What to see, do and where to stay in Kyushu, Japan
Japan’s third-largest island is blessed with warm weather and natural beauty, from volcanoes and bubbling onsen to forests and lush coastline. And with a new bullet train route linking Nagasaki and Saga from next autumn, there’s never been a better time to start planning clients’ trips there
SEE
Takachiho Gorge
Located in the Miyazaki Prefecture and surrounded by the Kyushu Mountains, this picturesque gorge (pictured above) carved out by the Gokase river is surrounded by scaly volcanic basalt cliffs, with the 17-metre-high Minainotaki waterfall cascading into the river below. Clients can hike the walking trail or hire a rowing boat to get up close to the waterfall.
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
At 11:02 on 9 August 1945, the detonation of an atomic bomb devastated Nagasaki and its inhabitants. This sobering museum charts the horrors of war and the city’s destruction through artefacts and first-hand survivor accounts, and highlights the importance of striving for peace. nabmuseum.jp
Sengan-en
This traditional Japanese garden and stately home has been passed down in the Shimadzu family for more than 350 years and offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a feudal lord. The grounds are filled with flowers, tropical trees, shrines and beautiful sculptures, and the views of active volcano Sakurajima are impressive. senganen.jp
Kumamoto
Kumamoto was built in 1607 by feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa and is one of Japan’s largest and most impressive reconstructions of a traditional castle. While many outbuildings of this iconic castle remain closed due to reconstruction after the earthquake damage, the main tower has now reopened to the public after extensive repairs.
STAY
Takachiho Ryokan Shinsen
Located near Takachiho Gorge and Takachiho Shrine, this traditional Japanese-style inn has a choice of rooms located in the main building or annex, many of which have open-air baths. Clients who stay here can also enjoy Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine, with Takachiho beef – a top-rated wagyu – on the menu, as well as a range of seasonal ingredients. Prices start from £700 per night. takachiho-shinsen.co.jp/english
Glamp Dome Fukuoka Fukutsu
Clients can sleep in a transparent dome with views of the sea, stars and breathtaking sunrises at these new glamping facilities in rural coastal Kyushu. The site, which opened this summer, offers facilities including a barbeque that serves local dishes, a free dessert buffet and a night terrace bar. Prices start from £154 per night. fukuoka-glamping.com
EXPERIENCE
Taste hakata ramen, Fukuoka
Fukuoka is the capital of Kyushu, a cultural city that’s home to an array of mouth-watering local delicacies. Visitors mustn’t leave without trying Fukuoka’s famed hakata ramen: a rich, flavourful pork bone broth (tonkotsu) with noodles that’s loved by locals and foreigners alike. Recommend lunch or dinner from ramen shop Hakata Issou, whose ramen is worth queuing for. Another essential experience for foodies is dining at Fukuoka’s atmospheric open-air food stands, or yatai, serving simple local fare, the best of which are found on the southern end of Nakasu Island.
See Mount Aso’s craters
Mount Aso’s ancient caldera ranks among the world’s largest, with a diameter of up to 16 miles and a circumference of more than 60 miles. Clients can view the mountain’s active volcanic peaks and craters from above on a helicopter tour, which is offered as part of Inside Japan’s self-guided Kyushu Adventure trip.
Book it: Inside Japan’s 14-night Kyushu Adventure trip is priced from £4,770pp, based on twin share accommodation. insidejapantours.com
Beppu and Yufuin onsen
At Kyushu’s onsen resorts of Beppu – the largest hot spring resort in western Japan – and nearby Yufuin, clients can soak in bubbling hot springs, with a variety of indoor and outdoor baths on offer. Recommend Kamegawa or Kankaiji Onsen, which are surrounded by lush scenery. After bathing in Yufuin, clients can explore the town’s museums, art galleries and boutiques, while in Beppu, they can visit the Hells of Beppu, whose spring waters can reach temperatures of 98C. Clients can visit both on a Viator private group tour.
Book it: Viator’s Kyushu Beppu Suginoi Onsen Tour is priced from £148.85pp viator.com
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