Kyushu is blessed with magnificent nature, world heritage sites, exquisite cuisine, and unique hot spring resorts. Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, Oita, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Kyushu are all blessed with their own tourism resources, making you want to visit again and again. Here we introduce popular tourist spots, hot spring resorts, and gourmet foods in Kyushu, a region overflowing with such attractions.
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Top 20 popular sightseeing spots in Kyushu
A ranking of must-visit tourist spots in Kyushu, Japan! Use this as a reference for your Kyushu travel plans!
1st place
Nagasaki prefecture (Kyushu)
Huis Ten Bosch
Huis Ten Bosch, the largest theme park in Japan at approximately 1.52 million square meters.
The site, which boasts the largest number of beautiful flowers in Japan and one of the largest in Kyushu all year round, offers a variety of attractions for both adults and children, and at night, visitors can enjoy an illumination that has the title of having the best night view in Japan.
Operating HoursVary according to the dayFare【1DAY PASSPORT】Adults 7,000 yen, Junior & Senior High School Students 6,000 yen, Elementary School Students 4,600 yen, Preschool Children 3,500 yen, 65 years and older 5,000 yen, 3 years and younger freeAddress 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Town, Sasebo, NagasakiAccess5 min walk from JR “Huis Ten Bosch” Station Parking Lot Available (1,000 yen for regular cars)
2nd place
Kagoshima prefecture (Kyushu)
Yakushima (esp. Yakushima Island)
Yakushima Island, located about 60 km south-southwest of Cape Sata in Kagoshima Prefecture, is Japan’s first island to be registered as a World Natural Heritage site.
About 90% of the island is covered in forest, and highlights include the 7,200-year-old Jomon cedars and other unique natural features found only on Yakushima, such as Shiratani Unsui Gorge.
Access [Airplane (direct flight)
Approximately 90 minutes from Itami Airport, Osaka (one flight a day)
Approx. 65 min. from Fukuoka Airport (1 flight/day)
Approx. 30 minutes from Kagoshima Airport (5 flights a day)
From Kagoshima Port
High-speed boat “Toppy & Rocket” to Miyanoura Port: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes (4 services a day), to Awa Port: about 2 hours 30 minutes to 50 minutes (2 services a day)
By ferry “Yakushima 2” to Miyanoura Port: approx. 4 hours (1 service/day)
3rd place
Oita prefecture (Kyushu)
Umi Jigoku (Beppu Hell Tour)
The Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) is a standard course of Beppu Onsen sightseeing that takes visitors around the naturally gushing source of “hell,” where fumaroles, hot mud, and boiling water have been gushing out for more than 1,000 years.
Umi-Jigoku, Blood Pond Hell, Shiraike Hell, and Tatsumaki Hell are designated as national scenic spots as “Beppu’s Hells.
Business hours8:00-17:00Admission FeeAdults (high school students and older): 2,200 yen, Elementary/junior high school students: 1,000 yenAddress559-1 Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita PrefectureAccess [Train]Take Kamenoi Bus from JR Beppu Station and get off at “Umi Jigoku” stop.
By Car】About 5 minutes from the Beppu IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway (to Umi-Jigoku) Parking lot is available (free of charge).
4th place
Fukuoka prefecture (Kyushu)
Marine World Uminonakamichi
Reopened after renovation in April 2017. The aquarium exhibits 30,000 marine organisms of about 450 species under the exhibition theme of “The Sea of Kyushu.
The show pool, with Hakata Bay as a backdrop, has a new stage on the spectator’s side, allowing visitors to enjoy more powerful sea lion and dolphin shows.
Hours of Operation【Mar-Nov】9:30～17:30（9:30～21:00 during GW, summer, and Halloween)
Admission: Adults (high school students and older): 2,500 yen, Elementary/junior high school students: 1,200 yen, Infants (3 years and older): 700 yen, 65 years and older: 2,200 yenAddress: 18-28 Oaza-Nishitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka PrefectureAccess [Train] From JR “Uminonakamichi” Station 5 min. walk from JR “Uminonakamichi” station.
