvenirs and sweets made with Miyazaki mango, a specialty of Miyazaki, are also popular.
Kagoshima Prefecture is the southernmost prefecture located next to Miyazaki Prefecture. Kagoshima also has an active volcano called Sakurajima.As the name suggests, it used to be an island, but due to volcanic activity, it is now connected to the peninsula on the opposite shore.
Kagoshima Prefecture has many islands, such as Yakushima and Amami Oshima, which are registered as UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, and Tanegashima, where the Space Center is located. .
Kagoshima Prefecture, where you can fully enjoy nature, such as mangrove forests and beaches with emerald green coral reefs, is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.
How was it?
Kyushu has different charms depending on the prefecture. Please come and enjoy nature, gourmet food, and hot springs.
A freelance Japanese teacher and local guide from Osaka. I fell in love with Kyoto in 2020 and moved to 2021. Currently, while teaching Japanese mainly in private lessons, he plans and manages writing, Chinese-Japanese translation proofreading, and online experiences.
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