By car: Approx. 15 minutes from “Island City” exit on Fukuoka Urban Expressway Parking lot available (1,580 yen for large vehicles, 530 yen for standard-sized vehicles, 270 yen for motorcycles)
5th place
Fukuoka prefecture (Kyushu)
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the famous god of learning. Within the precincts of the shrine, there are many historical points of interest, such as Josuisha, where Kanpei Kuroda spent the last years of his life, and the Kirin Statue, which was donated by a merchant at the end of the Edo period.
The present main hall, donated by Takakage Kobayakawa in Tensho 19 (1591), is a “Gokensha Nagare-zukuri” style and is a national important cultural property.
Hours: Gates open at 6:00 a.m. from the vernal equinox to the day before the autumnal equinox; otherwise, gates open at 6:30 a.m.
The gate closes at 19:00 from April to May and September to November, 19:30 from June to August, and 18:30 from December to March.
Address4-7-1, Zaifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka PrefectureAccess5 min. walk from “Dazaifu” Station on Nishitetsu Dazaifu LineParking lot available (850 spaces for regular cars)
6th place
Miyazaki prefecture (Kyushu)
Takachiho Shrine
Takachiho Shrine, the head shrine of 88 shrines in Takachiho Township, was founded about 1,900 years ago. Here, “Takachiho Kagura,” excerpts from nighttime kagura, are dedicated every night for 365 days.
The magnificent married couple’s cedar tree on the temple grounds is also a popular spot. It is said that if you go around the cedar three times holding hands with the person you love, your three wishes of marriage, family safety, and prosperity of offspring will come true.
Address1037 Oaza Mitai, Takachiho-cho, Nishi-usuki-gun, Miyazaki Access15-minute walk from Takachiho Bus Center Parking lot available (approx. 100 cars, free)
7th place
Saga prefecture (Kyushu)
Hizen Yume Kaido
Hizen Yume Kaido, a ninja theme park located in Ureshino Hot Springs, recreates the Nagasaki Highway of the Edo period.
Visitors can try their hand at ninja skills, such as shuriken and blowgun, take pictures in samurai and princess costumes at the costume cosplay photo studio, and try their hand at painting Arita-yaki ceramics at the Yume Kobo.
Business hours: [Weekdays] 9:30-16:00 *Closed on Tuesdays (Open on August 15)
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays] 9:30-17:00FareAdults (junior high school students and older): 1,100 yen, Children (3 years old to elementary school students): 600 yenAddress716-1 Oaza-Shimono-kou, Ureshino-cho, Ureshino City, Saga PrefectureAccess [Car] Approximately 8 minutes from Ureshino IC on Nagasaki Expressway
8th place
Miyazaki prefecture (Kyushu)
Takachiho Gorge (Ichinoseki-shi, Iwate-ken)
The valley was formed by pyroclastic flows from Aso volcanic activity that flowed out along the Gokase River and cooled rapidly. The cliffs create a wonderful view of columnar joints.
Manai Waterfall” is the symbol of this valley, and its 17-meter drop into the water is a sight to behold. From the promenade, there are three arch bridges and the “Onihachi no Chikaraishi,” a stone of power that bears the legend of Takachiho, as well as many other sights to see.
Business hours Boat rental: 8:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
*Depends on the season.
*No operation when the river is flooded due to rain, etc. FeeBoat rental: Tuesday-Thursday 4,100 yen, Friday-Monday 5,100 yen / 30 min.
Address: Oaza Mitai, Takachiho-cho, Nishi-usuki-gun, Miyazaki Access [Train / Bus] Approx. 1 hr. 30 min. by bus from “Nobeoka” Station on the JR Kyushu Nippo Main Line.
By car】About 1 hour and 40 minutes from the Kumamoto IC of the Kyushu Expressway.
9th place
Oita prefecture (Kyushu)
Ganrinchu Lake (deepest part of China, near the western edge of the Sea of Japan)
Located in the Yufuin hot spring resort area, Kinrin-ko is a mysterious lake where hot spring water and fresh water gush out from a part of the lake bottom.
Early in the morning from fall to winter, visitors can enjoy the fantastic sight of morning mist created by the steam from the lake containing hot spring water. The walking path around the scenic lake is also a popular spot for viewing the autumn leaves.
Address1561-1 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita PrefectureAccess [Car] Approx. 10 minutes from the Yufuin IC on the Oita Expressway Parking lot available
10th place
Miyazaki prefecture (Kyushu)
The Sea of Cruz, where wishes come true
There is a mysterious legend that if you visit the “Sea of Kurus” at Cape Hyuga, which juts out into the Pacific Ocean, your wish will come true. The reason for this is that the shape of the blue sea, which has been carved out of the rocks by wave erosion, appears as a cross when viewed from the observation deck, and looks like the Chinese character for “come true”.
The “Wish-fulfilling Kurus Bell” is also installed at the Kurus Sea Observation Deck, making it a popular date spot.
AddressHososhima, Hyuga City, Miyazaki PrefectureAccess [Car] Approximately 20 minutes from the Hyuga Interchange on the Higashi-Kyushu ExpresswayParking lot available (22 cars, free of charge)
11th
Fukuoka prefecture (Kyushu)
Marine Messe Fukuoka
A concert hall/convention center with exhibition functions for events, arena functions for sports venues, and hall functions for concerts.
The exterior is designed in the image of waves and seagulls. It is also attractive in that it is within walking distance to downtown Hakata, including Tenjin Station.
Address: 7-1 Okihama-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Access [Train] Approx. 15 min. walk from “Gofukumachi” station on Fukuoka City Subway Hakozaki Line.
Car】About 3 minutes from “Higashihama” ramp Parking lot available (829 spaces)
12th place
Kumamoto prefecture (Kyushu)
Kumamoto Castle
The castle was built by Kiyomasa Kato at the beginning of the Edo period with the most advanced technology of the time, and is a symbol of Kumamoto. Also known as “Ginko Castle,” it is particularly famous for its elegant stone walls.
It was severely damaged by the Kumamoto earthquake in 2016 and is said to take 10 years to restore, but the castle tower can still be seen from Ninomaru Square and Kato Shrine and remains a popular tourist attraction, attracting many visitors from Japan and abroad.
Business hours9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)FeeHigh school students and older: 800 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen, preschool children: freeAddress1-1 Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto PrefectureAccess [by train]About 10 minutes walk from Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau “Kumamoto Castle, City Hall Mae” stop.
By car】About 30 minutes from the “Kumamoto” IC of the Kyushu Expressway.
13th
Nagasaki prefecture (Kyushu)
Kujuukushima, Kujuukushima Pearl Sea Resort
Kujuku Islands (Kujukushima) is a sea area dotted with islands stretching about 25 km northward from outside Sasebo Port, and has the highest density of islands in Japan.
Kujuukushima Pearl Sea Resort offers a wide variety of cruising options, including the Pearl Queen, a white sailboat-style pleasure cruiser, the Rila Cruise, a small pleasure cruiser, and yacht sailing.
Address1008 Kashimae-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Access [Car] Approximately 7 minutes from the Sasebo Chuo Interchange on the Nishi Kyushu Expressway.
Bus】Take the bus bound for “Pearl Sea Resort Kujukushima Aquarium” from Sasebo Stn.
14th place
Nagasaki prefecture (Kyushu)
one’s time (e.g. to go on stage)
Dejima, which was the only window to the West during the period of national isolation, is being restored to its early 19th-century appearance, with remains and buildings from four major periods visible.
In 2017, for the first time in 130 years, the Omote-mon Bridge was built over the central part of Dejima and became a hot topic.
Business hours8:00-21:00 (last admission 20:40)FeeAdults 520 yen, High school students 200 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 100 yenAddress6-1 Dejima-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki PrefectureAccess [Car] 1 minute from Nagasaki Expressway “Nagasaki” IC.
By train: 5 minutes by tram (bound for Sofukuji Temple) from Nagasaki Station, close to the “Dejima” stop.
15th
Kumamoto prefecture (Kyushu)
mountain in Kumamoto Prefecture
Aso” is a typical double volcano consisting of an outer ring and several central craters, and is known as one of the largest caldera mountains in the world.
The crater of Nakadake can be viewed (however, entry is restricted). The crater erupts violently with a rumbling sound, reminding us of the marvelous power of the earth.
Address: Kurokawa, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture
16th
Fukuoka prefecture (Kyushu)
Thousand Buddha Caves
Senbutsu Cave was formed by rainwater from the karst plateau. The temperature inside the cave is about 16 degrees Celsius all year round, and the water temperature is about 14 degrees Celsius, making it cool in summer and warm in winter.
Beyond 480 m from the entrance, visitors can walk through an underground stream, and lighting is provided up to 900 m, so even those who do not like the dark can enjoy the feeling of exploration in peace.
Business hours: Weekdays 9:00-17:00
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 9:00 – 18:00
Until sunset in fall and winter
Admission: Adults 900 yen, Junior high school students 600 yen, Elementary school students 500 yen, Infants (4 years and older) 200 yenAddress: 3-2-1 Hiraodai, Kokura-minami-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, FukuokaAccess [Car] Approximately 20 minutes from Kokura-minami IC on the Kyushu Expressway
Train] Approx. 20 minutes by cab from Ishihara-cho Station on the JR Hidahikoyama Line Parking lot (100 cars, free of charge)
17th
Nagasaki prefecture (Kyushu)
Glover Garden
Glover Garden,” where six Western-style buildings scattered throughout the city, including the former Glover and Ringer residences, which are World Heritage sites, have been relocated and restored, offers the atmosphere of a foreign settlement in the Meiji period.
Nearby is “Holland Slope,” a path taken by non-Oriental “Dutchmen,” and is one of Nagasaki’s must-see tourist attractions.
Business hours8:00-18:00 (last admission 17:40)
Admission: Adults 620 yen, High school students 310 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 180 yenAddress: 8-1 Minamiyamate-cho, Nagasaki City, NagasakiAccess [Train] Approximately 7 minutes by tram (bound for Sofuji Temple) from Nagasaki Station, transfer at Shinchi Chinatown (bound for Ishibashi) for approximately 4 minutes, then approximately 7 minutes walk from “Oura Tenshudo” stop.
18th
Kagoshima prefecture (Kyushu)
Kirishima Shrine
Kirishima Jingu Shrine, one of the most famous power spots in Kagoshima Prefecture, is a historic shrine built in the 6th century. The shrine enshrines Niniginomikoto, the hero of the founding myth.
The present shrine pavilion was built and donated by the Shimazu clan in 1715, and its gorgeous vermilion-lacquered appearance creates a prestigious atmosphere. There are many mysterious sights to see, such as an 800-year-old sacred tree, a small stone, and the legend of the Seven Wonders of Kirishima.
Business hours【Ensho】8:00～17:00FareFree of chargeAddress2608-5, Kirishima Taguchi, Kirishima City, Kagoshima PrefectureAccess【Train・Bus】About 15 minutes by bus from “Kirishima Jingu” station on the JR Nippoh Line to Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel, close to “Kirishima Jingu” stop.
By car】About 40 minutes from the Mizobe Kagoshima Airport Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway Parking lot is available (500 cars, free of charge)
19th
Saga prefecture (Kyushu)
Yobuko morning market
This is a daily morning market held in the Matsuura-cho shopping district, with about 50 stalls on weekdays and 70 stalls on Sundays and holidays.
The fresh seafood, including the famous Yobuko squid, is fun just to look at, and the lively shopkeepers are a real pleasure to talk with.
Business hours7:30-12:00AddressYobuko, Yobuko Town, Karatsu City, Saga PrefectureAccess [Car] Approximately 60 minutes from the Taku Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway.
Train] Approx. 30 min. by cab from “Chikuhi Line Karatsu” Station on JR Karatsu Line
Bus】Take Showa Bus (bound for Yobuko) from Oteguchi Bus Center, about 3 minutes walk from “Yobuko” bus stop Parking lot available (128 cars, 100 yen within 1 hour)
20th place
Saga prefecture (Kyushu)
Yutoku Inari Shrine
Yutoku Inari Shrine, one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan, was founded in the Edo period (1603-1867) and attracts more than 3 million visitors a year as a guardian deity of food, clothing, and shelter.
The main hall, the Kaguraden (Shinto music and dancing hall), and the Nerumon (gate) are all lacquered in rich colors, and their gorgeous splendor is so beautiful that they are praised as “Chinsei-Nikko”. The number of tourists has been increasing rapidly in recent years due to the fact that the temple was used as the setting for a drama series in Thailand.
AdmissionFreeAddressFurueda, Kashima City, Saga PrefectureAccess [Car] Approx. 40 minutes from the Ureshino Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway.
Train] Approx. 10 minutes by cab from “Hizen Kashima” Station on JR Nagasaki Honsen Line Parking lot available (3,000 spaces, free of charge)
Popular Hot Spring Destinations in Kyushu
Introducing the representative hot spring resorts of Kyushu, a hot spring paradise! From old-fashioned hot spring baths of great renown to beautiful skin care and sophisticated hot spring resorts, these are the hot spring resorts you want to visit at least once!
Oita prefecture (Kyushu)
Beppu Onsen
Beppu Onsen boasts the largest number and volume of hot springs in Japan, and is rich in spring water quality.
The “Beppu Hachiyu” consists of eight hot spring resorts: Beppu, Kannawa, Kankaiji, Myoban, Kamegawa, Shibaseki, Hotta, and Hamawaki, each with different qualities of hot spring water.
There are many ways to enjoy the hot springs, from hot spring towns in the city to hot springs with spectacular views in the midst of nature.
Oita prefecture (Kyushu)
Yufuin Onsen
Yufuin Onsen is a hot spring resort located at the foot of beautiful Mt. Yufuin Onsen is not a traditional hot spring resort, but a sophisticated hot spring town.
Young artists’ galleries, unique stores, and fashionable restaurants line the streets, and visitors can enjoy strolling around the hot spring resort.
Kumamoto prefecture (Kyushu)
Kurokawa Hot Spring
Kurokawa Onsen is a hot spring resort located in a secluded mountainous area. The whole area is popular for its unified atmosphere, creating an emotional townscape.
In addition to simple hot springs, there are also sulfur springs, sulfate springs, and a variety of other types of hot springs, and the area has received two stars in the Michelin tourist guide. In addition to staying at the inn where you are staying, it is also essential to enjoy the “open-air bath tour,” which includes stopping by inns in the surrounding area.
Nagasaki prefecture (Kyushu)
Unzen Hot Spring
Unzen Onsen is the first hot spring resort in Japan to be designated as a national park. Unzen Jigoku, located in the center of the hot spring resort, is a hellscape of more than 30 sulfuric vents, including the Ootoki, Oito, and Seishichi, where hot spring water and steam erupt violently from everywhere and a strong smell of sulfur wafts in the air.
At Unzen Jigoku Teahouse, visitors can experience geothermal heat and enjoy Unzen Jigoku foot steaming, as well as hot spring eggs steamed in Unzen Jigoku.
Saga prefecture (Kyushu)
Ureshino Hot Spring
Ureshino Hot Spring, which flourished as an inn town on the Nagasaki Kaido Road in the Edo period, is also known as one of the three most beautiful hot springs in Japan.
The thick, smooth water is a sodium bicarbonate spring that contains a high sodium content and leaves the skin smooth and silky. In the hot spring resort area, there are many inns that offer one-day bathing.
Kagoshima prefecture (Kyushu)
Ibusuki Onsen
Ibusuki Onsen is a major hot spring resort where visitors can enjoy the famous natural sand bath hot springs. Blessed with an abundance of hot spring water, there are more than 1,000 sources gushing out from all parts of the city.
The sand baths on the beach, where you can enjoy a sense of oneness with the surrounding nature, is a luxury that you cannot experience anywhere else.
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